Meet Oliver

Here is another inspiring story from one of a Korus Connect school chaplain about one of the students he worked with last term. Your donations, prayers and volunteer contributions towards chaplaincy will assist more students like Oliver.*

I have been working with a student at our secondary college with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Let’s call this student Oliver.

Oliver would come into the wellbeing office at recess and lunchtimes but not really interact; he would sit in a corner by himself, just staring.

One day we had a jigsaw puzzle lying on the table. Oliver’s eyes lit up and he began putting the pieces together. This presented an opportunity to begin conversing with Oliver and with his parent's permission, I have been able to work with him for two terms now. I can see improvement in his social skills, interest in meeting and chatting with people.

Many other students find comfort and calm working on jigsaw puzzles as well so now we continue with 'The Jigsaw of the Week' and we are seeing people connect who previously would barely look at each other.

We have received many puzzles from community members so that we can keep this initiative going. It was an unexpected find, but a major turning point for Oliver along with benefits for many others!