Children with mental disorders in Cambodia can experience social stigma, and the fact that their parents or guardians have a poor understanding of autism is another problem. These children hardly have an opportunity to go to school. But thanks to a collaboration between the Aide et Action (AEA) and Education Above All Foundation (EAA), the Rabbit School Organization and the Cambodian Consortium for Out of School Children (CCOSC) project has made opportunities possible for these kids and is now witnessing their success.
Heng Lyhong, a young child of nine, is a resident of Siem Reap, Cambodia’s most popular tourist destination. Since he was a baby, he’s had autism, but doctors initially misdiagnosed his condition as a language delay. Lyhong started attending a private kindergarten when he was four years old, but he failed to persist academically and was expelled a year later. In addition, he had little interest in interacting with or playing with the other kids. His parents tried to get him into other schools, but he didn’t do well there either.
Multiple medical professionals have determined that Lyhong has autism. His loved ones were thrown into turmoil, sorrow, and worry by this news because they felt unable to assist him in facing this formidable challenge.
“I don’t really understand autism, but I do know that it prevents my nephew from developing normally.” “Because his parents are always working to support the family, I have to devote more time and be more patient to take care of him, even if it is very difficult,” said Miss Srey Mom, 41, Kimheang’s aunt and the caregiver.
Lyhong’s family worry was gradually alleviated by the end of 2019, thanks to his participation in one of the Rabbit School Organization’s integrated classes, which was funded by Aide et Action/Action Education. He was able to adjust well to his classmates, focus in class, hear others speaking, and write simple phrases. He was also self-sufficient with his meals and showers.
“I couldn’t stop crying when my nephew first greeted me.” “I was ecstatic about his rapid improvement in knowledge, attitude, and hygiene, and it relieved me greatly,” Srey Mom said while playing red games.
This joy is short-lived, as the school closure during COVID-19 entirely reverses Lyhong’s development. Even though his family followed the teacher’s directions to help with his schoolwork at home, it was really difficult to do so.
“We did everything we could to help him maintain his progress, but it was futile, and his situation worsened.” “We’re desperate once more,” Srey Mom stated.
But, starting in January 2022, Lyhong’s family’s hope has been renewed because he has been allowed to return to school and regain the information he lost during times of trouble. Lyhong’s improvement is rising dramatically thanks to the help of her teacher and family. He frequently asked questions about the course and what he observed, indicating that he is gradually opening up to the world, allowing him to learn new knowledge and better understand the environment that surrounds him. As a result, Lyhong was able to quickly do short-sentence speaking, reading, and writing, as well as basic maths.
Heng Lyhong passed the assessment to move on to grade 1 alongside regular kids in public schools at the end of 2022 as a result of this improvement. This passage is a huge success, but it is also a huge challenge for Lyhong because he must assimilate into a new environment and encounter new children who are not identical to him. With the help of his instructor and aunt, he gradually adapts to class activities and becomes more comfortable with his new companions.
“He is committed to his education because he has never failed a class or homework assignment.” Because his comprehension is worse than that of others, I must spend considerably more time explaining to him. I also ask his buddies to assist him since it helps them get along. Despite the difficulties, I like to help him so that he can develop like my other kids,” remarked Lyhong teacher Mrs. Sereini.
“I am pleased and proud of this progress.” So I have to go to school every day and follow his teacher’s instructions in order to help him at home. It enables him to achieve well in school,” explained Srey Mom. “If his improvement continues, his parents like that he runs a small shop because he is very arithmetic,” Srey Mom explained.
