Malaysian girl with werewolf syndrome adjusting to pre-school life
Despite a challenging first day, five-year-old Missclyen Roland, living with the rare werewolf syndrome, is slowly settling into her new school environment.
The girl received mixed reactions from 24 classmates when she attended pre-school for the first time on Jan 12 at SK Sungai Tisang in Bintulu, Malaysia.
Speaking to The Star, her father, Roland Jimbai, said things had improved after several of Missclyen’s classmates began mingling with and befriending her on the second day of school.
“Her first day was different. Some of her classmates ran out of the classroom. Some were scared, and others laughed at her, leaving my daughter feeling overwhelmed,” he said.
Roland said more time is needed before his daughter is accepted by her classmates.
The family, he said, was advised by the school and the relevant authorities to let Missclyen attend school for a few days to see if she could adapt comfortably before deciding on a long-term arrangement.
He said: “Usually, it takes about a week for a child to get used to a new environment before interacting with other children.
“Every child is different, and we understand that.”
Despite the challenges, Missclyen enjoys going to school.
Roland said, “When asked whether she likes school, she said yes.”
“She sees her siblings going to school, and that makes her want to go too,” he said, adding that two of Missclyen’s siblings are in the same primary school.
Her brother is in Year One while her sister is in Year Four. Her eldest sister is in Form One.
Roland said having her siblings in the same school has helped Missclyen feel more secure and adapt more easily to her new environment.
“For now, we are monitoring her progress and completing the necessary paperwork before finalising her schooling arrangement,” he said.
Medically known as hypertrichosis, werewolf syndrome is an extremely rare condition characterised by excessive hair growth.
Children with the condition often face social challenges due to a lack of awareness and understanding.
Missclyen was just two years old when she caught the attention of the then Malaysian king, Sultan Abdullah Ahmad Shah of Pahang, and his wife, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, at Al-Falah Mosque in Bintulu three years ago.
Tunku Azizah later offered to become Missclyen’s benefactor, supporting her education and medical care.
The Star
Asia News Network
