Voices That Care
Say Hello to ... Talhah
Every single person in Care2Run’s ecosystem is essential, and we’ve grown so much in three years thanks to all the different individuals who’ve played a part in getting us to where we are.
It is for this reason that we aim to hand this section over to our people – our participants, coaches, volunteers, parents, friends and loved ones – so they can tell you what Care2Run means to them.
This week we say hello to ….. Abu Talhah Syed Mohamed, a participant who’s been taking part in Care2Run’s programmes for over a year now.
Talhah is a bright, affable young lad who enjoys Care2Run’s sessions because it allows him the opportunity to connect with young people who face the same challenges he does. The sessions have also allowed the young man, who’s currently pursuing a master’s degree is public policy, to bond with his brother Anas, a person with Down Syndrome, who also regularly attends Care2Run’s programmes.
We’ll let Talhah tell you the rest …
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I was born in Penang but raised in Petaling Jaya. I was diagnosed with dyspraxia, which makes it difficult for me to drive or follow certain exercise moves, and Asperger’s syndrome, which makes it difficult for me to understand sarcasm and unwritten rules.
How did you get involved in Care2Run?
I only came to know about Care2Run through my mum, who asked me to attend when Care2Run collaborated with Tsukuba University and Fujitsu, during the programme at Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation (the inaugural Junior Leaders Programme Graduation And Final Assessment in 2018). Since then, I have participated in a few programs — like the running practice which is usually held at Taman Aman.
What do you enjoy about Care2Run and what does it mean to you?
It’s good in the sense that it encourages people with learning difficulties to participate in programs because many of them are often excluded due to their inability to fit in with mainstream activities. Here the coaches are aware, and they give instructions that are simple to follow. When you give simple instructions for them to follow and you encourage them to be a part of the team, you are helping them grow. Coach Prem is an amazing guy with a big heart. I can see that he really wants to help people with learning problems to be able to participate in many activities, and I wish I can meet with him more often.
What is your dream for Care2Run?
I hope that Care2Run will become bigger and they can provide employment opportunities to those with learning disabilities. If there can be more collaborations with more universities and companies, that would also be great.