normal project - 28/06/2008

its a long time someone wrote about normal projects, so the normal projects dun sound so "normal" if i post rite..

funfit 1

exercise station was v fun this week. reason because we get to see the very "pro" DVD of lixian and justin's great singapore workout. the pro means professional and i actually meant the DVD is very professionally done with all the chapters subdivided, equilvalent to a real movie DVD (but sadly without the subtitles.. hahaha) but to be honest, i wanna thanks WC for taking over the excercise station for so many weeks since the exam time, until he become from paiseh to enjoy it so much. den lixian's video, actually also put in a lot of effort..

cooking, art and craft, music station... ah.. i shall not say.. the other station masters will write (i hope). please. thx. ^___ ^


Funfit 2

lucky today is not strolling.. cuz i v long nv "experience" funfit 2 liao.. today's games are captains' ball for low support and relay games for high support. not sure about how the captains' ball goes cuz i was with the high support at the other end. but i think there is q a lot of excitment over there with an occassional conflict. for the relay games, we played games with the normal hoola hoops and balls which was improvised to a large extent by kelvin. its uhh.. a bit messy and the volunteers ended up being part of the relay as ball pickers or track dividers ..hahah


that's about today's project. as the new term is coming up, many committees are being formed with the hope to plan more exciting and fun-filled outings for the residents. yup.. so taking this chance to publicise, we got upcoming fireworks outing, TH anniversary and Christmas celebration. interested and committed can join..



-sh

paint- a-home 2008

haha... just saw the pah pics on picasa and saw this interesting one taken last sat. can see the smiley face? a 'nose' was accidently added later on... the experience was great despite having to deal with lizards, cockroaches and some fossilized stuffs. in the end when it comes to washing up its v 'sceneric'.. like melted paddle pop ice cream


-sh

ACID camp (cont)

some other stuffs beside the activities

our residential area~


pjc class rooms




volunteers give a homely touch by making this make shift clothes drying area

3 cheers to the caring VGLs ~

shielding us from the rain

taking the lead in sing-a-long session

breakfast time

my admiration to this sporty guy who kenaed all

the mis aimmed water bombs (look at the grass)

some interesting things~

hmmm... im back dated or what?..

traditional noodle with a new look

forfiet- to eat the cake with ur unglam photos taken

some very serious coaching is taking place here..

sleeping on top of resident.. o.O

that's all for my experience at the acid camp... anyw, do feel free to write about ur experience or thoughts ok...

-sh

ACID camp 2008

Last week was the much anticipated (by both the volunteers and residents) ACID camp held at PJC...


btw, i believe ACID actually stands for 'annual camp for the intellectually disabled' so its like all the IDs from various projects and homes come together, to experience life outside of their normal routine and to try out various acitivites that they very rarely get to do (which i also very rarely get to do as well...haha)



just a brief intro to the hilights of the camp...



day 1~


treasure hunt + flag making



this is to make us move around to know the place (kinda like orientation to make sure we don't get lost in the next 2 days) to collect materials to deco our umbrella which looked like this:






each resident wrote their name on the cards which they used to deco the umbrella. the 5 groups: ixora, rose, hibiscus, tulip, orchid.



day 2~


pasir ris park



the sky was like that when we were about to set off...




despite the rain, the residents and volunteers are very eager to try out the outdoor activities and many of residents try out cycling for the 1st time...







i think its really a great accomplishment for some of the residents who managed to learn some cycling techniques as they struggle to balance, look ahead and paddle at the same time. although not knowing how to cycle yet, many of them are very happy to be encouraged by the volunteers while others enjoy the breeze and thrill of seating behind at the 2 seater (do see the photos for more)


there are many activities lined up ahead but has to stop due to the rain becoming heavier and heavier. the lower support did cycling and kayaking and horse riding whereas the higher support went round areas to clean up the beach and animal therapy


while waiting patiently for the rain to stop...







volunteers also try to self entertain... hahaha.. really lame game invented by yingjie and serena and me and dennis joined in the lameness.. later still got various improvisations...





back at PJC-


magic show







do not blink: the volunteers equally amused by the magic show






party time with balloons floating around: the whole hall becomes very 'luan' lor.. walk also must be careful will step onto the balloons..







the night ended off with disco night and partying!




everyone got really high and formed the train thingy until its really really long.. with people from different projects and YJC vgls oso coming together like a big family...


Day 3~


wet carnival games


residents take turns getting throwing and saving the water bombs... objective is to save as many water bombs as possible while the other person throw as accurately as possible... hahaha.. some residents managed to cheat and get away with it! not fair~




pass the water bombs with their hands tied up... so they cannot use their fingers but only their wrists and palms.. lots of teamwork and steady hands needed... which ever team get the most water bombs across wins.


yup.. and guess what are the water bombs for?


to sabo their favourite gor gors and jie jies of course!



area cleaning and good bye!


after lunch we headed off to clean our territory... residents are split into groups either kena the clean toilet group or sweeping floor group... yup.. our helpful residents gladly do the cleaning with enthusiasm..






thanks everyone for their support...

Breaking the Barrier

A number of the volunteers had been asking me how to understand and interact with the residents better. So I thought of taking this opportunity before ACID to share my personal experience and perspective with you all, especially with new volunteers. Below are just my personal views and not representative of MINDS, MYG or the committee views.

Many of times, during our interaction with the residents, most of the volunteers(even experience volunteers) tend to adopt a more authoritative role. Many of times, we tend to treat them as “not normal” or “less abled” or “less fortunate” due to their cognitive behaviour. We become reserve and unable to open up to them. By doing this, you are actually creating an invisible barrier between yourself and the residents.

Although many of you may be lack of the experience, but you all make up for the passion and “heart” which I saw in many of you. I believe every one of you are capable to break that barrier. They are not abnormal but just special in their own ways. I also believe they can also contribute back to society and serve in their own special ways. Just treat them as normal, look at them in their eyes when you talk..Trust me, they can feel your sincerity. To me, they are just like normal children but just never get to grow up..hee..Great right? As also shared during ACID briefing, we are playing the roles of a parent, girlfriend/boyfriend and brother/sister. We take care of their safety and care for them yet encourage them to be independent and do things on their own when we need to do so. Sometimes we need to “sa nai” them when they throw tandrums or in mood swings:p. We also pamper and coax them as we do to our girlfriends/boyfriendsJ. Most importantly, get down to their level and open up to them..Irregardless your age, I believe, everyone has a child in you. Try release that child in you…Play along with them like brothers/sisters, step out of your comfort zone, and you may be in for a very pleasant surprise :)

As also mentioned during the debrief, many of times we are also over-shethering the residents. We are always protecting them from harm or afraid of exposing them out of their comfort zone. But remember, every baby will need to take that initial steps in their life. They may fall many times, even bruises, but we would still encourage them to continue trying. Actually for our residents, they are also the same. What they need is your support and encouragement. Given a proper setting and safe environment, I think we should always try to encourage the residents to try and break their own barrier as well..

During TH camp, we never expect so many of the residents to complete the abseiling. Other than on the receiving end, the residents can also enjoy the joy of giving and sharing gifts with the children in Children Wing on last year Christmas. On Vesak Day outing, we have also taken a small step towards creating public awareness by exposing and encouraging them to interact with the public.

Volunteer are our main source of public speakers. If we unable to convince ourselves and break that barrier, how can we help to raise public awareness and understand our residents or IDs in general, right?

Every building requires a foundation and every foundation start by a small brick. By taking a small step and break the barrier, you are helping to lay that “brick” and foundation towards building that public awareness and also that confidence in the residents :)

ACID camp is a great opportunity to break that barrier and taking that small step.

Take that small step, break the barrier, and you may be in for a very rewarding experience… :)

P.S: If there are any grammar or vocab mistakes, do forgive me hor :p

Cheerzz
Ken (posted by WC though haha)