Chong Yu Xuan, a smiling 11-year-old girl, was not like this in her mother's eyes.

Yu Xuan’s mother, Kang Kok Lee: She is pretty quiet and sullen. She speaks in a low voice and always seems to lack energy when doing things.

When Yu Xuan was small, there was always tension in the family. Coupled with her low self-esteem personality, she became lack of confidence.

Yu Xuan’s mother, Kang Kok Lee: Yu Xuan experienced that the most. She saw the ups and downs between her father and me, with everything firmly etched in her mind. In the past, my husband liked to compare her with her younger brother. (She) always felt that she was useless.

Kidz Hideout participant, Chong Yu Xuan: Last time, I was very shy. I couldn't talk to people, and I did things by myself every time. I was afraid that (my friends) won't like me.

Yu Xuan’s mother, Kang Kok Lee: So her teacher told me later on that she had to go for counselling because she wouldn’t interact with people at all in class. After finishing her homework, she would just take a pen and draw on her hands.

Since the start of 2022, Yu Xuan and her younger brother would come to Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre every Wednesday and Friday after school to participate in Kidz Hideout activities.

Tzu Chi volunteer Liw Tiam: She would try to avoid. When she first came, for example, when everyone gathered in front as some activities required that, if she didn't want it, she would sit far away.

During the interaction, staff and volunteers also discovered that the focus of Yu Xuan's life revolved around her mother and younger brother.

Youth Outreach Officer, HYC, Sharifah: I think because of what she experienced, she takes it upon herself to be the caretaker.

When her brother is disruptive, she would go and tell her brother to stop; it’s her first instinct. When it comes to herself, suddenly like nothing, (she’d say), “I don’t want to do it. I don’t know how. I just want to sit down”. Very passive.

Failing to control the drone well upset her

Tzu Chi volunteer Liw Tiam: We don't force these children. We just accompany her and sit next to her.

Gradually, participating in Kidz Hideout activities became something Yuxuan looked forward to.

Kidz Hideout participant, Chong Yu Xuan: I love going there, I love the activities there. I get to learn things and grow. My favourite part is the games session. (Why?) Because I can play games, I can jump and run around.

Youth Outreach Officer, HYC, Sharifah: The other kids like active play too, but they have a lot of other comments. But she's very specific. She likes active play. She always feels like I need to behave in a certain way or I am responsible. I need to take care of my brother, and take care of my mother. So, it’s a good and safe space for her to just be a kid, be 11 years old.

Tzu Chi Humanistic Youth Centre manager, Lim Choon Choon

I think all these things combined together: safety, comfort, fun, and then a lot of love, attention, and company. During the whole process of accompanying the children, it has unknowingly helped them to change.

A children's art exhibition was held on this day, Yu Xuan's parents and teachers also came. 

Teacher: Yu Xuan, I am here, the teacher is here, hurry up and say. She gave a very good explanation just now. She is shy.

Encouraged by her mother and teachers, Yu Xuan bravely introduced her work to everyone. 

Yu Xuan: Triangle is the meaning of life.

Teacher: Meaning of life? Triangle is the meaning of life, wow.

Yu Xuan’s mother, Kang Kok Lee: I didn't expect that she would change so much. When my husband saw it that day, he almost cried.

Kidz Hideout participant, Chong Yu Xuan: I’m happier now and can make friends. (Do you like this change?) If not for this change, I'd be just as shy because I won't make friends. I like making friends. 

Yu Xuan’s mother, Kang Kok Lee: As her mother, when I see her happy all day long, I feel very comforted. I can see that Yu Xuan is different now.