Children and Youth

My Encounter with Beautiful Minds

A photographer's moving experience of meeting intellectually challenged kids in Medan.
My encounter with beautiful minds

 

Awsi, the first kid at the gate when we arrived, looked both anxious and happy to see some new faces. He was always on the move and enjoyed expressing himself through loud shouts
Kurnia was always ready and generous with his contagious smile and a peace gesture for the camera. Always!
A certain mystery surrounded this kid. He seemed reclusive but was also quite friendly, slowly slipping in and out of our interview shoot — perhaps knowing he needed to keep it quiet while our cameras were rolling
These two young ladies were inseparable most of the time. This is a picture of an older sister making sure her younger sibling is always taken care of. Just look at that smile!
 
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Jeremy was athletic and sociable. He didn't mind missing games with his peers. But he stared at the volleyball with fierce determination. He looked like someone who was training for coach of the year. He enjoyed looking at images on my camera
This boy seldom spoke or reacted to his teachers and peers. He was always in the hallway by himself, pacing continuously to the left and right and staring into the space. I filmed him until he looked at me, straight at my lens
Amat - man of the hour. His story was both heart breaking and encouraging. There was so much of his story yet untold in that stare. His eyes showed a continuing struggle to triumph over what he lost and just celebrate what was left
This young man could easily transform from being a good ball handler into a meek observer. His teacher told me that he would prefer to play with the ball than mingle with his peers
Eko won us over with his charming smile. There was such sweetness in his gestures, we were amazed. For me, that glow in his eyes spoke of the warmth in his heart. How I wished he was able to speak. Indeed, a smile which knew no bounds!
We spent a long time with Wilson because he chose to stay during an interview shoot. I spoke to him in Bahasa Indonesia, just to get him to smile and pose. I won't forget how he kept calling me
Friendship is a matter of the heart, and not the mind. How easily these young people are just themselves and enjoy whatever their peers can give them. The rest of us? Can we get close to what binds these young people together?
Play is universal. And whether you are less or more aware of your surroundings, you are entitled to play and enjoy life. These kids have had their fair share of pain, but now they are making the most of the time given to them with maximum enjoyment.

Many of the kids in Abdi Kasih grew up being neglected in their own home, misunderstood, left alone to figure out life all by themselves.

It was both painful yet fulfilling to be next to these children for a few days. I tried hard to keep the camera rolling to the best of my ability, and I tried to freeze time along the way.

The reality of my experience with these young people is that they are probably the most authentic human beings I have been in touch with.

Abdi Kasih is a school in Medan, Indonesia for intellectually challenged children.

If you'd like to help Abdi Kasih by donating materials, time, knowledge or funds, please contact them directly:

Abdi Kasih office: +62614576625
Ms Dame, secretary: +628126388481
Mr Yustinus, headmaster: +6281534574680

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The Singapore International Foundation partners Abdi Kasih through a volunteer speech and occupational therapy training programme. Learn more about volunteering for similar specialist projects.

About Abdi Kasih

Abdi Kasih is a school in Medan, Indonesia for intellectually challenged children. With love and dedication, the school helps teach children on how to live in the community.

Contributors

Writer & Photographer

Robert Cristobal

Related topics

Disabilities
Poverty
Literacy
Volunteering
Giving
Special Needs