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A physically impaired child with his artistic talents fully intact

What Nong Oom wants to say to every child like himself is “Don’t be dispirited or give up. We might be physically disabled but spiritually we are not.” His ultimate dream is to keep studying to the highest level possible. If his body and his family’s financial status are not an obstacle, he wants to earn his doctoral degree and use his knowledge to help society as it has been helping him.

     
A physically impaired child with his artistic talents fully intact
 
Oomboon Maikao was born on 14 January 2000. His nickname is Oom. He is now 10 years old. His father is Tanad Maikao, and his mother is Panom Maikao. He has one elder sister. He is studying in Grade 4 at Ban Krabi School, Nongyalad sub-district, Kantaralak district, Srisaket province.

Nong Oom’s birth brought unexpected fright and sorrow to his parents as he was born disabled. When his mother first saw him, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She thought of helping him escape future embarrassment and feelings of inferiority about his disability. Yet, when she looked into her little baby’s eyes, she realized he was her son. Even though her neighbors urged her to get rid of him, because of motherly love, she just couldn’t do it. She decided to keep him. When Nong Oom had to enter compulsory education, the school came to offer help and advised his mother to take him to school. At first, Nong Oom didn’t want to go to school because his friends teased him about his disability, which made him feel embarrassed. Still, the teachers tried to support him and took special care with his study. They tried to make his friends understand that Nong Oom is their friend. They explained that, despite his disability, he is ready to practice and learn; therefore, they should give him support and help him with school activities. Since then he has been able to get along well with his friends.

At present, Nong Oom’s grades are considered to be good, and he is very keen on learning. His favorite subjects are English and Computing. As for classroom participation, he eagerly participates in activities and confidently expresses himself. When the teachers tell him to perform a certain task, he can do as well as other students. In addition, Nong Oom is talented in singing and Thai dancing (Ram). He is interested in these activities, so the teachers brought him to train. Whenever there are performances in the school’s activities, he always participates with his friends. Although he has a disability, his performance is perfectly done. Moreover, even though he is disabled, he doesn’t complain about his fate, but tries to do everything by himself, whether it be taking a shower, getting dressed, eating, going to school, or participating in activities with others. He can make people happy and laugh through his artistic talents. What he wants to say to every child like himself is “Don’t be dispirited or give up. We might be physically disabled but spiritually we are not.” His ultimate dream is to keep studying to the highest level possible. If his body and his family’s financial status are not an obstacle, he wants to earn his doctoral degree and use his knowledge to help society as it has been helping him.

What makes Nong Oom extremely happy is to get support from Wheelchairs and Friendship Center of Asia (Thailand), WAFCAT, and the tea who have helped build a specialized toilet for children with disabilities, making their daily life at school easier. Thus, on Nong Oom and Nong Arm’s behalf, the school is deeply appreciative of all support given.
 





2010-06-06 | Featured Stories | เปิดอ่าน 5511

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