For Kai Cheung, mobile phone was probably the greatest invention as he could always call his father for help whenever he is lost.

Despite his mild mental disability, Kai Cheung is a cheerful and optimistic person. However, he is afraid of strangers and has a poor sense of direction. “Once he was lost in the MTR. He was very frightened, and his fear of strangers was an impediment that prevented him from communicating with others,” said Kai Cheung’s father. “He could not seek help from others, could not identify where he was. In the end, I had to visit every single station along the MTR line to look for him. I was so sacred that I almost cried myself!”

Kai Cheung enrolled in the TREATS Integrated Youth Ambassadors Training Scheme and participated in their camping, charity flag selling activities, public performances and integration activities with students from mainstream schools. The experience reinforced his confidence in communicating with strangers and his ability to cope with new environment.

After months of training, he had successfully overcome his psychological obstacle. Eagerly embracing his new life, he wanted to meet more new friends and become connected with the society. “I won’t be afraid if I were bullied. I am ready. I want to be a part of the community.”

Extract from “Bringing Everyone Together – 30 Stories of TREATS” (November 2009) published by TREATS, the member social welfare agency of The Community Chest of Hong Kong.

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