Friends are Quiet Angels

This YouTube video clip touches my heart.

I hope to share with everyone of you, who has a friend and who needs a friend :D

Enjoy it and you may put a comment here :)

Best Buddies Welcoming Party Video uploaded !!

Dear all,

Check it out Best Buddies Welcoming Party in our Video Gallery :)

You will love it !!

Sharing from Omer

Hello Everyone,

Today is the first time I am contributing to the Best Buddies Blog. First of all, I would like to congratulate to all of us, that our club was mentioned in the Star Newspaper and I feel that this is a new achievement for all of us. Last Sunday, I went out with Hui Ru to accompany Charmaine and Wai Keen. Firstly I have to admit that this was my first one-to-one experience with a L-D person. I was always worried that how would I take care of the person, and what types of problems/experiences will I encounter. I always felt that the first time I will go out with them then only I will feel and understand the concept of Best Buddies in deep detail, and I would be able to understand the needs and improvements that we can make to make the experience a more deeper and long lasting one.

Firstly we picked up both of our beloved friends and met their parents. The parents have hopes in their eyes as well as concern and worry for their children. Best Buddies is new for them and it is new for us as well. Both of us share the common goal of making Charmaine and Wai Keen happy. From the moment they sat inside our car, I greeted them, they replied so happily and with so much warmth. The first sentence I asked them was "What do you think about Madagascar 2?". They said " No, we have not seen but my friends tell me is very nice". Then I said "Do u like Harry Potter?", they said "Heli Copter?". Then, they bursted into laughter. ha ha ha ha lol . Their humor is very innocent and cute in the sense that they think straight and they are not shy to express their views and feelings on topics.

We had a lot of chit chatting asking about their birthdays and stuff like that. After we reached the Shopping mall, the guy Wei Keen requested to buy drinks and pop corn, so i went with him. The most funniest thing is he told me, " Please don't tell my parents that I am eating pop corn and drinking pepsi and 100 plus". My parents don't allow me to take so much sweet. I said its okay. This is the thing I want to make u guys aware about, You will discover new things on the way, when you spend time with them. For instance, I asked Wai Keen that which drink will you consume first, 100 plus or pepsi. He said:" I don't know I really have to think and make a decision". Even a small decision, they actually take time to think of.

In the middle of the movie, He started to jump on the seat and was very excited, for the characters of the movie. People around us were looking at us, but I pretended as nothing went on. At this moment I was astonished and shocked of the sudden act, but I tried to give him a comfortable atmosphere. The movie ended and both of them enjoyed the movie. After we came out, people were looking at us very weirdly. There was this young chinese lady was looking at our faces and our buddies faces, I was a bit overwhelmed by her behavior.

We dropped them back home, their parents were very grateful. The buddies had a lot of fun, and We were happy for them. Chamaine is a very nice girl, and she is very funny to talk with, while Wai Keen is very independent and talks less in detail..

After the day was over, I felt very hungry becuase I was careful to their needs and was paying attention to everything. Thus hungry, It was a fun day, and the movie was really funny. I enjoyed Alex the lion.

Hope you guys can get some experiences out of this story and can imagine how it is like, its really fun and you will love it :-)).


Signing Off,

Omer.

Best Buddies on PRESS !!

Newspaper: The Star

Column: Education, Campus

Title: Best Buddies

Date: 23 November 08 (Sunday)

Check it out if you have the newspaper in your hands...

If not, click on the link below

Best Buddies

I want to MOVE IT..MOVE IT..

Charmaine and Wai Keen are adorable when they sang "I want to move it..move it"

"I want to move it..move it..." is the song for the movie - Madagasca: Escape to Africa


Yes, first time Omer and I brought Charmaine and Wai Keen (Buddies) for a movie today...

When i smsed Charmaine about the movie plan, she was very excited and asked me "What time? Where?"... I never thought that she will be interested with my plan...I am pretty much delighted and looking forward to have a movie with her...

Hence, we decided to catch up a movie during this sunny Sunday..So, 4 of us chose a 3:30pm movie in a cinema which nearby their house...

Initially, i thought that it will be easier for me to talk to them.. Out of my expectation, i realized that they hardly understand our words. However, we never give up. We tried to listen to them, and laugh with them. By asking their daily life routine, we managed to catch up with them better. We also tried to repeat our words in order for them to understand what we are trying to convey.

I was a bit panicked when Charmaine told me that her ears were painful at the beginning of movie. I was worried about her..But, she said she was alright. I guess she wasn't adapt to the loud noise in the cinema. Luckily, everything went well till the end of the movie.

I was also afraid that they are bored and unhappy for this trip. "Thank you for bring us out for a movie" they were thankful for our deed and they love the movie. Finally, we were relieved, and also feel much very touched by their little words.

Another thing that i must mention is...their parents are really lovely. First of all, they willing to allow their children to go out with us. Secondly, they are open hearted. Thirdly, they are thankful that what we have done.

It was really a very meaningful sunday in my life. By spending time with them, i have experienced different type of happiness. They are easily contented, and they could brighten your day with their innocent and true laugh. Nothing need to be afraid of. After experienced it, i feel that i could do it better for the next time. Most importantly, we have to be patient and do it wholeheartedly.

Can't wait to have a second trip with them... :)

This is Wai Keen - funny and adorable

This is Charmaine - caring and cute

Creating Friendships Through UCSI's Best Buddies

Hello...

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Check it out our UCSI University e-news....

Click the link below...

Creating Friendships Through UCSI's Best Buddies

Best Buddies on HAILER !!

Hailer is our UCSI University's own newsletter. Hailer is run by a group of students who are interested in writing and be the one report all the events held in our university...

So, here it goes...our Best Buddies Welcoming Party's article is out in HAILER...

Check it out !!

The article : Tea Time with Buddies

Have you ever attended a tea party with a group of vibrant and energetic "special" individuals? On the 20th of September, the Best Buddies Team of UCSI organized a welcoming party especially for a group of "Buddies", Parents and NGOs.

The main focus of the party was to introduce the "Best Buddies program" to the guest as well as to recruit new "Buddies" into the program ("Buddies" is the term used to address individuals with learning difficulties). Furthermore, the party serves as a moment of joy for the "Buddies" as they get to meet new friends and also show off their energetic dancing skills in the process.

A series of activities were planned, which included interactive ice-breaking games, a sparkling performance by "Buddies" as well as short play by the Best Buddies team members. It was indeed a memorable and lively evening for the guests as they mingled around and enjoy themselves. In a nutshell, the organizing teams have put forward a simple yet memorable evening for their guests and i believe that their effort were sincere and genuine. Bravo!

Reported by Nitia

A wonderful night on 29/09/2008

After the Best Buddies Welcoming Party, we had our post mortem meeting. Normally, our meeting will be conducted in a relaxed and comfortable setting, but this time slightly changed. The meeting was serious, and the CBD was extremely fear and emotionless.

Why we did that? It was due to our secret plan for our beloved advisor.

What was the plan? We planned to throw her a small party for her birthday. So, we decided to make a fool on her.

After finished our group dinner in an ambient cafe, i dragged her to another table to discuss something serious with her. She was frighten. I pretended that I am going to resign from CBD, and i only wanted to be a normal member. She took it seriously and the plan succeeded.

Later on, we went back to our seat, and she was down and sad. Out of sudden, a birthday cake appeared in front of her and we sang a birthday song for her. She can't really enjoy due to our joke was too significant for her.

Hahaha...Anyway "Happy Birthday to You, Ker Shin"

However, it was really a nice dinner with all the Best Buddies members, our beloved advisor, and 3 beautiful special guests. :)

Looking forward to have more gathering in the future.

Memories uploaded :P

Dear all,

The Best Buddies Welcoming Party's photos finally was uploaded in our Photobucket...

Feel Free to go and grab the photos you like ...

Thanks to "Micheal Phelps" and Doris as our cameraman and camerawoman...

The photos are nice !!

Our beloved family photo :-D

Ending of Best Buddies Welcoming Party

Finally, Best Buddies Welcoming Party ended successfully. A big applause to Best Buddies members and friends who came to help and support us !!

A month of preparation for a three hours of event, it is really worth our effort and time. We were really grateful to those parents and NGOs who came to support us. They were very friendly, supportive and participative. Their trust and appreciation is a strong antidote for us to be more committed, and we will never want them to regret to join Best Buddies.

The climate of the event - Dance together with Buddies. I really enjoyed this precious moment. I felt so relaxed and i could dance freely. Although i can't dance as good as them, but it was fun to dance with them. If you were there, you would be impressed by their dancing skill. The dancing was fast, but they could catch up in just a second. Bravo, buddies !!

A good news for us - we could submit an article regarding this event to a reporter of Challenger magazine, and she will help us to publicize in that magazine. Wah...a golden offer for us. Best Buddies will be known by more people.

"You make a difference to me" - A "leaf" ribbon that we gave to someone who we thought made a difference in our life. When i passed the ribbon to them, they were touched and delighted. I also felt happy when people came and pinned on my shirt.

Good job, Best Buddies team

Words can't explain how much i appreciate those NGOs, parents, buddies and supporting friends who came to our party. Anyway, THANK YOU for your SUPPORT !

Best Buddies, we can do it !!! Keep up the spirit, let's work hard together as a team ...


Regards,

Hui Ru

The importance of Friendship

Personally, i felt that friends are very important in our lives. It is not easy to keep a friend, but it all depends on our effort in maintaining our friendship. We should always express our care and love to our friends, let them feel that you still remember them. Without contacting each other, how the friendship be continued?

"Friends never abandon us. They always be there for us. They are willing to share our pain and sorrow, they also happy for our achievement"

If you already found a friend who you would love to spend time with, treasure your friend. Most importantly, remember to keep the friendship active. Maybe a simple message "How are you, my friend" already brighten their day.

"A good friendship does make a difference in our lives"


From,

Hui Ru

Tea Time with Buddies

Attention to people who are interested to join Best Buddies!!

On 20th September 2008, we will have a party for Buddies, their Parents and NGOs. This party is organized by Best Buddies team, the venue is in Recital hall from 3:00pm till 6:00pm. Refreshment is provided.

Buddies, parents and NGOs are invited. They will be introduced what is Best Buddies. Most importantly, we will be able to get a chance to interact with buddies. Nonetheless, we cant forget our objective of party which is Getting Buddies to join our program, in order for us to form a friendship between college buddy and buddy.

Can't wait anymore... Games, performance, video showing, interactive session and etc are planned!!

Who are interested to come to the party? You may contact me, at 012-2993593 or email us at bestbudddies.ucsi@gmail.com

Remember, this is for people who would like to have a friendship with learning difficulties people..

Leadership Training 23th August 2008

This leadership training was organized by Malaysian Care, Friendship Club. Can you imagine that people with learning disability actually were the organizer for this event?? I really impressed by them.

So, Ker Shin and I managed to join their training. In the training, 50 people of learning disabled attended. They came from Ipoh, Penang, PJ, Kajang and KL. I was so excited and thrilled because i able to know them!!

They are determined, creative and participative. The training was emcompassed with story telling, balloon games, cat walk, and etc.

Do you able to pop through the ballon with a satay stick, but the ballon is not blust?? Do you know how?? The learning disable buddies taught me how to do...So great, the lesson really taught us "Nothing is impossible".

"Got ideas" encouraged the buddies to walk in different pattern. "Hee hee ya" is the sound we made to cheer them to participate. They are fantastic. I can't even think of any great ideas to walk, but they do!! It really showed their creativity.

Through this training, they learnt not to give up, teamwork, creativity and nothing is impossible. Buddies are independent, and they are approable. They are friendly and warmth. They willing to share their opinions with all of us.

Buddies, you are great. I love you.


Regards

Hui Ru

Best Buddies Disability Awareness Workshop 14th July 2008

Best Buddies Association is very new in UCSI and now, it is in full throttle since the start of May 2008. The mother organization, Best Buddies International is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships. It is well known overseas and has been established in many countries already. However for Malaysia, UCSI is the first college to host it. The UCSI Best Buddies had its first event on May 15th in partnership with Malaysian Care.

Last month Malaysian Care, a non-profit organization was invited to deliver a workshop on people with special needs. The workshop was made of interactive activities, among which some included being in the shoes of a disabled people. Some special needs persons were invited to share their views and additionally the event had videos, discussions and speeches. We were glad to receive many favorable responses from students who attended the workshop. The committee would encourage similar events in the future. We wish to thank our collaborators, Malaysian Care, Student Affairs and of course our advisor Ms. Ker Shin, Students Affairs and of course Malaysian Care.

For anyone who is interested to join Best Buddies, you are welcomed to give us a call at Hui Ru 012-2993593 or email at bestbuddies.ucsi@gmail.com

Prepared by Leena,
Secretary of Best Buddies

ALOHA !!

Aloha is a Hawaiian word to say "Hello"
In deeper meaning, Aloha is "I recognize the same breath of life within you as i have within, and wish to present from me". So, our recruitment drive on 23rd June 2008, being called as ALOHA.

Aloha - to create awareness to all the UCSI students about the existence of Best Buddies. We wanted to introduce Best Buddies to them, as well as recruit potential members to join our team.

The event encompassed games and slide presentation. The participants who were present enjoyed the event.

ALoha, to all the UCSI students

Best Buddies - it is all about friendship

Do you like to make friend? if yes, join us now!!

Who we are?

What is Best Buddies?
Best Buddies International is an Non profit Organization which it aims to enhance an one to one friendship with learning difficulties people and provide integrated employment. It has 6 programs proposed, which are Best Buddies Middle Schools, BB High Schools, BB Colleges, BB Citizens, BB Jobs, and e-Buddies.

Best Buddies, its headquarter is in Miami, Florida, founded by Anthory K.Shriver in 1989. Best Buddies is not only developed in US, however it spreads their services to other country as well successfully. The countries involve such as Singapore, Australia, Egypt, Hong Kong, Philippines, Spain, Ireland and etc.

For Further explanation, you may click on www.bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies Malaysia
UCSI is the first chapter of Best Buddies in Malaysia. Best Buddies is formally formed on May 2008. We introduces the program of Best Buddies Colleges.

Best Buddies Colleges - Forming a one to one friendship between college students and learning difficulties people in at least one academic year.

We, as college students called as college buddy, however learning difficulties people called as buddy.

Currently, we have 11 members to join our program. In order to join our program, you have to sign up membership application and matching survey. Later on, an interview is conducted to ensure the quality of our members.

Why Best Buddies is important?
Learning difficulties people are always social excluded and being discriminated by the society. They have no friends except friends who also learning disabled like them. Best Buddies, give us, youngsters have a chance to become friend with them. We give them a new experience and new opportunity to have friend likes us. We are not only be their model, their mentor, their friend, thus they also can become our close friend, our inspirator, our motivator as well. We are making a difference in their life, and they do the same as well.

Commitment in Best Buddies
a) Contact your buddy in a weekly basic such as sms, email, call and etc
b) One to one outings twice a month
c) Maintain the friendship at least 1 academic year
d) Actively involve in Best Buddies activities

So, what are you waiting for? Don't be hesistate to contact us and know more about Best Buddies. Our email address: bestbuddies.ucsi@gmail.com or you may call 012-2993593 (Hui Ru)