Today's RI community day, a special day in RI's 08 calendar of events. It is part of our 185th anniversary celebrations this year. So, I went for CIP with the track and field, and X-country team. All of us had to wear the anniversary tee, which was green, black and white (as usual). We were allocated to a few different primary schools, and had to hav some activities with some children there. I was allocated to Chong Zheng primary (i think) at the tampines area. It was only when we reached, that I, and many others, found out that we were working with children with slight behavioral problems. It was perfectly ok, though. =D
Their school is bright, colourful and cheerful, with lots of paintings and plants. After lunch and some waiting, we finally saw the children, and they were running all around the basketball court. we had to settle them down, and then get things going. it was fairly difficult, and we started everything off with a basketball match instead of the original plan. we scrapped all our plans from the start, and did watever felt right. some of the children are rowdy, and thus, there were some slight injuries, even when everything just started. after playing for a while, I was called by our teacher, to interact with some of them who didnt want to play baketball. So, a facilitator, Jack, ZiYang, JunYang and I brought them to another room, to have a seperate set of activites. We had to think on our feet(figuratively) about what activites we could hav for them.
We started with self introduction, as usual. It was from this introduction, that we got to know these children, and that they got to know us. Also, from this, we saw their personalities and behaviors. Some were attention-seeking and some were extremely shy etc. Throughout the activities, I tried to get those shy ones to participate more, and those more attention seeking ones to give others chances etc. we played some games like hangman and jenga with them, which I really hope they enjoyed. Not long after we started, we had to leave. So, we packed everything up in the room, and got to the assembling area, with the children and facilitators. we took a group photo. We then thanked everyone there, the facilitators, teachers and the children. and we left the school.
I really enjoyed myself on this visit, especially interacting with the children. The children might hav slight behavioral problems, but I believe that, if they exercise discipline, hav some self-confidence and develop the right way, they will surely overcome the challenges, and journey into the bright future ahead of them. I might want to participate in more of these activities next time. Furthermore, I got to know more of my ccamates (from other sections), through all the activities and chatting. =D
A scene of us before leaving, and you can take a look at our T-shirts.
