Tuesday, November 21, 2006
@3:33 PM
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The trip was a great getaway from the hussle and bustle of the staff room.Eventhough it was a trip with the pupils, I had fun. I'm sure the pupils saw the other sides of me there; the zanny me. 
The 3 teachers who went along on the trip. Oopss... well you pupils are just lucky. You can hardly see me like that in school!
The first day there was spent mainly in the adopted school. We taught the kids nursery rhymes and they in turn taught the girls how too play the kompang and the boys how to make a stretcher out of poles and ropes.
The visitors with their host.
Indeed life if full of its learning experiences, even if it may be from the less fortunate.It was a great learning experience. Seeing their simple state of life makes me even more thankful for all the priviledges that I get to enjoy back at home.I hope the short stint in the school struck an awareness in the hearts of the pupils of how lucky and fortunate they have been to be enjoying all the luxuries back in Singapore.
Up on the summit of Mount Jantan! Yippee we did it!
The second day was even more fun. The main reason why I agreed to join for the trip despite the last minute notice was because of the mountain climbing!Yes another mountain conquered.The height may be much lower than Mount Kinabalu but it was just as challenging and satisfying. With much bigger responsibility of ensuring the safety of 23 pupils, I was glad the pupils were pretty much obedient.There wasn't much problem although some parts of the trail were challenging. And I could see that the pupils were determined to complete the climb, which actually got the teachers and instructors panting. These pupils definitely have an outstanding level of energy!I was responsible for the safety of the 23 P4 to P6 kids who came for the trip.I must salute them for their perseverance and cooperation to keep the whole group going.We managed to complete the hike within a much shorter time than the previous groups which impressed the instructors.The view up on the summit was however disappointing. We were surrounded by trees and bushes and the place was badly littered. We could have climbed a tower to get a better view but considering the rusty state of it, the teachers did not want to risk the safety of the pupils.It was a good hike for me. Maybe now I can consider planning for another mountain hike with the pupils?Lunch was awaiting us at the foot of the mountain. Our depleting energy was replenished with the great food cooked by Dedy's Mum and the coconut drink. the pupils were soon all charged up again for the next challenge.As though the day was not adventerous enough, we then headed for the obstacle course. And me not wanting to miss out on all the fun, joined in the pupils to complete all the challenges set. How to back out when the pupils were all cheering and begging me to do them all. But I don't mind it at all. I was there to enjoy myself. So I got a taste of elementary NS training and got myself all stinky and dirty.I was a kid all over again and I definitely had a great time with the pupils.
Getting all dirty and stinky! But it was all fun ;p
The last day was nothing much except for sightseeing and a little shopping.Well I did not regret coming along for this service learning trip afterall although I had a little bit of reservations initially. I'm all set to visit Karimun again.
It's hard to say goodbye.
May I go again for the next trip, Mrs Koh?
The visitors with their host.
Up on the summit of Mount Jantan! Yippee we did it!
It's hard to say goodbye.