Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Friday, July 2, 2010
Day 6, Bangalore : 23 June 2010
The day began back at VT Paradise with the telephone ringing in each room … one by one, serving as a wake-up call. The whole lot of us reluctantly left the comfort and warmth of our beds. After breakfast, we had to overcome a bumpy and long ride back to Sri Kumaran Children’s Home.
Upon arrival, we were herded to a big studio where yoga mats awaited us and thus began our meditation and stretching poses. We found the session entirely relaxing and was also tickled by the sight of lanky Mr Wee doing a butterfly pose. After yoga, we were greeted by an art teacher. “Oh dear, this can’t be happening right? Art lessons? We came all the way here for art lessons??” someone sighed.
The lesson started off with a slide presentation on Warli paintings, and we then proceeded to the art room for practical sessions. We were to draw Warli art and were quickly introduced to this new form of drawing. It was actually created by a tribe to depict folklore for those who were illiterate.
We found this new form of drawing very innovative. It was basically just a more complex stickman whose body was formed by two triangles. From this exposure, we got a glimpse of India’s culture and also our dimension for art expanded. Everyone drew perfectly and the teachers heaped praises on every one of us.
Then, we were split into three groups as we had to go to three classes - 8A, 8B and 8C. The purpose was for us to get a feel of how lessons were conducted in India. We were all amazed by how focused every single pupil was. Scanning the class, every single one would be sitting upright and focusing on whatever the teacher was teaching. We were impressed by the pupils’ hardworking mindsets. The class only erupted into a market whenever the teacher asked a question. Many pupils competed with each other just to answer that simple question. We were taken aback by their responsiveness and enthusiasm. Back home, whenever a teacher asked a question, there would be an eerie silence, everyone desperately trying to avoid the teacher’s glare. We Singaporeans were more concerned about “face” rather than learning and we would be worried and embarrassed to give the wrong answer. In short, we refrained from being the laughingstock of the class.
After the lessons, we headed down for lunch before being introduced to two different languages commonly spoken in Bangalore, namely Hindi and Kanada. Again, we were split into two groups. Everyone enjoyed the short session of getting tongue-tied and struggling to pronounce the words. I guess that was the whole fun part of going to another country - basically just to learn their language. Here is an example of some words in Kanada:
Aidu - (sounds like ‘I do’)
Enthu - (everyone laughed as ‘enthu’ is the Singaporean slang for enthusiastic)
Hadthu- (a loud guffaw was heard as it sounded like ‘had to’)
Subha madyana - Good afternoon
Dhanyavadagalu - Thanks
Ninna hesareenu - What is your name?
Cool right? The most laughable thing is that Kanada also sounds like ‘Canada’. Now we will learn some simple Hindi. It is quite commonly spoken in India and Singapore. Here are the examples:
Sekand - Second
Minat - Minute
Namak-Salt
Zamin - earth
Bahut achchha hai - very nice
Muh se ham khate haim - We eat with our mouth
I think everyone really enjoyed themselves in the language classes. After that, we were supposed to do something that all the boys were looking forward to. We were about to play sports! We approached a lawn and started playing soccer. Some of the girls were playing basketball, but some decided to watch a few people who were rehearsing for a Sports Day Ceremony. However after only 15 minutes, we had to obey nature as it decided to open the floodgates. Everyone immediately grabbed their belongings and dashed to a nearby shelter. We ran as fast as our legs could carry us and took shelter there for the time being until it was time for our home visits.
Upon arrival, we were herded to a big studio where yoga mats awaited us and thus began our meditation and stretching poses. We found the session entirely relaxing and was also tickled by the sight of lanky Mr Wee doing a butterfly pose. After yoga, we were greeted by an art teacher. “Oh dear, this can’t be happening right? Art lessons? We came all the way here for art lessons??” someone sighed.
The lesson started off with a slide presentation on Warli paintings, and we then proceeded to the art room for practical sessions. We were to draw Warli art and were quickly introduced to this new form of drawing. It was actually created by a tribe to depict folklore for those who were illiterate.
We found this new form of drawing very innovative. It was basically just a more complex stickman whose body was formed by two triangles. From this exposure, we got a glimpse of India’s culture and also our dimension for art expanded. Everyone drew perfectly and the teachers heaped praises on every one of us.
Then, we were split into three groups as we had to go to three classes - 8A, 8B and 8C. The purpose was for us to get a feel of how lessons were conducted in India. We were all amazed by how focused every single pupil was. Scanning the class, every single one would be sitting upright and focusing on whatever the teacher was teaching. We were impressed by the pupils’ hardworking mindsets. The class only erupted into a market whenever the teacher asked a question. Many pupils competed with each other just to answer that simple question. We were taken aback by their responsiveness and enthusiasm. Back home, whenever a teacher asked a question, there would be an eerie silence, everyone desperately trying to avoid the teacher’s glare. We Singaporeans were more concerned about “face” rather than learning and we would be worried and embarrassed to give the wrong answer. In short, we refrained from being the laughingstock of the class.
After the lessons, we headed down for lunch before being introduced to two different languages commonly spoken in Bangalore, namely Hindi and Kanada. Again, we were split into two groups. Everyone enjoyed the short session of getting tongue-tied and struggling to pronounce the words. I guess that was the whole fun part of going to another country - basically just to learn their language. Here is an example of some words in Kanada:
Aidu - (sounds like ‘I do’)
Enthu - (everyone laughed as ‘enthu’ is the Singaporean slang for enthusiastic)
Hadthu- (a loud guffaw was heard as it sounded like ‘had to’)
Subha madyana - Good afternoon
Dhanyavadagalu - Thanks
Ninna hesareenu - What is your name?
Cool right? The most laughable thing is that Kanada also sounds like ‘Canada’. Now we will learn some simple Hindi. It is quite commonly spoken in India and Singapore. Here are the examples:
Sekand - Second
Minat - Minute
Namak-Salt
Zamin - earth
Bahut achchha hai - very nice
Muh se ham khate haim - We eat with our mouth
I think everyone really enjoyed themselves in the language classes. After that, we were supposed to do something that all the boys were looking forward to. We were about to play sports! We approached a lawn and started playing soccer. Some of the girls were playing basketball, but some decided to watch a few people who were rehearsing for a Sports Day Ceremony. However after only 15 minutes, we had to obey nature as it decided to open the floodgates. Everyone immediately grabbed their belongings and dashed to a nearby shelter. We ran as fast as our legs could carry us and took shelter there for the time being until it was time for our home visits.
Reflections on our Visit to Thomas Children's Home
Ning:
The trip to the orphanage was really meaningful and left a deep impression in me. I would in fact say that it was the best day I spent in India. I was really touched by how the children enjoyed our performance. The smiles on their faces were the best gifts I could ever get in return. I learnt how fortunate we are that we have our family members by our side, loving us and caring for us, regardless of what we do. The orphans are, on the other hand, way less fortunate, having been abandoned by their parents. I was really surprised at how our little efforts brought so much joy to the orphans. Children are gifts from God. We have to learn to treasure them and treat them like how they deserve to be treated.
Peiwern:
My buddy, Sasi, was a very kind person! When Aishah lost her camera, and was questioning everybody about its whereabouts, she tried conversing with her friends in their language, Kanada(I know because she made hand gestures and said the word “camera”). How thoughtful! But I didn’t really spend all my time with her as she was playing with her friend, Suda, who is also very sweet to offer me her Apollo Strawberry cake! She could also colour very well, and spoke English quite fluently. One of her friends, while explaining to me when her birthday was, said something to Sasi who replied, “Day after today.” Haha. I was very reluctant to leave, and even saying a hundred goodbyes didn’t help D: I hope I can come again next year! I think family is not all about blood ties, but also about whom you love and those who love you in return.
Jacqueline:
To be able to bring joy to someone who really needs it is a joy to me. The kindness and willingness to share is such a gift to behold. The way the child holds our hand to the way they play with us, their innocence and smiles cannot fail to lighten up my day. In the end, I can only say, it is not them who should thank us, but it is us who should thank them.
Jeremy Ng:
I felt a sense of joy when I gave the children the goodies and they thanked me. That touched me. It was also a rare experience to visit such an orphanage. I guess we made them happy for that whole day and that perhaps made us happy too in return. If I had the chance, I would want to go back to the orphanage again. The trip to the orphanage taught me not to take things for granted, after seeing their simple life.
Rachel Ng:
I am fortunate, happy and will not take things for granted as I realize that what I have seems more than what the orphans possess. I feel very sad for the children. Some had been abandoned since as young as 3. But I can tell that they were happy and had a fun time playing with us.
Eugene:
Upon receiving simple snacks, the children’s faces all lit up. I learnt that their daily meal consisted of rice and dhal. I realized that we should learn to treasure what we had. The smile on their faces really made my day.
Ruth:
The trip to the orphanage was the most meaningful part of the trip. The children were all very cute and energetic. My buddy, Ashwini, was very quiet at first, but she began to be more open as we spent more time playing. I promised myself that I would visit an orphanage again and take the opportunity to make the children happy.
Jannelle:
When we were on the way to the orphanage, I felt really excited as I couldn’t wait to interact with the orphans. Time passed as we were on the bus, and soon, I found myself right outside the orphanage. We walked in, and I found myself intimidated for I was staring into all their eyes. But they had looks of anticipation and as soon as we got to interact with the little kids, all intimidation was gone. They were glad to see us, to see the cameras. And in return, I was glad to see their smiles. Even though they were orphans, they showed their joy while singing songs with us. I felt that they were really happy-go-lucky. I loved that they would pull us along with them so that they got to play with us. I really missed them when we left the orphanage..
Aishah:
Personally, I enjoyed my visit to the orphanage. I was glad to have put smiles on the children’s faces. I also observed that when the boys got impatient and threw tantrums, Sister Josephine, their Principal, would tell them to pray. I was glad that we visited the orphanage.
Sze Min:
The Home made me cherish my house and my family members more. Although the circumstances surrounding the children in the Home were really pitiful, they were still very cheerful as they made many friends and formed close bonds with each other. Some of them also have relatives in their home.
Rachel Lau:
It was a pleasure to be with those kids. When I saw their smiles, I felt that all the work we put in was worth it. I was happy that through our efforts they had benefited. It was heartening to see that these orphans had a home to stay in, and they were not hungry, even for a day. Their enthusiasm touched our hearts. They caused me to treasure my family and taught me the importance of family.
Dayanara:
It really was heartening to see that we were able to put smiles on their faces simply by taking pictures with them and giving them sweets. Simple things like these were enough to make them happy. After visiting the orphanage I realized that how fortunate I was. Those children were separated from their parents at such a young age. They did not get to feel the love from their parents while I still could. And yet, I always argued with my parents over the slightest things. We often took what we had for granted> That was the main lesson that I learnt from this experience.
Sunita:
When I stepped into the orphanage for the first time, I felt very nervous because I saw a whole audience of students sitting down looking up at us. There were more than we expected. I was relieved when I found out that we were just taking about 20 of them. My buddy’s name was Sudah. Since the children there had scarce exposure to technology, they were fascinated when I took pictures of them and wanted to try my camera too.
Jeremy Lee:
When I first entered the orphanage, the kids gave us a big welcome. They were very enthusiastic about everything. When we taught them to colour the Merlion, they managed to get the hang of it almost instantly, although it was only their first time. When I gave them a chance to try my camera, they were thrilled by it. They loved the way the lens opened and closed when the camera was turned on and off. I felt a bit sad that these kids hardly ever experienced any gadgets or items. I wondered how I would survive without my hand phone. We also played football with them after that. It seemed that they hardly played any sports. They all wanted a chance to kick the ball. I felt happy to be able to bring some happiness, no matter how little, into their lives. They seemed so happy to try out the activities that we introduced to them.
Hanish:
Firstly, I felt very nervous when we reached there as I did not know what their reaction would be. Upon reaching there, we got a grand welcome. I was very happy when they were clapping. I gave them the goody bags which we packed the day before. Then we started singing and playing games. I taught my partner Darshan to colour the Merlion. I was honoured to be given the garland. We were all smiles when we left. I would always remember the kids.
Joel:
I felt very happy to contribute to the Home and the happiness of the children. Seeing them with wide gleeful smiles made me happy too. I really enjoyed the session, even though I was only taking photos of everyone. Although I didn’t take part in the activities, it was a joy to see my other friends carrying out the activities with them. I was also very happy that Hakim, John, Eugene, Jeremy and I decided to buy a ball for them. We initially bought it to play on our own. However, once we took out the ball to the orphans, they instantly flocked towards it, fighting for the ball, just wanting to get a grip of the ball as if this was the first time they saw and felt a ball. We certainly did buy a blessing in the form a of new toy for them to play with. I ended the day, trudging out reluctantly. However, the children’s toothless grins would definitely be edged in my mind forever.
Johnathan:
I felt very proud of myself and the team as we had done our best to help and bring joy to the children’s lives. I felt very happy and touched at the sight of their smiles and laughter.
Hakim:
I was very much more appreciative of my family as I knew how fortunate I was to have both parents, who could and would show constant love for me.
The trip to the orphanage was really meaningful and left a deep impression in me. I would in fact say that it was the best day I spent in India. I was really touched by how the children enjoyed our performance. The smiles on their faces were the best gifts I could ever get in return. I learnt how fortunate we are that we have our family members by our side, loving us and caring for us, regardless of what we do. The orphans are, on the other hand, way less fortunate, having been abandoned by their parents. I was really surprised at how our little efforts brought so much joy to the orphans. Children are gifts from God. We have to learn to treasure them and treat them like how they deserve to be treated.
Peiwern:
My buddy, Sasi, was a very kind person! When Aishah lost her camera, and was questioning everybody about its whereabouts, she tried conversing with her friends in their language, Kanada(I know because she made hand gestures and said the word “camera”). How thoughtful! But I didn’t really spend all my time with her as she was playing with her friend, Suda, who is also very sweet to offer me her Apollo Strawberry cake! She could also colour very well, and spoke English quite fluently. One of her friends, while explaining to me when her birthday was, said something to Sasi who replied, “Day after today.” Haha. I was very reluctant to leave, and even saying a hundred goodbyes didn’t help D: I hope I can come again next year! I think family is not all about blood ties, but also about whom you love and those who love you in return.
Jacqueline:
To be able to bring joy to someone who really needs it is a joy to me. The kindness and willingness to share is such a gift to behold. The way the child holds our hand to the way they play with us, their innocence and smiles cannot fail to lighten up my day. In the end, I can only say, it is not them who should thank us, but it is us who should thank them.
Jeremy Ng:
I felt a sense of joy when I gave the children the goodies and they thanked me. That touched me. It was also a rare experience to visit such an orphanage. I guess we made them happy for that whole day and that perhaps made us happy too in return. If I had the chance, I would want to go back to the orphanage again. The trip to the orphanage taught me not to take things for granted, after seeing their simple life.
Rachel Ng:
I am fortunate, happy and will not take things for granted as I realize that what I have seems more than what the orphans possess. I feel very sad for the children. Some had been abandoned since as young as 3. But I can tell that they were happy and had a fun time playing with us.
Eugene:
Upon receiving simple snacks, the children’s faces all lit up. I learnt that their daily meal consisted of rice and dhal. I realized that we should learn to treasure what we had. The smile on their faces really made my day.
Ruth:
The trip to the orphanage was the most meaningful part of the trip. The children were all very cute and energetic. My buddy, Ashwini, was very quiet at first, but she began to be more open as we spent more time playing. I promised myself that I would visit an orphanage again and take the opportunity to make the children happy.
Jannelle:
When we were on the way to the orphanage, I felt really excited as I couldn’t wait to interact with the orphans. Time passed as we were on the bus, and soon, I found myself right outside the orphanage. We walked in, and I found myself intimidated for I was staring into all their eyes. But they had looks of anticipation and as soon as we got to interact with the little kids, all intimidation was gone. They were glad to see us, to see the cameras. And in return, I was glad to see their smiles. Even though they were orphans, they showed their joy while singing songs with us. I felt that they were really happy-go-lucky. I loved that they would pull us along with them so that they got to play with us. I really missed them when we left the orphanage..
Aishah:
Personally, I enjoyed my visit to the orphanage. I was glad to have put smiles on the children’s faces. I also observed that when the boys got impatient and threw tantrums, Sister Josephine, their Principal, would tell them to pray. I was glad that we visited the orphanage.
Sze Min:
The Home made me cherish my house and my family members more. Although the circumstances surrounding the children in the Home were really pitiful, they were still very cheerful as they made many friends and formed close bonds with each other. Some of them also have relatives in their home.
Rachel Lau:
It was a pleasure to be with those kids. When I saw their smiles, I felt that all the work we put in was worth it. I was happy that through our efforts they had benefited. It was heartening to see that these orphans had a home to stay in, and they were not hungry, even for a day. Their enthusiasm touched our hearts. They caused me to treasure my family and taught me the importance of family.
Dayanara:
It really was heartening to see that we were able to put smiles on their faces simply by taking pictures with them and giving them sweets. Simple things like these were enough to make them happy. After visiting the orphanage I realized that how fortunate I was. Those children were separated from their parents at such a young age. They did not get to feel the love from their parents while I still could. And yet, I always argued with my parents over the slightest things. We often took what we had for granted> That was the main lesson that I learnt from this experience.
Sunita:
When I stepped into the orphanage for the first time, I felt very nervous because I saw a whole audience of students sitting down looking up at us. There were more than we expected. I was relieved when I found out that we were just taking about 20 of them. My buddy’s name was Sudah. Since the children there had scarce exposure to technology, they were fascinated when I took pictures of them and wanted to try my camera too.
Jeremy Lee:
When I first entered the orphanage, the kids gave us a big welcome. They were very enthusiastic about everything. When we taught them to colour the Merlion, they managed to get the hang of it almost instantly, although it was only their first time. When I gave them a chance to try my camera, they were thrilled by it. They loved the way the lens opened and closed when the camera was turned on and off. I felt a bit sad that these kids hardly ever experienced any gadgets or items. I wondered how I would survive without my hand phone. We also played football with them after that. It seemed that they hardly played any sports. They all wanted a chance to kick the ball. I felt happy to be able to bring some happiness, no matter how little, into their lives. They seemed so happy to try out the activities that we introduced to them.
Hanish:
Firstly, I felt very nervous when we reached there as I did not know what their reaction would be. Upon reaching there, we got a grand welcome. I was very happy when they were clapping. I gave them the goody bags which we packed the day before. Then we started singing and playing games. I taught my partner Darshan to colour the Merlion. I was honoured to be given the garland. We were all smiles when we left. I would always remember the kids.
Joel:
I felt very happy to contribute to the Home and the happiness of the children. Seeing them with wide gleeful smiles made me happy too. I really enjoyed the session, even though I was only taking photos of everyone. Although I didn’t take part in the activities, it was a joy to see my other friends carrying out the activities with them. I was also very happy that Hakim, John, Eugene, Jeremy and I decided to buy a ball for them. We initially bought it to play on our own. However, once we took out the ball to the orphans, they instantly flocked towards it, fighting for the ball, just wanting to get a grip of the ball as if this was the first time they saw and felt a ball. We certainly did buy a blessing in the form a of new toy for them to play with. I ended the day, trudging out reluctantly. However, the children’s toothless grins would definitely be edged in my mind forever.
Johnathan:
I felt very proud of myself and the team as we had done our best to help and bring joy to the children’s lives. I felt very happy and touched at the sight of their smiles and laughter.
Hakim:
I was very much more appreciative of my family as I knew how fortunate I was to have both parents, who could and would show constant love for me.
Day 5, Bangalore : 22 June 2010
After breakfast, we whizzed straight to Sri Kumaran Children’s Home and had our first taste of Vedic Math. It is a creative yet practical system of calculation strategies and can be applied in arithmetic and algebra. Although it seemed complicated, we were convinced that there would be a use for it one day. What if our calculators were damaged or run out of batteries? What if we were to forget to bring our calculators?
Next, we were taught to make terracotta jewellery. What we lacked in talent, we matched with enthusiasm. Inspired by our patient instructor who explained each and every step of the process, we produced a range of earrings, pendants, charms for bracelets.
Our afternoon was spent at Thomas Children’s Home, an orphanage at the outskirts of Bangalore colouring bookmarks, singing, playing musical games and soccer together with the orphans ranging from 5 to 11 years old. Time passed so quickly, and before we knew it, we had to say goodbye. The Home presented us with flower garlands as a show of appreciation.
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