First i want to thank for all of my group members who are very helpful from the beginning until the end of this project. Because when i first come in to the group i didn't know most of the member since they are different batch with me. And i cannot attend the first meeting so i don't have the chance to met them in personal. The meeting outcome is about the group structure and after that we are discussing about which orphanage is match with our project. After we are done with the place, we make the program flows and the programme details.
On the first day of the programme, i cannot attend because i have another course activity. But i come at midnight by using MRT from Cochrane and arrived at Kajang. After that there are 3 of the member who pick me up at the station. I was surprised because it takes 35 minutes from Kajang Station to the place by using car. When i arrived there i was amazed by the building even though it is already night. I went straight to the room where most of my member already there.
On the morning, we wake up early and we separate the job activity. For me, i was getting to clean the place with some of my members. When i was first met with the children in the morning, i noticed that they mostly used Chinese Language, and it was making me hard to communicate with them. After we're done with the cleaning, we proceed to experiment activities. The children was so happy with the experiment. After we finished with our programme, we have to go back to the Kolej. Due to the limited transportation, we have to separated the group by the time they are gonna go back to the Kolej. I was the last group which will went back to Kolej, so we clean up the orphanage for the last time. And before we went back, we ate dinner in there.
I am learning a lot from this programme, i felt so grateful for what i have now and so happy because i can met all of the kids there which they are so kind and cute. Not mentioning that all the food there are vegan, so it was a new experience for me. And last i got a new friend from the same faculty which i cannot received without this programme.
Monday, 29 April 2019
Reflection by Mohamad Hazmie
First of all, I would like to thank everyone that have made our social engagement task a success. Although this subject looks easy, bur it is not as easy as it seem. There are difficult task that we faced in visitting the orphanage. It started out on planning the activities that we want to do with the kids, because the range of this kids is from 4 years old to 18 years old.
We started the first the first day by meeting all of us around 5.30 a.m near by the bustop of our residential college. After everyone is there we move out to broga where the home for the angels is located. Some of us went by mrt while some by cars. I went by my car with musadiq, syahir and adznee. We arrived at the home for the angels around 8 a.m. The first thing that we did was cleaning the rooms of the kids and also cleaning the room that we will sleep in. We alsi nop the floor, clean the windows and trim hedges of the orphanage. I was task to help the kitchen to cook for lunch. I helped the uncle to cook for lunch starting from 10a.m. As i was cooking for lunch, some of us did the ice breaking session with the kids, while some continue cleaning the orphanage.
The ice breaking session was done so that the kids can know our name and we can also learn their names. The ice breaking was done until lunch. After lunch we did the next activity that is doing the zumba until evening. After the zumba we played some games with the kids to entertain them and create a better bond. After that the kids are asked to take a shower and so did we. Before going to bed, we had a movie night with the kids, we watch the movie with them until 11.pm after that all of us went to sleep.
We started the second day at 6.00a.m, i straight away went to the kitchen to cook breakfast for the kids and all of us. It was planned to do the hiking with the kids, but it was cancelled because the kids woke up at 6.30a.m. We continued our activities after breakfast. The activities was science experiments with the kids. The first experiment was using the microscope to see cells of an onion. After that we did and experiment with flammable bubbles that would not burn the skin, the last experiment was non-newtonian fluid. For the kids who was under 12 years old we did collage art. Affer finishing the activities, we clean up the house of angels. Later we packed our bags and head back to university malaya.
I am glad that our social engagement program was a success. I've learned to be greatful for what we have as not everyone have the same chances as us. The important thing is to have the will to survive and not give up. I also learned how to cook vegetarian food and learned that vegetarian food is quite good. All in all, thank you everyone that have made our social engagement service a success.
We started the first the first day by meeting all of us around 5.30 a.m near by the bustop of our residential college. After everyone is there we move out to broga where the home for the angels is located. Some of us went by mrt while some by cars. I went by my car with musadiq, syahir and adznee. We arrived at the home for the angels around 8 a.m. The first thing that we did was cleaning the rooms of the kids and also cleaning the room that we will sleep in. We alsi nop the floor, clean the windows and trim hedges of the orphanage. I was task to help the kitchen to cook for lunch. I helped the uncle to cook for lunch starting from 10a.m. As i was cooking for lunch, some of us did the ice breaking session with the kids, while some continue cleaning the orphanage.
The ice breaking session was done so that the kids can know our name and we can also learn their names. The ice breaking was done until lunch. After lunch we did the next activity that is doing the zumba until evening. After the zumba we played some games with the kids to entertain them and create a better bond. After that the kids are asked to take a shower and so did we. Before going to bed, we had a movie night with the kids, we watch the movie with them until 11.pm after that all of us went to sleep.
We started the second day at 6.00a.m, i straight away went to the kitchen to cook breakfast for the kids and all of us. It was planned to do the hiking with the kids, but it was cancelled because the kids woke up at 6.30a.m. We continued our activities after breakfast. The activities was science experiments with the kids. The first experiment was using the microscope to see cells of an onion. After that we did and experiment with flammable bubbles that would not burn the skin, the last experiment was non-newtonian fluid. For the kids who was under 12 years old we did collage art. Affer finishing the activities, we clean up the house of angels. Later we packed our bags and head back to university malaya.
I am glad that our social engagement program was a success. I've learned to be greatful for what we have as not everyone have the same chances as us. The important thing is to have the will to survive and not give up. I also learned how to cook vegetarian food and learned that vegetarian food is quite good. All in all, thank you everyone that have made our social engagement service a success.
Sunday, 28 April 2019
Reflection by Tengku callysta mauditrice
First of all, I would like to thank my social engagement group because we already have done this project together. in the beginning, I have no idea what's going to happen in this course and also I don't know with whom I'm going to be in a group. After that, we had our first meeting which the first meeting that I can't attend. After the first meeting with Dr. Mozard Mohtar, my group had arranged the group structure. I am really surprised because my name is not written there but I realized that there is one slot that nobody writes their name that slot is for the second secretary and then I write my name there.
After done with group structure we proceed to contact the orphanage, think about what should we do at the orphanage, what should we prepare for the programme until we came up with any ideas. done with the programme plan we proceed to do the proposal to submit it to Dr. Mozard Mohtar for the approval that we can go to the orphanage to do our social engagement programme. after all done we practice for the Zumba session for sign language session and others.
After done with group structure we proceed to contact the orphanage, think about what should we do at the orphanage, what should we prepare for the programme until we came up with any ideas. done with the programme plan we proceed to do the proposal to submit it to Dr. Mozard Mohtar for the approval that we can go to the orphanage to do our social engagement programme. after all done we practice for the Zumba session for sign language session and others.
6th April was our first day to do the programme, the first batch will go by car and others will go by MRT. I take MRT to go to Kajang with other international students because we all from the same kolej kediaman. we arrive at Kajang at around 9.00 AM. After arriving at the orphanage I try to ask my friends what to do and I start to help them cleaning the room that we will use for stay here. after the cleaning session, we all do the icebreaking session to know each other with the kids. But for me, it quite difficult to communicate with the children because they used the Chinese language. After that, we proceed to take lunch and after lunch, we make the cooking session with the kids we make tang yuan or riceball. After that, I continued to help the aunty at the orphanage to clean up. at night we all take a rest while some of them watching a movie with the children.
The second day, we plan to hike the broga hill but due to the weather, the programme canceled. so we take breakfast and then I just notice that today we have a booth so later there will be some people came and they also can eat in the orphanage and it ends at 3:00 PM. after that my friends do the experiment with the children and I can see from their face that they were so happy with the experiment. I can't see the experiment until it all done because I have to help the aunty to clean up other things.
From this programme, I feel so happy because I can meet all the children and they were so kind to us. I also become more grateful with all that Allah has given to me. Also for the experience being vegan for 2 days, I hope I can meet them again and I hope they can be a great person in the future.
Individual Reflection (Kirshen Lavindran)
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION – KIRSHEN LAVINDRAN (CIB 180042)
Good day, Home for
Angels is an orphanage that is situated in Broga near Mantin, Seremban. They
practise Taoism here. The kids here are multiracial and there are about 25 of
them ranging from three to 17 years old. It was an honour to be at this
beautiful environment.
I
was very excited for the project from the very beginning. My whole team did not
know what the project would be and where we would conduct it. Yet we were all
excited and pumped up to enjoy what would be coming our way. I was anxious
since I did not even get to meet my whole team on our first meeting. Adding to
it, Group 3 and Group 4 decided to collaborate with each other for the project.
I was a bit unsettled since more members mean more uncertainty and variable
must be considered. But I try to stay optimistic and positive that everything
will go well. In fact, more members could also mean more ideas, help and fun.
PREPARATION
Most
planning was carried out via social media “WhatsApp” since it is quite hard for
all the members to attend the meeting predetermined. So basically, each group
need to brainstorm idea for the slot they wish to do and present it on the
simulation day where all the group would present their activity to the whole member
for any improvement and adjustment. This was also done online and we also
discussed this physically.
I
was sort of in charge. A lot of things were communicated to me and I had to
make decisions. Initially, I was wondering if I should take a step back but no
one would take a step front if no one initiated it. So, here I was leading the
teams yet not being the official leader. On the event day, I was mainly in
charge in cleaning and experiment slots. My partners and I worked well together
and we were able to generate a lot of idea in no time at all and we conducted
these activities successfully.
EVENTS DAY
First
Day
D-Day!!
Finally, the long-awaited first day is happening. I was feeling excited at the
same time worried to meet the residents. I was nervous to see them hoping that
things will be good. I was also very nervous in making sure the event went
perfectly. I knew my other team members also felt the same, so we decided to go
to the venue early to be prepared physically and mentally.
Once
we reached, we started preparing the materials needed for the games that will
be held later. Once it was time we began cleaning the entire building making
sure every nook and cranny was clean.
After
cleaning the buildings, my friend called me to help with the treems. We were
ready to be given sudden jobs by the administration of the home and yes this
was one of it. So my friends and I rushed to the job so we could be over by the
time the sun comes out. Too bad, we had to work under the scrotching hot son.
This happened for two days.
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After lunch, we had our
ice breaking session. It was really fun as the kids wanted to know more about
us and they enjoyed the games we prepared. Except for one, Ee Kuang, a
three-year-old boy who only wanted to seep and he wanted me to carry hi so that
he could sleep on my shoulders.
Later that day we had the
session of making rice balls (a chinese traditional appertizer). After every
one came and had their fod, there was a boy named Roshan who started asking if
we would like to play badmintan with him. Of course we agreed. Therefor, for
the next 2 hours or more we were playing different kinda games with everyone.
That night we had movie time where we played movies for the kids to enjoy. We
ended the night quickly as they would be tired from the activities in during
the day. We also had our lecturer visit us and hand in some donation form him
and his wife.
Second
Day
It was pretty much like the first
day. We planned to go hiking at the hill nearby but the weather wouldn’t permit
us. We repeated the same activities. There were aditions too which were the
charity sale and the experiment session. They were cool. I witnessed the kids
enjoying the experiments we set for them. I saw people coming in to buy things
just to support them. I also had the chance to speak with a parent tha had to send
her daughter there due to family problems. That day, after cleaning, we took
our final pictures there and I had to say goodbye to everyone and leave early
since I was going back with my lecturer.
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AFTER
So,
now I'm here writing an individual reflection after few days the event has
passed recalling every activity I have done throughout the preparation and
event days. If I may say I’ve learned a mountain of thing thanks to my
lecturer, teammates and the people of the Home for Angels. I am thankful to
University of Malaya and the staff at Home for Angels for making this event
happen in the first place. I once again learned that nothing is impossible if
we put endless effort to something just like when me and my teammates shared
ideas for the event so it would be the best and enjoyable for the participants.
In
addition, as I started this project with uncertainty, I kept being optimistic
that the event will go well. I’ve experienced emotions along this event such as
nervous, upset, anger, sadness, happy, excited and grateful. I do believe that
this event will impact everyone who participate in these events even though by
changing only a small part of ourselves towards a better person.
Together,
we can make a change. Thank you.
Reflection by Nur Aqilah Azra' Binti Azhari
REFLECTION
I'm going to share my experience and what I've learned from social engagement project that have been done on 6th and 7th April, 2019.
The first time we met, all of us feel quite awkward and shy with each other since we are not close yet. After few discussions and meeting with our supervisor, Dr. Mozard Mohtar, we start to get closer and closer.
Firstly, we had a discussion about what community to choose, where we should do our project and what activities we should do. We came up with several ideas and plan. We also decide everyone's roles so that we can start doing some works. We decided to choose Ong Chee Keat as our leader for this project. After several meetings, we try to call a few orphanage and old folks homes. Unfortunately, most of them cannot accept our request because most of their free time are taken already. Luckily, we managed to find and contact Home For The Angels, Broga and they accept our request. We finalized the dates to implement the project and start doing schedules.
The night before we go to Broga, a few members went to supermarket to buy ingredients and items that we need for the project. I have to sleep at Naadiah's room at 7th residential college, which is one of our team members since I did not stay at college. The next morning, most of us wake up around 4 a.m because we need to depart early. The first group departed at 5.30 a.m. I was in the second group which departed at 6 a.m. Some members need to go by MRT since we don't have enough cars. Then, we arrived at the Home For The Angels, Broga around 8 a.m We greeted the teachers and kids. The kids warmly welcome us even though they look quite shy.
We start our project with cleaning session. Some teams assigned to clean the toilet and washing room while the other teams assigned to help the kids clean up their dorm. After that, we put our bags in our room at the second floor. The rooms are super comfortable. Not to forget the breathtaking view that we can see from the corridor. The green view is extremely calming. After the cleaning session, we had lunch with the teachers and the kids. Then, we proceed with ice breaking session to get closer with the cheerful kids. Finally, we had a movie night with them and go to sleep early.
On the second day, all of us wake up at 6 a.m. We start our day with having breakfast with the kids. Then, we proceed with activities that we have plan before which are experiments and craft session. After we done the experiments, we clean up the places and pack our bags to end our project. We started depart at 7 p.m after having dinner with the kids.
There are a lot of things that I learnt from this project. I learnt how to work in a group and have a better communication with everyone. Most importantly, I learnt to be grateful with everything that I have now because I realized that not everyone got the same chances and gifts like me. I realized that sad stories that been portrayed in dramas and movies are actually real and exist in real life.
Final words, I want to thank every single member in my group. I am so grateful to have a chance working with all of you. I would also like to thank Dr. Mozard Mohtar for all the guide that he gave us from the start until the end of this project. I hope by this project, we will be more aware, helpful and kind to everyone especially needy people.
I'm going to share my experience and what I've learned from social engagement project that have been done on 6th and 7th April, 2019.
The first time we met, all of us feel quite awkward and shy with each other since we are not close yet. After few discussions and meeting with our supervisor, Dr. Mozard Mohtar, we start to get closer and closer.
Firstly, we had a discussion about what community to choose, where we should do our project and what activities we should do. We came up with several ideas and plan. We also decide everyone's roles so that we can start doing some works. We decided to choose Ong Chee Keat as our leader for this project. After several meetings, we try to call a few orphanage and old folks homes. Unfortunately, most of them cannot accept our request because most of their free time are taken already. Luckily, we managed to find and contact Home For The Angels, Broga and they accept our request. We finalized the dates to implement the project and start doing schedules.
The night before we go to Broga, a few members went to supermarket to buy ingredients and items that we need for the project. I have to sleep at Naadiah's room at 7th residential college, which is one of our team members since I did not stay at college. The next morning, most of us wake up around 4 a.m because we need to depart early. The first group departed at 5.30 a.m. I was in the second group which departed at 6 a.m. Some members need to go by MRT since we don't have enough cars. Then, we arrived at the Home For The Angels, Broga around 8 a.m We greeted the teachers and kids. The kids warmly welcome us even though they look quite shy.
We start our project with cleaning session. Some teams assigned to clean the toilet and washing room while the other teams assigned to help the kids clean up their dorm. After that, we put our bags in our room at the second floor. The rooms are super comfortable. Not to forget the breathtaking view that we can see from the corridor. The green view is extremely calming. After the cleaning session, we had lunch with the teachers and the kids. Then, we proceed with ice breaking session to get closer with the cheerful kids. Finally, we had a movie night with them and go to sleep early.
On the second day, all of us wake up at 6 a.m. We start our day with having breakfast with the kids. Then, we proceed with activities that we have plan before which are experiments and craft session. After we done the experiments, we clean up the places and pack our bags to end our project. We started depart at 7 p.m after having dinner with the kids.
There are a lot of things that I learnt from this project. I learnt how to work in a group and have a better communication with everyone. Most importantly, I learnt to be grateful with everything that I have now because I realized that not everyone got the same chances and gifts like me. I realized that sad stories that been portrayed in dramas and movies are actually real and exist in real life.
Final words, I want to thank every single member in my group. I am so grateful to have a chance working with all of you. I would also like to thank Dr. Mozard Mohtar for all the guide that he gave us from the start until the end of this project. I hope by this project, we will be more aware, helpful and kind to everyone especially needy people.
Reflection (Cheng Ker Mei)
Name: Cheng Ker Mei CIB180015
A. Planning Phase
Most of us do not know each of us when the first time we meet. We are really fresh and do not know what is going on in this subject (Social Engagement). The first time we met with Dr. Mozard after we classified by faculty. Dr. Mozard explained with us what we need to do in this project and showed us some previous year example for us. After that, we got little info and know what to do. We having another meeting and planning where to go and what activities to do.
1. Deciding where to go:
All of the group member feel like awkward and shy during the meeting. But after the first two meeting, some of the member try to give suggestion of where to go for our project. We try to contact several orphanages and nursing homes. Lastly, we get the permission from Home For The Angels, Broga. Hence, our project journey start.
2. Planning activities and flows:
We planned many activities such as games to play with the angels, experiment to attract the angels' attention, and also zumba to exercise with the angels. Our group members had carried out the experiment, buy all the material to use in experiments and games, and practice the zumba dance. All the preparation work is to ensure all the activities can go smoothly during the actual day. We have two cars which is rent from car rental company and also one from our group member. Due to the insufficient of car, our group member divide into two group which one of the group is go by Mrt and another one by car. Our group leader also assigned different mission to group members. All of us clear with own mission.
B. Implementation Phase
First day:
6.30am
Most of us do not know each of us when the first time we meet. We are really fresh and do not know what is going on in this subject (Social Engagement). The first time we met with Dr. Mozard after we classified by faculty. Dr. Mozard explained with us what we need to do in this project and showed us some previous year example for us. After that, we got little info and know what to do. We having another meeting and planning where to go and what activities to do.
1. Deciding where to go:
All of the group member feel like awkward and shy during the meeting. But after the first two meeting, some of the member try to give suggestion of where to go for our project. We try to contact several orphanages and nursing homes. Lastly, we get the permission from Home For The Angels, Broga. Hence, our project journey start.
2. Planning activities and flows:
We planned many activities such as games to play with the angels, experiment to attract the angels' attention, and also zumba to exercise with the angels. Our group members had carried out the experiment, buy all the material to use in experiments and games, and practice the zumba dance. All the preparation work is to ensure all the activities can go smoothly during the actual day. We have two cars which is rent from car rental company and also one from our group member. Due to the insufficient of car, our group member divide into two group which one of the group is go by Mrt and another one by car. Our group leader also assigned different mission to group members. All of us clear with own mission.
B. Implementation Phase
First day:
6.30am
We depart by car and I'm one of the driver. We having our simple breakfast in the car to kick start a brand new day. All of us very excited. After around 1 hour, we reached.
9.00am
9.00am
After we reached, the first impression for me to Home of Angels is the place was really wonderful! This is because the air is very fresh without and pollution. Although there is no service for our phone at there, but finally we got chance to put down our phone and enjoy the everything surrounding us.
The first thing we do after we reached there was helping the cleaner(auntie) to clean all the rooms, hall and toilet. Then we continued with the ice breaking games after all of our members reached. After ice breaking games, I continued with the cleaning progress with some of the group member.
12.00pm
We having our delicious vegetarian lunch at the canteen which prepare by the chef(uncle) and 4 of our group members. All of us enjoyed with our meal and feel full with satisfaction.
1.30pm
After the lunch, my group members(PIC) and I started to prepare the chinese dessert which called "tang yuan" served with the syrup. We mixed the flour with water and make it to become a ball shape. We prepare the "tang yuan" with the angels. I learned the something that how to cook a delicious syrup from uncle, its a really good experience to learn with uncle. All of the angels, group members and the staffs enjoy the teatime very much.
7.00pm
The angels asked for watching movie before going to sleep (9pm), because it is weekend and they usually like to watch movie during weekend. So we cancel the activities we planned and watch movie with them.
8.30pm
They angels' room black out at night and we help them to set up the standing fan and persuade them to sleep early because they need to wake up early in the morning on the next day. All of them sleep at 9.30pm. After make sure all of them already sleep, we also go back to our room and take a rest.
Second day:
7.30am
We charge our energy full and start our new day again. We are having our breakfast which is "Pao" and milk tea. Then I also help uncle to prepare the lunch. Because every Sunday is the day that they allow outsiders to come in and having a vegetarian food for charity purpose. So we cooked more for lunch. I get more cooking skill and also recipe from uncle again. After that, we having our lunch happily. We also served the angels with ice cream as their dessert. It is a interesting dessert due to the hot weather. All of them praise to us and hope we can always come to visit them.
3.00pm
Now is the experiment time which conducted by my group members. I helped my group members to assisted the angels because most of them are excited with the experiments.
6.00pm
We having our dinner and almost feel tired but it is worth for us. I never get experiences like this before.
7.00pm
I started sent part of my group members to MRT station before it goes too dark because I need to come back again and fetch the second batch of my group members and go back directly to UM.
Evaluation Phase
Social Engagement give me chance to experience the things that we seldom met. I feel appreciate because born with a full love and care from family members. The angels still optimistic although they born out with not a really complete family. That is why Social Engagement give us chance to lend our helping hand to them and give us alert that there is still many unfortunately people in this world. We should precious what we have and try to help the people who need the help.
In conclusion, I felt very grateful to have the effective and presentable group members to conduct our project successfully in this time. Without them, the project cannot done completely. And also thanks to Dr. Mozard who is always helping us and support us when we face any problem.Thanks for everything.
The first thing we do after we reached there was helping the cleaner(auntie) to clean all the rooms, hall and toilet. Then we continued with the ice breaking games after all of our members reached. After ice breaking games, I continued with the cleaning progress with some of the group member.
12.00pm
We having our delicious vegetarian lunch at the canteen which prepare by the chef(uncle) and 4 of our group members. All of us enjoyed with our meal and feel full with satisfaction.
1.30pm
After the lunch, my group members(PIC) and I started to prepare the chinese dessert which called "tang yuan" served with the syrup. We mixed the flour with water and make it to become a ball shape. We prepare the "tang yuan" with the angels. I learned the something that how to cook a delicious syrup from uncle, its a really good experience to learn with uncle. All of the angels, group members and the staffs enjoy the teatime very much.
7.00pm
The angels asked for watching movie before going to sleep (9pm), because it is weekend and they usually like to watch movie during weekend. So we cancel the activities we planned and watch movie with them.
8.30pm
They angels' room black out at night and we help them to set up the standing fan and persuade them to sleep early because they need to wake up early in the morning on the next day. All of them sleep at 9.30pm. After make sure all of them already sleep, we also go back to our room and take a rest.
Second day:
7.30am
We charge our energy full and start our new day again. We are having our breakfast which is "Pao" and milk tea. Then I also help uncle to prepare the lunch. Because every Sunday is the day that they allow outsiders to come in and having a vegetarian food for charity purpose. So we cooked more for lunch. I get more cooking skill and also recipe from uncle again. After that, we having our lunch happily. We also served the angels with ice cream as their dessert. It is a interesting dessert due to the hot weather. All of them praise to us and hope we can always come to visit them.
3.00pm
Now is the experiment time which conducted by my group members. I helped my group members to assisted the angels because most of them are excited with the experiments.
6.00pm
We having our dinner and almost feel tired but it is worth for us. I never get experiences like this before.
7.00pm
I started sent part of my group members to MRT station before it goes too dark because I need to come back again and fetch the second batch of my group members and go back directly to UM.
Evaluation Phase
Social Engagement give me chance to experience the things that we seldom met. I feel appreciate because born with a full love and care from family members. The angels still optimistic although they born out with not a really complete family. That is why Social Engagement give us chance to lend our helping hand to them and give us alert that there is still many unfortunately people in this world. We should precious what we have and try to help the people who need the help.
In conclusion, I felt very grateful to have the effective and presentable group members to conduct our project successfully in this time. Without them, the project cannot done completely. And also thanks to Dr. Mozard who is always helping us and support us when we face any problem.Thanks for everything.
Reflection by Ten Shu Kwan (CIB180136)
Reflection by Ten Shu Kwan (CIB180136)
I felt very honoured that the social engagement project has been completed successfully. I would like to express my gratitude to my group members and lecturer, Dr. Mozard Mohtar for their continuous support and encouragement in order to assist us to complete this project.
I felt very honoured that the social engagement project has been completed successfully. I would like to express my gratitude to my group members and lecturer, Dr. Mozard Mohtar for their continuous support and encouragement in order to assist us to complete this project.
At the beginning, our group faced some constraints to complete the task. Our group has planned some orphanages and old folks homes near University Of Malaya but all were rejected as the booking was full. However, this obstacle did not break our spirit down to carry out this task. We were still trying our best to search and contact orphanages that far from University Of Malaya. Finally, we got the chance to do social works at Home For The Angels, Broga despite its far distance . Besides, we also faced financial constraints to buy the materials needed for activities that already planned for the orphans. Fortunately, our group members finally willing to contribute some money so that our project can be proceed.
During completing our task, I also learned to foster collaborative and helpfulness when other members needed my help. I felt that responsibility and commitment are very crucial to manage the orphans so that the activities can be completed perfectly in mean time. Through the activities, I also put forth effort and learned to communicate and engage with the orphans as they really needed attention and caring from all of us.
After completing our project, I realized that volunteer work helped us to be more responsibility and awareness towards those in unfortunate. We should appreciate what we have and do not blame on anything that drag us down. Although I am very exhausted, but I felt very satisfied when the orphans said "thank you" to all of us. I hope I can participate in volunteers again because it is very meaningful for me to help those who in need.
Reflection Adznee Laidy
First of all I would like to thank to Allah SWT for giving
me this opportunity to take Social Engagement as one of my second semester
subject. At the beginning, I don’t really understand what this subject is all
about. But, once the group are formed and we had our first meeting with our supervisor,
Dr Mozard Mohtar only then I know Social Engagement subject is all about
volunteering and giving something to the community without hoping something in
return. I am so lucky to have such an amazing team who cooperated with each
other and solve problems together from the first till the end of this project. We
discussed and brainstorm the name of the project, the activities to be held as
well as the things that we need during the programme. We decided to divide ourselves
into small team where it consist two or three people in charge in each
activity. Then, we come out with a decision where we choose Home For the
Angels, located in Broga, Semenyih - about one hour from UM. Frankly saying,
this is my first time heard about Broga. Once they mentioned about the venue, I
was overwhelmed. Since I came from Sabah, so I don’t really know other places
rather than Kuala Lumpur.
On 6 April 2019, we started our programme and reached the
venue around 7.45 am. Once I arrived at Broga, I was really surprised! That
place was super beautiful and it is not like what I expected. Broga is such an
natural and green places. Majority people living there are Chinese community.
Broga is a peaceful and breathtaking places I ever go. The moment I step into
Home For the Angels, I saw few kids smile at us and looks very excited. Even
though, the place is a Buddhist but they welcomed us as their family. Having a
few activities with the kids made me thinking how lucky I am to be raise by my own
parents where there are many peoples who does not. When I helped the kids to
clean up their room, I was so sad because there were few kids who are not
supposed to take care their own clothes but they did. And whats more touching
is that, there were 4 to 6 kids in the room and there were also a baby. I was
thinking what happen if the baby got fever in the middle of night where there were
no elder people in the room to look after the baby? Because in the room the
eldest are around 15 years old.
Even the kids look shy at the first day, but I was so happy
to spend time with them. We did a lot of activities to get to know with each
other. We made rice ball together, we eat together. And I can see the kids were
very independent and responsible towards the other. The treat others like their
own sibling. I feel relieved. At night, we watch movie together. Furthermore, what
other things that I feel so thankful was my teammates. After we done our activities
with the kids, we also tighten our bonding by watching movie together and had
fun that night. On the second day, 8 April 2019 was also fun even it is not as
what we have planned due to many factors but we still manage to do something
and create memories with the kids. We made a few experiments with the eldest and
arts for the youngest. During the activities I can see the kids are very smart
and each of them have their own talent. I really hope to see them success in
the future.
Social Engagement taught me a many things. I learned a lot
of values, to be thankful and spread love to the community. There are a lot of
unlucky people out there where they need help or at least some love and attention.
I really hope that I can help many people in the future. Also, through Social
Engagement, I able to improve my soft skills especially team work. I learned
how to work in team and not to be selfish.
Reflection (OCK)
Name: Ong Chee Keat CIB180109
The project finally come to the end. It is a unforgettable memory with the community at Home for the Angels. When we reached the place, a feeling of strange come to the mind,but it come familiarity hits when the time pass through and we become more like a family.
We feel strange when we have our first meeting. We do not know each others, even the members we know also seldom chat. Its come worst when we have no idea what to do, where to do and when to do. We just keep quiet for a long time. Fortunately, everything go on track. We get know each other and start step by step with the guideline in the slide. Driven by the approaching days, we started to act more like a team and eventually it worked out. But we still can't find a suitable place to carry out our project.
After a long silence, finally we got a place to work for our project, that is, the Home for the Angels. But the another problem come when we know the location is very far away from us, we felt disappointed. But this time, we didn't waste a lot of time, we think for the solution to solve this problem. Fortunately, we get a car from our group member and we decided to go there by MRT and that is well solved at the end.
Planning activities and flows:
We planned different games and activities, just hope the children there will enjoy. We have few meetings to discuss and plan for the activities since there are some requirement from the home. We tested out different games and modified the game until it suitable to the children there. During the the preparation, our group relation become closer and closer. It also come with few problems when we prepare the activities. We lack of time, we lack of money to carry out the activities. We don't have enough time to have fund raising. With no choice, we only can collect money from our group member. My group member give a high corporation when we collect the money. We have no enough time to buy the materials for experiment and games. To save the time, we come out with a final list of things that we need to buy. We went to market and buy all the things one shot. I felt happy when the receipt come on my hand because we able to run the project within our budget.
We also prepare the gift for the children. We drive to a market to buy the gift. We bought sets of stationery and pencil cases as gift. i just prayed hard that out project can run smoothly and successfully,
Final meeting
We have our final meeting before the actual day of the project, and then we tested out all the experiments to make sure they really run well. We also run through the games and practicing the zumba. We have no enough sleep the day before as we stay up until 2.00am for doing the final checking.
B. Implementation Phase
First day:
5.30am
B. Implementation Phase
First day:
5.30am
On that day, we woke up at 5.30am in the morning while there was still a degree of darkness, which is quite early for the majority of us. We divided into two group, one is by car and another one by MRT.
8.00am
8.00am
When we reached, we straight away start with cleaning the room and help the children keep their room. But we didn't know what to do after the cleaning session until the PIC assigned us to our tasks. We start our ice breaking game with the children. It was difficult to control them but it make me back to my childhood time. I was also same with them, can't wait for the instruction and start the game myself. It's like a reflection of my childhood time.
Some of the member were assigned to help the kitchen out, some of the member clean the pathway, some of the member clean the accommodation rooms and some of the member handle the toilets. I was responsible to play games with the children. After a few games, we felt tired and have a rest for 10 minutes, but the children seem like have a exhaustless energy. They keep playing themselves.
12.00pm
Later, it was 12.00pm the kitchen called for lunch. We had our first lunch with the children. This is the first time i had vegan food for my three meal a day. Talking about meal, the children will sing a song before having meal. Imagine hearing the melody and you know its lunch time!
1.30pm
After the delicious lunch, we carried out our cooking activities, that is to make a traditional food, the rice ball. We pour the flour and mix it with water, and the the children happily come over and knead the dough, playing it around before we can actually cook the rice ball. We have part of the dough and make it the correct shape of a rice ball, and drop them into a pot with boiling water. That is how a rice ball is cooked. Simultaneously, we cooked the sweet soup, which is an important complement of the rice ball.
7.30pm
At night, there is a sudden black out as the short circuit occurred. Before, going to the bed, the children ask for a movie. We let them to watch movie since second floor didn't affected by the short circuit. While the children watching the movie, we try to restore the electricity supplies. We could only restore part of the electricity supplies and some of the rooms doesn't have fans. This make the situations tight and we rushed all over the place and move the standing fans to their respective rooms. It's can't imagine if the children sleep without the fans and that day was a hot day! By the time we settled all the things, we are sweating profusely. Later on, all of us went back to our rooms and had a short rest.
Second day:
6.00am
Since we have not enough sleep for two days, my member woke up late since we have a meeting at 6.00 am. That day was a windy day, it make our plan gone. We plan to hiking originally, but due to the weather we cancelled it. The sun rises indicating the second day had come. We had our usual breakfast before going into the activities. We were told to help out the open day and then setting up booth. Later, some visitors came in and have their lunch here and we stay guarding the booth and the front door. It went smooth and then finally ended at 3pm.
3.00pm
This is the time where the experiment came in. My members, Chi Kean and Kirshen carry out the experiment with the children that reached age 11 years old. This is because some of the experiment are dangerous to the children. I was going around since i'm the group leader, i had to meet up with the principle of the home, and the teachers there to discuss the tasks and the activities. They also give a positive feedback to us. It is not easy to become a leader. It had a lot of things that leader need to cover. I was confuse when here and there calling me.
Evaluation Phase
Social engagement kind of reminds me how I really was back then. The activities with the children navigates me back to their ages and I feel like I was that age too when playing with them. But it does not mean we do not execute the the main purpose of the course. We lend out our hands and bared difficult works on our shoulders to show them how well we can do and how efficient is as a student of University of Malaya.
Lastly, i need to thank my group member, without them, the program can't end this successful. Thank you my friend, great to have you all with me in this project.
Some of the member were assigned to help the kitchen out, some of the member clean the pathway, some of the member clean the accommodation rooms and some of the member handle the toilets. I was responsible to play games with the children. After a few games, we felt tired and have a rest for 10 minutes, but the children seem like have a exhaustless energy. They keep playing themselves.
12.00pm
Later, it was 12.00pm the kitchen called for lunch. We had our first lunch with the children. This is the first time i had vegan food for my three meal a day. Talking about meal, the children will sing a song before having meal. Imagine hearing the melody and you know its lunch time!
1.30pm
After the delicious lunch, we carried out our cooking activities, that is to make a traditional food, the rice ball. We pour the flour and mix it with water, and the the children happily come over and knead the dough, playing it around before we can actually cook the rice ball. We have part of the dough and make it the correct shape of a rice ball, and drop them into a pot with boiling water. That is how a rice ball is cooked. Simultaneously, we cooked the sweet soup, which is an important complement of the rice ball.
7.30pm
At night, there is a sudden black out as the short circuit occurred. Before, going to the bed, the children ask for a movie. We let them to watch movie since second floor didn't affected by the short circuit. While the children watching the movie, we try to restore the electricity supplies. We could only restore part of the electricity supplies and some of the rooms doesn't have fans. This make the situations tight and we rushed all over the place and move the standing fans to their respective rooms. It's can't imagine if the children sleep without the fans and that day was a hot day! By the time we settled all the things, we are sweating profusely. Later on, all of us went back to our rooms and had a short rest.
Second day:
6.00am
Since we have not enough sleep for two days, my member woke up late since we have a meeting at 6.00 am. That day was a windy day, it make our plan gone. We plan to hiking originally, but due to the weather we cancelled it. The sun rises indicating the second day had come. We had our usual breakfast before going into the activities. We were told to help out the open day and then setting up booth. Later, some visitors came in and have their lunch here and we stay guarding the booth and the front door. It went smooth and then finally ended at 3pm.
3.00pm
This is the time where the experiment came in. My members, Chi Kean and Kirshen carry out the experiment with the children that reached age 11 years old. This is because some of the experiment are dangerous to the children. I was going around since i'm the group leader, i had to meet up with the principle of the home, and the teachers there to discuss the tasks and the activities. They also give a positive feedback to us. It is not easy to become a leader. It had a lot of things that leader need to cover. I was confuse when here and there calling me.
Evaluation Phase
Social engagement kind of reminds me how I really was back then. The activities with the children navigates me back to their ages and I feel like I was that age too when playing with them. But it does not mean we do not execute the the main purpose of the course. We lend out our hands and bared difficult works on our shoulders to show them how well we can do and how efficient is as a student of University of Malaya.
Lastly, i need to thank my group member, without them, the program can't end this successful. Thank you my friend, great to have you all with me in this project.
Reflection by Lim Wen Yi
The visit to Home for The
Angels, Broga was my first social volunteering project in University of
Malaya.
I remember when we first meet up to discuss about the project, it was kind of awkward as we do not know each other and some maybe even never seen each other in the faculty before. There were moments of silence after someone (mostly our leader) thrown a question, perhaps it's because we were quite lost and had no idea where to start from. Things became a bit frustrating when we took a long time to decide where should we carry out our project, as well as aligning everyone's time so that we wouldn't miss out anyone throughout this project. To be honest I was quite nervous when I saw other groups completed their Social Engagement project but we're still struggling with the venue. However, it was a relieve when we finally decided on when and where to go.
As time passes, during the planning, some of us started to take initiative to contribute ideas to the program and voicing out some thoughts on the ideas given. Though some may not be that outspoken, they also gave their best cooperation to team by playing the roles assigned to them. We have faced a few problems during the planning, such as the transportation problem - public transport couldn't reach Broga; sponsorship - we could find no sponsorship, thus we can only fund ourselves by paying quite a burdensome amount for us as students (luckily we spend less than that and at last we were refunded 70% of the contributions given earlier) Kudos to our leader and treasurer for the well budget done!
Basically, our concerns are resolved one day
before our project day.
On the project day, I was in Batch 1 which
departed from UM at 5.40am. I was really tired and my energy level is extremely
low as it was too early for me. I couldn't imagine how am I going to handle a
bunch of kids later with such mental status. Hereby, I salute the drivers who
are able to stay awake throughout the almost 1 hour drive to Semenyih. As we
reached Home for The Angels way too early, the doors are still closed so we
decided to wait in the car as we wouldn't want to disturb the home with our early
presence. It was pretty good as we get the chance to watch the sunrise at
Broga. I don't think if I could find any words to describe the feeling of
watching sunrise with your course mates.
When the sky lights up, we entered the home and
greeted the teachers politely. We started with our cleaning up session with the
kids. The cleaning session was another awkward moment there because we do not
know the kids and their attitudes towards strangers like us were different ;
some were friendly but some were cautious. We felt welcomed by the friendlier
kids but this doesn't mean that we'll ignore those cautious ones. We managed to
blend with them through the ice breaking session. The situation during ice
breaking went sorta out of control, especially when the kids were too into the
games we've prepared and they started screaming and shouting... It was
expected, but personally I became really tensed because I couldn't stand
noises. Anyway I managed to suppress this negative emotion and with our leader
Ong Chee Keat facilitating, our team had slowly guide them to follow our flow
so we could get back on the track. I appreciate this ice breaking session as it
could be considered as my only chance throughout the two days to play with the
kids as I was in charge to take photos and videos for the project. So our first
day went on with tangyuan making, zumba dance and ended with movie watching.
After urging the kids to sleep, I was exhausted and couldn't resist my
drowsiness and I fell asleep very soon. A thing to mention is that - it was my
earliest bed time (around 10pm) since I've entered uni.
On the second day, we woke up around 5.30am to prepare. We started our morning with a scrumptious breakfast prepared by the kitchen uncle and also our very own amazing team mates! It was a great start of the morning I would say. During the breakfast, we also chit chatted with the kids and we've heard some thoughts from them on the charity sale which will be held later on as well. I found it cute when the elder kids nagged that they need to be on duty for the sale, but later on they were still going for their respective duties assigned obediently. Some of the kids' family do visit them on this day, I was surprised when I saw they were so happy to have their family here to see them! It made me think, if I was in their shoes, would I be able to face my family members who left me here but not by their side? There's no definite answer, as there'll be saddist like me exist.
The charity sale wasn't as big as I expected it to be, so we made use of this time to get to know the kids better by having some conversations with them when there's no customers around. With some small talks, our bond had been stronger! At the same time, some of us went to look out for the kids in the experiment session as well. I saw the kids were super excited especially when they managed to get their hands on fire with butane gas and soap without hurting their hands! I think we did trigger their curiousity with the experiments, because they started to throw infinity questions to our experiment PICs.. Well, I guess it's a good sign.
Before I depart from the home, a girl came over and hugged me tightly. She asked, "Jiejie (sister), are you guys really going off?" Yes, I nodded. Then she continued asking, "Huh, then will you guys come over and visit us again?" I was frozen at the moment as I don't know how should I answer without hurting this little angel's feeling. At last I just smiled and said, "Till we meet again."
These 30 hours seems short yet long for me. I felt like I've spent years with the kids here, and getting
used to their daily routines.
There were mixed feelings inside me. I'm contented that we're able to inspire
the kids in a good way, but we came into their lives and left just like that.
And I believe they will have to face a lot of such farewells throughout their
years in the home, would it affect them in some way? I don't know. I wish these
young souls stay tough, and be brave in pursuing their dreams!
Thank you everyone who has contributed to this project, appreciate your efforts! Bravo!
Reflection by Naadiah Aqilah
Today, I would like to express how I
felt when we did this social engagement task together. In addition, all 30 hours’
feel worth it for me to spent with our member and the kids that stay in Home
for The Angel. Many things were doing in order to give the best experience to
kids there. From one preparation to one preparation.
The hardest preparation that we
make is that we had to find the place to do our task. It is not easy because
many people turn down our offer because they have too many requirement that we
cannot fulfill. Luckily, after tried calling a few more places, we found Home
of The Angel and we try to call it out. Fortunately, they accept us to do our
task there.
The day before we are going to Home
for The Angel, we did some rehearsal such as dancing for zumba, games for
science and many more. We had to stay until quite evening because we are trying
to give the perfect best activities for them
.
On the first day, we are being
divided into two groups which some of us are going by cars and some of us are
going by train. Well since it is quite early when we depart from our college,
the group that went by the train have to wait for a while as the train station
is not ready to operate on 5.30 am. As we arrived there, we quickly clean up
the whole place which is, the first level, second level, toilet, washing room
but not the library because the library did not open at that time. We doing it
for quite some time before putting our bag inside our room. Then we did the ice
breaking session. The kids there are so excited to find out our name so that
they can finished the quiz that we made. They did all of it sincerely without
asking for return. Then we had zumba dance and lastly throughout all the day,
the kids feel tired and we watch movies together with them at night. Well there
are a lot of activities been held, but we have arranged our task to do it.
Second day, we did some spring
cleaning again because even one day, the place can be terribly dirty because we
did some activities with them. Obviously, after that, there many more activities
will be conducted by certain group of people. Some of them are going to the
science experiment. Only the older kids will join this activity to prevent from
accident or stuff. The other children will be doing some craft session and it
is so messy at that time because there are so excited to draw and colour and
cut the paper. Not to forget our kitchen helper as I’m being assigned the task
as the kitchen helper for that day. I would say that I learned a lot. Obviously
from the cutting skills to the ingredient of the food. Although it is vegetarian
food, but they can make it taste like chicken, fish and so on. There are also
selling event on every Sunday.
This short journey really opens my
eyes to the people who are not as lucky as we are. The activities that had been
held, actually give us a time to get to know the kids there. As a team member
of this project, I am really happy because we all are helping each other. There
is no offense session between us. We discussed it through if we had any
disagreement and this make me feel comfortable having them as my teammate.
After completing our service and
our social engagement program I was happy as well as satisfied with the work as
a group we had back then. If I look back at our activities I surely notice that
we are actually not trying to finish this task quickly but we are trying to
engage our relationship towards the kids there. Some of them, are not orphanage
they only had some difficulty with the family matter and had to stay there. I
can’t imagine to have such a big problem in such a young age. We hope that all
the activities that we made can at least make them happy for a while and forget
all the problem that they are facing now. I do encourage people to see the kids
that are not as lucky as we are so that we can understand and always remember
that whatever problem that we are facing now is not the hardest. There are a
lot of people facing harder life than we are. Lastly, my dedication goes to our
team member who had always been the person who always help out and have fun
with.
Reflection by Muhammad Fathurrahman
Assalamualaikum
First of all, I am so glad that we have done the social engagement activities together. It is not as easy as we hear that we just need to visit orphanage and doing all the thing. In reality, it needs a lot of preparation before the thing gets implemented such as preparing schedule, buying all the things needed, and gathering all the members at the same time
Personally, i am a bit late to register into the team where they have submitted their proposal since previous semester. I did not aware of this since i am international student with lack of information. So my contribution to the planning is not as much as those who already there. I attended only the last two meetings before the activities being implemented
On the first day, i was a bit late since i used MRT bus where the other members were using some of the member's car to went there. I went by MRT with other international students and Ong as the group leader. We arrived around 9 in the orphanage and started to cleaning the room where we will sleep there overnight. After the cleaning, we continued to the next agenda where we were doing the ice breaking session to create relationship between the orphans and the group members. I think this was the hardest part since those children did not abide the game rules. Then we continued by making Tang Yuan or we can call it rice ball that dipped into sweet ginger water served warmly.
The next day, we did some experiments. One of them were mixing detergent with gas, put it on our hand, then lit it with the fire. It looked amazing when big fire created from the bubble gas met the firelighter. Continued by mixing the cornstarch with water to get "solid" sensation when we hit its surface hardly, but become liquid slightly.
I really enjoyed this social engagement. It taught me to be more grateful for everything that i have and being vegetarian is not as bad is it look. I hope one day they are growing up to be a great person for the country.
First of all, I am so glad that we have done the social engagement activities together. It is not as easy as we hear that we just need to visit orphanage and doing all the thing. In reality, it needs a lot of preparation before the thing gets implemented such as preparing schedule, buying all the things needed, and gathering all the members at the same time
Personally, i am a bit late to register into the team where they have submitted their proposal since previous semester. I did not aware of this since i am international student with lack of information. So my contribution to the planning is not as much as those who already there. I attended only the last two meetings before the activities being implemented
On the first day, i was a bit late since i used MRT bus where the other members were using some of the member's car to went there. I went by MRT with other international students and Ong as the group leader. We arrived around 9 in the orphanage and started to cleaning the room where we will sleep there overnight. After the cleaning, we continued to the next agenda where we were doing the ice breaking session to create relationship between the orphans and the group members. I think this was the hardest part since those children did not abide the game rules. Then we continued by making Tang Yuan or we can call it rice ball that dipped into sweet ginger water served warmly.
The next day, we did some experiments. One of them were mixing detergent with gas, put it on our hand, then lit it with the fire. It looked amazing when big fire created from the bubble gas met the firelighter. Continued by mixing the cornstarch with water to get "solid" sensation when we hit its surface hardly, but become liquid slightly.
I really enjoyed this social engagement. It taught me to be more grateful for everything that i have and being vegetarian is not as bad is it look. I hope one day they are growing up to be a great person for the country.
Reflection by Elizabeth Enggat
Firstly, I am so glad that my team and I had completed our 30 hours task together. This task might sound simple but it need a great preparation to done it well. We need to be well prepared to serve the kids there at Home for the Angels. I believed our team had done very best to cherish the children there.
From the begining of the preparation, i knew we can do it well at the end eventhough there would be a harsh time for us likes finding the place to do our tasks. Being rejected almost all the time was so tough since we are rushing for the deadline. But, at last we make it after being accepted by the Home for the Angels, Broga. Eventhough it is a little bit far, my team still manage to go there by car and MRT. Then, the preparing session like planning the game, activities and so on started. The day before going there, we did our last preparation for transportation and the game things.
On the first day, we try try to know the children well before start the activity. We did the cleaning things together with the children there. Also, on the first day we did many interesting activity with the kids during the ice-breaking session to know the childrens there.
For second day tasks, we started again with cleaning session to clear the place. After all the children are ready we start with the experiment and craft session with the kids that divided by age category. Im so happy seeing them so excited doing the experiment things and the craft session by the kids.
This short 30 hours journey was so lit. Social engagement tought me a lot about giving a hand to one who need it and corporating with each other to complete this task well.Without corporating with each other, i dont think we can make it till the last day of the activity and dont forget the good leader is ther best!
The Angels there are so adorable. They such a strong Angels there. I hope one day they are growing up to be a great person for country.
Reflection by Siew Chi Kean
FACULTY OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY
UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA
GIG1005 : SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT REPORT
GROUP 3
Supervisor : DR. Mozard Mohtar
Programme Name : Here's The Love, Here Are The Angels
Venue : Home For The Angels, Broga
Date : 6 – 7 April 2019
Name: Siew Chi Kean CIB180123
2.0 OBJECTIVE
1. The main objective of this programme is to give opportunities to all us to get involved volunteering activities which is helping the orphans at the House of Angels, Broga.
2. This programme also held to nourish critical thinking and enhance our skills especially soft skill and build team work.
3. To create responsibility and awareness among us towards our community especially orphans is also one of the objective of this social engagement programme.
A. Planning Phase
The story finally ends. It is a beautiful memory serving the children and the teachers in charged. When we first reached the place, a feeling of strange keeps flowing into the mind, but as time passes, familiarity hits and we become more like a family.1) Deciding where to go:
There was a sense of awkwardness when we held our ever first meeting. People don't know each other and seldom talks. Helplessly, we could not find a suitable place to get our project kick started. Every one of us is worried and none of us can barely make a contribution. There were a moment of silence in the Whatsapp group and we let the time passes, not doing anything. Driven by the approaching days, we started to act more like a team and eventually it worked out.
Leaderships appeared and we finally got a place to work for our project, that is, the Home for the Angels. But knowing the location is very far away from us, there is deep down a dissatisfaction again. We quickly jump to the next stage, that is to make preparation for transportation. We could not find enough cars for all members and one of us decided to use So Car app to book a car. Two of us brought their own cars and that is well solved at the end.
2) planning activities and flows:
We planned different games and activities, hoping it will help have part of the children's heart. We tested out different games and the noise within us gets louder and louder, and our bonds get closer and closer. The thing is, as the games come, we need some money to support it. But we do not have enough time for fund raising during the very moment of that stage.
We met a lot of problem in the preparation stage, some major ones are transportation, time usage and financial problems. We had no choice but to collect some reasonable amount from every member to ensure the smooth running of activities. At the very beginning, we were so reluctant to give out the amount, but for the sake of our project, every one of us cooperate nicely and we have done the full collection in just a matter of days.
Games are not really a trend now. So we decided to do scientific experiments, hoping that will somehow trigger their passion towards science. And it turns out that we decided to do some very special experiments, which include:
1) Non-Newtonian Fluid
Material : Corn Starch, Water, Containers
2) Flaming soap bubble
Material: Butane gas, Detergent, Water and Plates
3) Microscopic Observation
Material: Microscope, Test tube, Beakers, Glass Slides, Cover Slips, Methyl Blue, Onion
4) Acid Base Experiment
Material: Balloon, Vinegar, Baking Soda
Second step is, of course, the gift. We drive to a market and pick some presents and materials for my experiments. I couldn't stop thinking how will the children react to our gift and our experiments. I silently prayed for our plan to work out and finish the shopping right away. The receipt also shows our effort putting budgets into the account. We bought sets of stationery and pencil cases as gift. For materials, I will not mentioned much here but it was massive too.
The final round meeting:
Leaderships appeared and we finally got a place to work for our project, that is, the Home for the Angels. But knowing the location is very far away from us, there is deep down a dissatisfaction again. We quickly jump to the next stage, that is to make preparation for transportation. We could not find enough cars for all members and one of us decided to use So Car app to book a car. Two of us brought their own cars and that is well solved at the end.
I missed out one or two meetings but were still well informed because of my efficient team leader ONG CHEE KEAT. Here is a shout out for him. Well done my nice leader. He eventually planned to flows of activities and the other members also did their best by sticking to the schedule strictly.
2) planning activities and flows:
We planned different games and activities, hoping it will help have part of the children's heart. We tested out different games and the noise within us gets louder and louder, and our bonds get closer and closer. The thing is, as the games come, we need some money to support it. But we do not have enough time for fund raising during the very moment of that stage.
We met a lot of problem in the preparation stage, some major ones are transportation, time usage and financial problems. We had no choice but to collect some reasonable amount from every member to ensure the smooth running of activities. At the very beginning, we were so reluctant to give out the amount, but for the sake of our project, every one of us cooperate nicely and we have done the full collection in just a matter of days.
Games are not really a trend now. So we decided to do scientific experiments, hoping that will somehow trigger their passion towards science. And it turns out that we decided to do some very special experiments, which include:
1) Non-Newtonian Fluid
Material : Corn Starch, Water, Containers
2) Flaming soap bubble
Material: Butane gas, Detergent, Water and Plates
3) Microscopic Observation
Material: Microscope, Test tube, Beakers, Glass Slides, Cover Slips, Methyl Blue, Onion
4) Acid Base Experiment
Material: Balloon, Vinegar, Baking Soda
Second step is, of course, the gift. We drive to a market and pick some presents and materials for my experiments. I couldn't stop thinking how will the children react to our gift and our experiments. I silently prayed for our plan to work out and finish the shopping right away. The receipt also shows our effort putting budgets into the account. We bought sets of stationery and pencil cases as gift. For materials, I will not mentioned much here but it was massive too.
The final round meeting:
We have a final meeting before the actual day, and then we tested out all the experiments to make sure they really run well. It was quite an interesting experiences to have performing those kind of things in front of my friends. We barely have enough sleep the day before as we stay up until 2.00am doing final checking.
FIRST DAY:
5.30am
B. Implementation Phase
FIRST DAY:
5.30am
On that day, we set off 5.40am in the morning while there was still a degree of darkness, which is quite early for the majority of us. All of us have our eyes half closed except for the ones who are driving. We did not have enough cars and some of us had taken MRT to the station nearest to the Home for the Angel. The first batch reached there by cars, while the second one waited at the MRT station for their turn.
8.30am
8.30am
As we reached, we had some ice breaking games but it seems like didn't work out at first. We didn't know what to do until the PIC assigned us to our tasks. We spent time cleaning rooms and surroundings, having the children to lend their hands while they showed us some of their hidden mischief. Big trees and bamboos were trimmed so nicely and we were quite enjoyed cutting off the extra parts, the feelings of satisfaction looking at a well handled plant is irresistible.
Some of us were assigned to help the kitchen out, some of us clean the pathway, some of us clean the accommodation rooms and some of us handle the toilets. I was assigned to clean the rooms while the kids running around watching us doing the chores which supposedly goes to them. We happily had everything tidied up and threw a lot of useless stuff later.
After the tons of work, we finally have some time to rest. But children are just so naive! They asked us to play with them and surprisingly we did. That is when we really build our bonds with them and the bonds grow stronger and stronger. We have different games and later there were some specific liking of someone from someone! But the point is, we really becomes friends and with the children and they made us remember the feelings of joy playing children games, that lost and forgotten memories while we were still at our young ages. I realized that soon when we grow up, the passion of play will fade away, and sadly we can't do anything about it. Enjoy the moment, because you don't know when will it be the last.
We then have them to dance Zumba with us, and they move their body unwillingly at first because they feel so awkward and embarrassing. But then, due to the high spirits of our team members, we successfully bring them up to the heat and have them to follow up the pace of the song real fast. We dance until we were exhausted and rest.
11.30am
They lay their hand on us, pulling us to the great courtyard and we chased each other around. We sit on the floor, looking them running around and some of the children eventually come sit with us and talk. They made some paper planes and threw it high. It was a very peaceful scene.
Later, it was 12.00pm and it was time to fetch the second batch that waited at the MRT station. I set off with my car along with 2 friends bring them back to the Home for the Angels. During the same time, the kitchen called for lunch. Those who were remaining there had their first lunch and according to them, every meal there is vegan food but all the food taste like heaven. I could not believe until I had my first try during dinner time. Talking about meal, the children were called to have their meal with a song, which I think is quite adorable. Imagine hearing the melody and you know its lunch time!I brought back those remaining ones at the MRT stations and we have our second part of the day engaging with the children.
1.30pm
After the delicious lunch, we carried out our cooking activities, that is to make a traditional Chinese dessert, the rice ball. We pour the flour and mix it with water, and the the children happily come over and knead the dough, playing it around before we can actually cook the rice ball. We have part of the dough and make it the correct shape of a rice ball, and drop them into a pot with boiling water. That is how a rice ball is cooked. Simultaneously, we cooked the sweet soup, which is an important complement of the rice ball.
After one and a half hours, the cooking is done and we called the children playing outside to gather around so they can have a taste of their own results and the kids tucked in the rice balls like they never had before! It turned out to be a highlight of the day and everyone was praising the rice ball positively.
5.00pm
We initially have our flow of activities, but suddenly the children said they want to watch movie. So we set up projectors and fans because there isn't any air conditioners, and they comfortably sat on the floor and watch the movie for the rest of the night before they go to bed.
8.00pm
At night, there is a sudden black out as the short circuit occurred. We could only restore part of the electricity supplies and some of the rooms don not have fans. This make the situations tight and we rushed all over the place and move the standing fans to their respective rooms. What a holy night! By the time we settled all the things, we are sweating profusely. Later on, all of us went back to our rooms and had a short rest. When I walked into the room, all of the other members had already gotten into a deep slumber that even an explosion will not awake them. Me and Chee Keat were the last to sleep among the boys.
The sleeping places were taken and both of us had no choice but to sleep on the hard ceramics floor. As luck would have it, we still had sleeping bags with us and so we spread the sleeping bags across, hoping it will kind of soften the platforms. I could care much anymore because it was 2.00 am already and I laid down and closed my eyes. 4 hours later, all the alarmed went off and none of the boys wake up before me and Chee Keat. We leave the room and cleaned ourselves up, the we went downstairs sitting at the courtyard, enjoying the stars while the sun was still hiding. To be honest, the sky is full of stars and it drew my attention, I could not move my eyes away, fascinating!
SECOND DAY:
7.30am
The sun rises indicating the second day had come. We had our usual breakfast before going into the activities. The breakfast is not as good as the previous lunch but it was still acceptable. We were told to help out the open day and then setting up booth. The booth sells several things like books, biscuits, shirts and dress and printers too. Some of us lingering around the shirts and talk about fashions. We even tried out some shirts. Later, some visitors came in and have their lunch here and we stay guarding the booth and the front door.
12.00pm
After serving all the visitors, we were called to have our lunch together with the kids. After the filling lunch, some of us then lead the kids outside and continue on whatever they were doing before, while those who in charged in the kitchen approaches the refrigerator and took out several cartons of ice cream that we bought yesterday night, and ready to be distributed to those naughty kids. All of them had their chance to taste different flavors and it went smooth. The open day then finally ended at 3pm and of course we helped to clean things up, carry boxes back to the storage room and simultaneously prepare following activities.
3.00pm
This is the time where the experiment came in. My friend Kirshen settled the kids down while I prepare the apparatus needed for each experiment. The first one we have done is the microscopic observations. I have the children gathered around the table, and started explaining some science knowledge like cells and animals. Later, I perform the steps of preparing slides. The object were observing were onion cells and cheek cells. So first I cut off the onion and extracted part of its skin. The procedure is as followed:
1. Place a small drop of water or clear nail polish on a clean slide.
2. Use a toothpick or forceps to gather non-liquid subject onion.
3. Transfer onion to the water or polish drop by touching the toothpick or forceps to the mountant. If necessary, gently move the toothpick or forceps to dislodge materials.
4. Carefully lower a cover slip onto the slide.
5. Examine the slide under low and high power of the microscope.
6. Record your observations: write a journal entry, or draw or photograph them.
7. A slide made with nail polish is semi-permanent, if left intact. For a temporary slide, separate, then wash and dry the slide and cover slip. They are ready for reuse.
After completing our service and our social engagement program I was relieved as well as satisfied with the work we as a group had then. If I look back at our activities I surely notice the fact that we were able to make the lives of the unfortunate members of our community better. This would hopefully motivate people to sometimes take a break from our busy lives and give back to the society. Moreover, we were able to create a better and much more healthy relationship with our community.
We had people from different backgrounds, ethnicity and cultures in our group and since we spent so much time together, it definitely created a very strong bond among us and i personally realized the true potential of team-work. I also gained vital experience about volunteering and learned to cooperate with my teammates. I did not have any similar experience in my entire life before this, so this was especially a very unique and exciting experience for me. In conclusion, i think that our group did a fairly good job with the available resources. We were able to bring smiles on people’s faces and we tried to make people’s lives better in the limited ways we could.
Proud of my team, I really love them. Thank all of you, it is a great gift having you all with me.
Some of us were assigned to help the kitchen out, some of us clean the pathway, some of us clean the accommodation rooms and some of us handle the toilets. I was assigned to clean the rooms while the kids running around watching us doing the chores which supposedly goes to them. We happily had everything tidied up and threw a lot of useless stuff later.
After the tons of work, we finally have some time to rest. But children are just so naive! They asked us to play with them and surprisingly we did. That is when we really build our bonds with them and the bonds grow stronger and stronger. We have different games and later there were some specific liking of someone from someone! But the point is, we really becomes friends and with the children and they made us remember the feelings of joy playing children games, that lost and forgotten memories while we were still at our young ages. I realized that soon when we grow up, the passion of play will fade away, and sadly we can't do anything about it. Enjoy the moment, because you don't know when will it be the last.
We then have them to dance Zumba with us, and they move their body unwillingly at first because they feel so awkward and embarrassing. But then, due to the high spirits of our team members, we successfully bring them up to the heat and have them to follow up the pace of the song real fast. We dance until we were exhausted and rest.
11.30am
They lay their hand on us, pulling us to the great courtyard and we chased each other around. We sit on the floor, looking them running around and some of the children eventually come sit with us and talk. They made some paper planes and threw it high. It was a very peaceful scene.
Later, it was 12.00pm and it was time to fetch the second batch that waited at the MRT station. I set off with my car along with 2 friends bring them back to the Home for the Angels. During the same time, the kitchen called for lunch. Those who were remaining there had their first lunch and according to them, every meal there is vegan food but all the food taste like heaven. I could not believe until I had my first try during dinner time. Talking about meal, the children were called to have their meal with a song, which I think is quite adorable. Imagine hearing the melody and you know its lunch time!I brought back those remaining ones at the MRT stations and we have our second part of the day engaging with the children.
1.30pm
After the delicious lunch, we carried out our cooking activities, that is to make a traditional Chinese dessert, the rice ball. We pour the flour and mix it with water, and the the children happily come over and knead the dough, playing it around before we can actually cook the rice ball. We have part of the dough and make it the correct shape of a rice ball, and drop them into a pot with boiling water. That is how a rice ball is cooked. Simultaneously, we cooked the sweet soup, which is an important complement of the rice ball.
After one and a half hours, the cooking is done and we called the children playing outside to gather around so they can have a taste of their own results and the kids tucked in the rice balls like they never had before! It turned out to be a highlight of the day and everyone was praising the rice ball positively.
5.00pm
We initially have our flow of activities, but suddenly the children said they want to watch movie. So we set up projectors and fans because there isn't any air conditioners, and they comfortably sat on the floor and watch the movie for the rest of the night before they go to bed.
8.00pm
At night, there is a sudden black out as the short circuit occurred. We could only restore part of the electricity supplies and some of the rooms don not have fans. This make the situations tight and we rushed all over the place and move the standing fans to their respective rooms. What a holy night! By the time we settled all the things, we are sweating profusely. Later on, all of us went back to our rooms and had a short rest. When I walked into the room, all of the other members had already gotten into a deep slumber that even an explosion will not awake them. Me and Chee Keat were the last to sleep among the boys.
The sleeping places were taken and both of us had no choice but to sleep on the hard ceramics floor. As luck would have it, we still had sleeping bags with us and so we spread the sleeping bags across, hoping it will kind of soften the platforms. I could care much anymore because it was 2.00 am already and I laid down and closed my eyes. 4 hours later, all the alarmed went off and none of the boys wake up before me and Chee Keat. We leave the room and cleaned ourselves up, the we went downstairs sitting at the courtyard, enjoying the stars while the sun was still hiding. To be honest, the sky is full of stars and it drew my attention, I could not move my eyes away, fascinating!
SECOND DAY:
7.30am
The sun rises indicating the second day had come. We had our usual breakfast before going into the activities. The breakfast is not as good as the previous lunch but it was still acceptable. We were told to help out the open day and then setting up booth. The booth sells several things like books, biscuits, shirts and dress and printers too. Some of us lingering around the shirts and talk about fashions. We even tried out some shirts. Later, some visitors came in and have their lunch here and we stay guarding the booth and the front door.
12.00pm
After serving all the visitors, we were called to have our lunch together with the kids. After the filling lunch, some of us then lead the kids outside and continue on whatever they were doing before, while those who in charged in the kitchen approaches the refrigerator and took out several cartons of ice cream that we bought yesterday night, and ready to be distributed to those naughty kids. All of them had their chance to taste different flavors and it went smooth. The open day then finally ended at 3pm and of course we helped to clean things up, carry boxes back to the storage room and simultaneously prepare following activities.
3.00pm
This is the time where the experiment came in. My friend Kirshen settled the kids down while I prepare the apparatus needed for each experiment. The first one we have done is the microscopic observations. I have the children gathered around the table, and started explaining some science knowledge like cells and animals. Later, I perform the steps of preparing slides. The object were observing were onion cells and cheek cells. So first I cut off the onion and extracted part of its skin. The procedure is as followed:
1. Place a small drop of water or clear nail polish on a clean slide.
2. Use a toothpick or forceps to gather non-liquid subject onion.
3. Transfer onion to the water or polish drop by touching the toothpick or forceps to the mountant. If necessary, gently move the toothpick or forceps to dislodge materials.
4. Carefully lower a cover slip onto the slide.
5. Examine the slide under low and high power of the microscope.
6. Record your observations: write a journal entry, or draw or photograph them.
7. A slide made with nail polish is semi-permanent, if left intact. For a temporary slide, separate, then wash and dry the slide and cover slip. They are ready for reuse.
After that, I have them to repeat what I have done and they made their own observation slides. It was the first time for them to observe onion cells under the microscope and I am glad that I am the one who was leading them to do so. I asked them to use the toothpaste to gently scratch their cheek to have some cells and repeat the procedure.
4.00pm
The we proceed to the next experiment, which is the flaming soap bubble. It is a quite dangerous experiment but we handled it perfectly thanks to the cooperation of the children and my team. The procedure is as followed:
1) Pour water into a bowl and dissolve liquid soap in it.
2) Start to bubble the gas through the soapy solution's until a sufficient
amount of thick foam forms. Stop the bubbling.
3) Wet your hand and place a
little of the foam on it.
4) Bring a lighter up to the foam – the foam quickly
flares and burns, without burning your hand. (Don’t do this near the bowl
with the remaining foam, so that it doesn’t catch fire).
The gas used in cigarette lighters is a highly flammable
mixture of propane and butane. If it is passed through soapy water, a foam
forms, with bubbles filled with combustible gas. If you wet your hand first,
you can set fire to this foam on your hand. The propane-butane mixture burns
quickly, so it won’t burn the experimenter's hand. Safety precautionary, so that it doesn’t catch fire).
5.00pm
5.00pm
Later on we have the other two experiments with easy steps but one of them is the highlight of the day, that is the non Newtonian fluid. The fluid is special as it does not follow the Law of Newton. When we apply force to the liquid, the liquid will turn solid, but if we treat it sofly, it will turn into liquid again. So we can actually stepped on the liquid, but we cannot stand stationary because if u do then you are not applying any force to it and in the end you will sink. So the only way we can stay on top of the liquid is to keep jumping.
So how do we make the liquid? First we have to pour out the corn starch, and mix it with water with a correct ratio. To much water and it will turn into a solution, too less and it will become a total solid. So it is an easy theory, but the application is hard. It took up quite some time until we have a successful model. After we found out the ratio, everyone follows and eventually the kids have their own Non-Newtonian fluid! They were so happy bringing their "invention" around with good care. I am so please to see that they actually appreciate what I have done and deep in my heart I felt warm. We finished them up at 6pm, while the time is perfect for dinner.
During the dinner time, some of us skipped the dinner and discuss about the gifting session, and then we went around with sets of gift, giving them to the children. When they heard there was a gifting session, all of them rushed to us and put their hands up high showing how eager they were. So we have all of our gift given out in the end and the kids came back for exchange because they were not quite satisfied with the colour of pencil cases they have gotten. But we got nothing left and we asked them to exchange among themselves and they learnt how to solve problems between them.
Then we keep some time for ourselves to clear things up and pack our belongings after we had our dinner. When I am packing up things, I wondered how much more can be done if I have more time staying here. Sadly, at that moment, we had prepare to set off back home but all of us were so reluctant to leave. One kid walked to me and give me some paper folded gift as return and even now when I think back of it I feel touched.
9.00pm
So how do we make the liquid? First we have to pour out the corn starch, and mix it with water with a correct ratio. To much water and it will turn into a solution, too less and it will become a total solid. So it is an easy theory, but the application is hard. It took up quite some time until we have a successful model. After we found out the ratio, everyone follows and eventually the kids have their own Non-Newtonian fluid! They were so happy bringing their "invention" around with good care. I am so please to see that they actually appreciate what I have done and deep in my heart I felt warm. We finished them up at 6pm, while the time is perfect for dinner.
During the dinner time, some of us skipped the dinner and discuss about the gifting session, and then we went around with sets of gift, giving them to the children. When they heard there was a gifting session, all of them rushed to us and put their hands up high showing how eager they were. So we have all of our gift given out in the end and the kids came back for exchange because they were not quite satisfied with the colour of pencil cases they have gotten. But we got nothing left and we asked them to exchange among themselves and they learnt how to solve problems between them.
Then we keep some time for ourselves to clear things up and pack our belongings after we had our dinner. When I am packing up things, I wondered how much more can be done if I have more time staying here. Sadly, at that moment, we had prepare to set off back home but all of us were so reluctant to leave. One kid walked to me and give me some paper folded gift as return and even now when I think back of it I feel touched.
9.00pm
This is the exact time we have to say goodbye to those we have spent time with. The kids climb up the wall and wave their hand goodbye to us. The darkness blurred their face but I can still feel their smile and warm blessings.
Evaluation Phase
Social engagement kind of reminds me how I really was back then. The activities with the children navigates me back to their ages and I feel like I was that age too when playing with them. But it does not mean we do not execute the the main purpose of the course. We lend out our hands and bared difficult works on our shoulders to show them how well we can do and how efficient is as a student of University of Malaya.After completing our service and our social engagement program I was relieved as well as satisfied with the work we as a group had then. If I look back at our activities I surely notice the fact that we were able to make the lives of the unfortunate members of our community better. This would hopefully motivate people to sometimes take a break from our busy lives and give back to the society. Moreover, we were able to create a better and much more healthy relationship with our community.
We had people from different backgrounds, ethnicity and cultures in our group and since we spent so much time together, it definitely created a very strong bond among us and i personally realized the true potential of team-work. I also gained vital experience about volunteering and learned to cooperate with my teammates. I did not have any similar experience in my entire life before this, so this was especially a very unique and exciting experience for me. In conclusion, i think that our group did a fairly good job with the available resources. We were able to bring smiles on people’s faces and we tried to make people’s lives better in the limited ways we could.
Proud of my team, I really love them. Thank all of you, it is a great gift having you all with me.
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