By KT Leong
Source: Mrs. Sumathi Annamalai (EIP Coordinator)
A day filled with wonder and discovery unfolded for 15 special needs students from Yayasan Ipoh’s Early Intervention Programme (EIP) as they embarked on an enriching field trip to Zoo Taiping on 26 April. Accompanied by their parents and nine dedicated EIP day-care teachers, the children, who experience a range of conditions including Autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, Prader-Willi Syndrome, Dyslexia, and Global Developmental Delay, were treated to a stimulating and joyful outing.
The trip aimed to provide the young learners with invaluable first-hand experiences, fostering a love for animals and their diverse habitats. Beyond the educational aspect, the excursion served as a platform to promote crucial social interaction and cooperation amongst the children, all while ensuring a fun and memorable day for both the students and their caregivers. It also offered parents a unique opportunity to observe their children thriving in a novel environment.
Many parents expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the initiative. 90 percent of the parents shared that this marked their children’s very first experience traveling by bus; a significant milestone for many. Ms. Sumathi, the mother of 5 years old Rishen with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) traits and speech delay, was particularly moved, admitting she had been unsure if her son could manage the nearly two-hour journey. “I had no idea Rishen would travel so well and cooperate so wonderfully during the entire visit,” she shared; her voice filled with emotion as she conveyed her sincere thanks to Yayasan Ipoh and the day-care teachers for orchestrating such a meaningful experience.
Another parent, Madam Zuraida Saad, whose daughter Damia (Down syndrome) beamed throughout the day, noted how much her child enjoyed the learning outing with her peers. “This lovely experience encouraged her social skills and exploration, motivating her beyond her usual limitations,” she expressed gratefully.
The impact was perhaps most keenly felt by the father of 5-year-old Anas, who has ASD. Overwhelmed with emotion, he extended his deepest appreciation to the teachers and Yayasan Ipoh for initiating this project. He explained that Anas had never been to a zoo or traveled by bus before due to sensory sensitivities related to heat and sound, coupled with focus challenges. Witnessing his son engaged with the animals and navigating the new environment was a deeply moving experience for him.
Overall, feedback from all participating parents was overwhelmingly positive, with everyone thoroughly enjoying the outdoor picnic lunch alongside their children and the dedicated EIP day-care teachers.
A special note of appreciation was extended to the bus driver from Nexus Liner, whose understanding and consideration for the children’s unique needs, ensured a safe, comfortable, and pleasant journey for the entire trip. Their attention to safety features and the children’s comfort contributed significantly to the success of the day.
This heartwarming field trip to Zoo Taiping stands as a testament to Dato Dr Ramanathan, the CEO of Yayasan Ipoh and EIP & daycare unit’s commitment to providing enriching and inclusive experiences for their EIP students. The smiles on the children’s faces and the gratitude expressed by their parents serve as a powerful reminder of the profound impact such initiatives can have on the lives of these special young individuals and their families.
