Another thought on 20th NLLC 2010

I am really thankful to be given the chance to experience another NLLC but this time as a part of the organizing team. I have to say that it is a different experience altogether from being a delegate but it is one that I will hold close to my heart.

It didn’t matter to me having extra responsibilities this time around. The fact that this was my first time as an OT as well made my experience even more meaningful. I enjoyed every moment of it and it gave me such a clear reminder of how things were done at La Salle Centre.

To me this group of OT’s really worked hard for each other, shared one another’s burden and gave their all with very little to complain about. It didn’t matter to them that I was new or inexperienced but they took me in and I instantly felt a sense of belonging even from the start of the first OT meet.

We were all made up of Lasallians from different schools, different backgrounds and from all across the country and it's always going to be inspiring for me to be given the chance to work with such incredible individuals, with each of us willing to contribute in any way we can.

This year’s theme “Forward with Faith” gave me a real different view on spirituality as a Lasallian and it really challenged me to look deeper into myself and my beliefs. It’s been a really emotional journey for me but a meaningful one at that.

It has been a privilege working with such a group and although I still have much to learn I will look forward towards continuing my journey just as I enjoyed my time as an OT in Nationals.

-Leroy-

Reflections on 20th NLLC 2010

NLLC - the news that you're invited to participate in this convention is indeed exhilarating and exciting. For me, I had the same feelings when I knew that I was invited to help out as an organizing team member. I had mixed feelings too, as this will be my second year as an OT and I felt that there were expectations for me to be like Superman. Anyhow, that feeling was all gone when I replied yes and I have no regrets towards that decision.

From the planning and the actual convention, every moment has made an impact in my heart, although the amount of lame jokes throughout the convention was quite extreme. I felt that it is an honour for me to meet new people and too see old friends. It is very refreshing and inspiring to see the passion and the motivation in everyone. Listening to the sessions and the stories shared also made me remember the Lasallian mission and the reason behind the need for service.

One of the delegates asked me why I wanted to be an OT, and I actually took some time to respond. After putting some thought in it, I feel that it is a learning process for me. It is a break from the daily routine that I have in campus where life is very self-centered. All the laughter and tears in the convention made me grow to be a better person within my circle of friends, family and society (I hope).

-KOK LOONG-

La Salle PJ - 2nd year of LDOPP while St Andrew's School takes a baby step!

From SMK La Salle, PJ, we conducted two projects. One was preparing a poster and the other was doing up the Heritage Notice Board in the Lecture Hall.

For the poster, all of us from Regionals planned the sketch and design of the poster and stuck the poster in front of the Porch's Corridor. The same thing was carried out for the Heritage Notice Board. For this, we chose stories, information and pictures for everyone to read.

One of the good part about this project was that we managed to complete it before the school session ended. We were late and it was difficult to arrange a meeting with Pn. Vasu, our principal, to discuss. Therefore, we were glad and happy to finish it at our time of goal. In addition, we also had good and co-operative teachers who lent a helping hand and supported us all the way. We also had the wondrous and warm support from our fellow members.

Although we couldn’t continue and proceed with other projects, we did feel good and blessed to be the ones to carry out these two. Since the school’s management is happy to create awareness about the various, good themes the Regional Convention team brings in every year through LDOPP, I think we should continue doing LDOPP projects in the many more years to come. This would simply be the way of changing the world, and making it a better place, just like our role model St. John Baptist de La Salle.

And we have a few pictures of a screening from St Andrews...

St Anthony's join the fray...

Eng Heng writes:

COLOUR-BLINDness is the inability to distinguish specific colours from others. But in a wider sense, we all need to be COLOUR-BLIND. We live in a world of many races, religions and creeds. But our differences are meant to be embraced and celebrated, rather than to discriminate and alienate. Human history is marred by various instances of horrific racial violence that jolts us and makes us wonder why.

In conjunction with the International Day of Prayers for Peace (LDOPP), the Lasallian Board of SMK Saint Anthony held an essay writing competition which is divided into 3 categories:

i) Category 1 (Form 1 and 2)

ii) Category 2 (Form 3 and 4)

iii) Category 3 (Form 5 and 6)

The titles for the essay writing competition are as follows:

i) The Colours of Malaysia

ii) I am Malaysian and proud to be one

iii) Diversified Unity

iv) Equality among Races

Besides essay writing competition, we decorated our heritage wall which is located just beside the stairs so that all the students can have a look at it. We decorated it with articles and pictures which provided by the La Salle centre.

This year, SMK Saint Anthony for the first time successfully held LDOPP. It was not a huge success but it’s the sincerity and the hardwork that meant the most. I hope next year we will organise a better LDOPP.

And here's an insightful piece from Jason Ng Kin Kit:

I am Malaysian and Proud to be One

With Malaysia celebrating its 53^rd year of independence, it gets one to think. Looking at the fact that celebrations tend to get less and less interesting as years pass, one may observe that school children have far less enthusiasm as the generation progresses, and during occasions such as this, sometimes more than half of the student body doesn’t even bother showing up.

I remember how I was forced to pay a dollar and twenty cents for a flag that’s stitches came undone even before I had the chance to wave it. Has patriotism really been reduced to merely waving a flag to a song that’s lyrics we don’t see a reason why we should remember? Has patriotism really been reduced to merely giving long meaningless speeches that seem to be trying to implement a sense of unity within its audience? Is this the true depiction of independence? Is this how we honor those who fought for it? Hardly.

Despite all that, a deep sense of belonging managed to creep up and out somewhere from within. A quiet yet very real sense of pride to be where I am. To be here, on earth, at this particular spot, HERE, in Malaysia. And as I look around me, no single individual being the same; not in looks, not in color, not in character, not in race or beliefs.

Yet something within blinds me to all differences and compels me to love. And like a gush of fresh air that hit me out of nowhere, awakened my spirit, and for a moment there I felt a true taste of freedom. Freedom from hatred, from prejudice, from bitterness and intolerance. Yes, it is an uphill task, and a constant struggle, a battle that we are so close to losing but let me tell you is every bit worth fighting for.

For in all the complexities of how a nation stands as one, the strive for unity boils down to one simple reason. This is MY country. MY people. If I don’t love it, fight for it, who will?

I am Malaysian. Aren’t you one too?

Next up, St Xavier's Institution!

Daryl Cheah shares:

Lasallian Day of Prayer for Peace, otherwise known as LDOPP was tasked to us by La Salle Centre, Ipoh. Our theme this year is “Colourblind”. Our activities were selling of button badges, setting up a booth, giving a speech to the students and setting up of peace wall. The duration was a one month period from 24^th September till 21^st October.

The project started out with a speech given by Teh Jia Wei to the students during our Friday school assembly regarding our topics and activities that were about to be carried out.

During the 27^th of October, a peace wall was decorated along our schools ping pong court with articles on peace and was revealed to the students on the 28^th of September. It stayed up till the 21^st of October.

After that, on the 4^th of October, we prepared sweets with tags containing quotes that show colour-blindness, as well as peace quotes, to be given out during the 1^st and 2^nd recess.

A canvas was prepared for students who supported our cause to sign and put hand prints on it.

On the 15^th of October our fourth and final activity was selling of Button Badges. The button badges were sold out fast. We earned a total of RM 120.00. The money will be donated to the La Salle Centre Penang.

The good thing about LDOPP is that we ourselves get the chance to accomplish this project to make a better future for everyone else. We were able to touch hearts and change lives as said in our school motto. We only managed to reach out to a handful of students, but as long as we touch the hearts of some, it’s already a big achievement for us.

The project opened up my eyes towards the suffering of many because of difference in religion. It opened my eyes and made me realise that even thought we are from different races and religions, there is only one race in the world, it is called The Human Race.

Honsa Ung writes:

The good thing about LDOPP was I had a chance to work things out together with my fellow friends and develop teamwork among us. Furthermore, I have learnt how to overcome obstacles which were blocking me from reaching the top.

What went wrong during LDOPP was only the timing, preparation and organization. Some of the teachers did have some interest in this programme and supported us. For the students, most of them were actually interested in this programme and questioned us about it but unfortunately they don’t really know the story of La Salle.

I am happy to be in the organising team of LDOPP. It buries the spirit of changing lives in me and I have learnt a lot of stuff from here. It was quite tough organising LDOPP as we lacked manpower sometimes and it clashes with our exams, but we took it as a challenge and got over it.

St Paul's Institution's turn at glamour..

Danesh Thiagarajah shares about SPI's activities for LDOPP:

i. Launching at School Assembly :

Prayers of Various Faiths led by members of PLC

Launching of LDOPP 2010 by Principal of SMK St.Paul, Madam Yap See Moi, followed by Message of Peace on the Peace Wall.

Launching ended with Universal Prayer.

Abel Arwin presenting his opening speech.

Mdm Yap See Moi launching LDOPP SPI 2010.

ii. LDOPP ‘Colourblind’ Evening :

Slide Show entitled ‘Colour Blind’ and Music Sing Along

Movie Screening : The Power of 10 Cents

Reflection

Interfaith Prayers and music, followed by the lighting of candles for peace.

‘Celebrate Diversity’ Game

Some of the many guests who attended the main event on Saturday night.

Some of the guests lighting up the STAR FOR PEACE.

The STAR FOR PEACE .

The game called Celebrate Diversity being carried out.

The guests with Mdm Ng for a group photo.

iii. PEACE WALL :

The Peace Wall was set up at the centre of the stage at the Assembly Ground for the students and teachers to put up their messages of peace. The response was overwhelming and the wall filled up with messages of peace within two days.

Mdm Yap placing her peace message onto the peace wall.

Some of the students writing in their peace messages to be placed onto the peace wall.

The peace wall with some of the many messages that were put up during the three day period.

i

v. EXHIBITION :

An exhibition of articles, stories and pictures in conjunction with LDOPP was put on display a along the walkway outside the staffroom. This informative display was able to give genera information to Paulians on the significance of LDOPP, and was a focal point during the 3-day programme.

The exhibiton that was held for students to read and learn about LDOPP.

Another view of the exhibition.

Some of the students at the exhibition.

The Organising Committee of LDOPP 2010 was happy to note the encouraging response to the programmes and activities held this year. Especially motivating and much appreciated was the response to the LDOPP ‘Colourblind‘ Evening which saw an attendance of over 50 members, teachers and guests. This was despite the fact that the event was held at night.

The Organising Committee worked well together to ensure that the programmes and activities planned were carried out successfully. The hard work and cooperation is much appreciated.

We would like to record our appreciation to the La Salle Centre, Ipoh for supplying us with the LDOPP Kit to help us to carry out this programme successfully.

Our sincere thanks to the Principal, Madam Yap See Moi for her support and encouragement, our teacher-advisor Madam Ng Siew Pin for her guidance, and to all Paulians for their support in ensuring the success of LDOPP 2010.

Some of the committee members with Mdm Ng.

When La Salle KK also became 'Colourblind'

Ms Yvonne, teacher advisor of La Salle KK shared that:

La Salle KK had our LDOPP this year between 11 Oct – 04 Nov. During the Monday assembly, Sheldon made the introduction speech (in BM), followed by inter-faith prayers led by Othman, Pritchard and Izral. Meanwhile, Fareez and other members of the Young Lasallian Movement (YLSM) had done up an exhibition on the YLSM notice board in our senior campus.

Inter-faith prayer during assembly

Exhibition on notice board

It was an improvement from last year’s exhibition and speech, as I could see the spirit in the YLSM boys when they prepare for the occasion. I think LDOPP should be continued – it is a very meaningful and educational thing for the students as a whole. To be more effective, I suggest that more BM should be used, and simpler, less sophisticated and ‘scholastic’ materials need to be adapted, as we need to cater for Form 1 – 3 students as well.

A 'Colourbind' St Martin, Tambunan

Roland Ronald:

Lasallian Youth Movement(LYM) Sm St Martin telah membuat lawatan dan kerja amal ke Pusat Pemulihan Komuniti (PPDK) pada 16 Oktober 2010 sebagai salah satu aktiviti sempena LDOPP.

LDOPP dijalankan bagi mendoakan keamanan dunia dan disertai oleh semua pergerakan La Salle di dunia, termasuklah LYM di Sm St Marrtin, Tampasak Tambunan.

PPDK adalah pusat yang menempatkan golongan orang kurang upaya sekitar daerah Tambunan. Ibubapa menghantar anak mereka ke tempat ini, agar didik untuk berdikari dan belajar untuk melakukan kerja-kerja rumah serta menguruskan diri mereka sendiri.

Seramai 15 ahli Lasallian dari LYM dan diiring dengan seorang guru La Salle telah sama-sama menjayakan aktiviti ini. Setibanya kami di sana,rombongan kami disambut oleh Puan Ruth selaku penyelia tempat itu, ibu bapa dan anak-anak mereka. Antara aktiviti yang dijalankan di tempat ini ialah:

Ø Membersihkan halaman PPDK

Ø Mengelap tingkat

Ø Menyapu ruang dalam pusat itu

Ø Membantu masak untuk makan tengah hari

Ø Bermain “games La Salle” bersama warga PPDK

Keriangan dan kegembiraan jelas terpancar di wajah warga PPDK. Setelah melakukan kerja-kerja pembersihan, kami pun berehat sambil meluangkan masa kami dengan bermain dengan mereka. Nampaknya, aktiviti yang dijalankan oleh ahli belia La Salle Sm St Martin telah merapatkan hubungan antara kami dengan mereka di sana.

Tepat pukul 1.00 petang, kami menjamu selera dengan hidangan tengah hari yang disediakan oleh beberapa ahli La Salle dan mereka yang bertugas menyediakan makanan tengah hari untuk warga di situ. Sebelum balik, ahli LYM membantu penyelia pusat itu untuk mengemas dan menyusun tempat tersebut.

Sebagai seorang manusia yang sempurna, janganlah sesekali kita menyisihkan masyarakat yang kurang sempurna dan berlainan bangsa, agama dan bahasa.

Sesungguhnya tema LDOPP pada tahun ini, benar-benar menyedarkan kita bahawa “COLOURBLIND” menuntun kita ke arah kehidupan komuniti yang aman dengan layanan yang sama rata. Ini disebabkan tema ini merupakan satu metafora untuk mengajak masyarakat untuk tidak mengamalkan diskriminasi berdasarkan warna kulit dan ketidak sempurnaan orang lain.

Saya sangat berbangga menjadi seorang lasallian yang dapat menghulurkan tangan untuk membantu mereka yang serba kekurangan.

Darrell Robert:

Pada 20 Oktober 2010, Pergerakan Belia La Salle (LYM) SM. St. Martin, Tambunan, Sabah telah menjalankan aktiviti sempena LDOPP.

Aktiviti ini dimulakan dengan mesej pengenalan LDOPP yang dibacakan oleh Saudari Dana Herman. Mesej ini menyeru kepada semua warga sekolah menjadi buta warna dan bersama-sama menentang unsur rasisme serta merayakan unsur-unsur kepelbagaian di Malaysia. Selain itu, mesej ini juga menyeru agar menghargai dan merayakan kepelbagaian agama, bangsa dan budaya yang ada di negara ini.

Selepas itu, satu “slideshow” telah dijalankan untuk memberikan pengenalan LDOPP kepada seluruh warga sekolah dan menghayati erti sebenar tema aktiviti tersebut. Kebanyakkan daripada pelajar Sm St Martin sangat khusyuk menonton “slideshow” tersebut.

Selepas slideshow selesai, pembacaan doa telah diadakan bermula dengan doa untuk seluruh dunia atau Universal Prayer yang dibacakan oleh saudara Joey clement Henry diikuti oleh doa-doa daripada agama-agama utama di dunia seperti Buddha yang dibacakan oleh saudara Boniface Wong, doa Kristian pula dibacakan oleh saudari Viona Henry dan manakala bacaan doa Muslim yang disampaikan oleh saudara Nazar Shah Anuar.

Aktiviti ini, diakhiri dengan laungan “Lasallian” oleh ahli-ahli Pergerakan Belia La Salle (LYM) Sm St Martin dan diikuti oleh seluruh warag Sm St Martin yang terlibat dalam aktiviti ini.

Ribuan terima kasih dan penghargaan kepada semua ahli yang terlibat dalam menjayakan aktiviti ini dan seluruh warga sekolah atas kerjasama yang diberikan.

Saya sangat bersyukur kerana diberikan peluang yang besar ini untuk melaporkan betapa jayanya aktiviti ini dijalankan pada tahun ini. Semoga aktiviti ini dapat memberikan kesedaran dan dorongan kepada seluruh warga sekolah dalam jangka masa yang panjang kerana ini dapat membantu pelajar Sm St Martin agar tidak bersikap rasisme dalam mengharungi apa jua cabaran pada masa hadapan.

Dana Herman, coordinator for St Martin’s:

Sepanjang pantauan yang saya lakukan, saya dapat melihat bahawa ahli La Salle SMART sanggup meninggalkan kelas peperiksaan mereka untuk menjayakan aktiviti Ldopp ini.

Pada awalnya pengetua sekolah ini tidak mahu ahli La Salle yang terlibat dalam peperiksaan seperti PMR,SPM, dan STPM melibatkan diri dalam program LDOPP.

Namun, ia tidak melemahkan semangat Lasallian mereka. Mereka yang melibatkan diri secara majoriti adalah di kalangan Ting. 5 & 6.

Hal ini telah membuatkan kalangan pendidik sedar bahawa kelab ini bukan sahaja mampu mengubah nasib orang lain tetapi juga telah mencipta satu semangat yang utuh.

Bagi pandangan saya, program Ldopp seperti tahun ini, perlu diteruskan pada setiap tahun kerana aktiviti ini kemungkinan boleh meningkatkan motivasi kepada diri belia La Salle di seluruh Malaysia.

Akhir kata dari saya, saya sangat berbangga kerana mendapat peluang untuk menjadi salah seorang kordinator dalam program yang julung-julung diadakan ini. “Once A Lasallian, Always Be Lasallian”.

Formation Team Weekend 1

Time flies. Soon it will be Christmas Day, and then New Year Day will creep up on us, and what next?

The Formation Team Weekend 1! It will be held on 15 - 16 January, 2011. We're telling you this one year ahead of time, so make sure you book your weekend at La Salle Centre early!

Here's wishing all who are celebrating, a very Merry Christmas and a ...New Year's wish on the way!

Voices of Students: LISTEN UP!

Hello!

It is the end of the year when everyone is bitten by the holiday bug, be it for Christmas or New Year.

While you're taking a break from studies/work, please do spend a little bit of time to support (sign) this campaign, and also to FORWARD the information below to all your friends, family, colleagues....EVERYONE!

During the Conference on Education Malaysia 2010 organised by La Salle Centre in May, a campaign was launched to promote a student-centric education system, one where students' views are given due consideration in matters affecting them (English or Malay, History or not, PMR or UPSR etc).

This campaign is helmed by the Malaysian Lasallian Formation Team (FT), led by the Malaysian Lasallian Youth Commision (MLYC).

The objectives of this campaign are:

- to gain endorsement from 25,000 Malaysians who believe that the views of students need to be taken into consideration for their best interest.

- on 16 April 2011, a youth forum will be held to discuss on Malaysian educational issues and come up with recommendations for the education system.

- on 15 May 2011 (Malaysian National Youth Day), a report containing the recommendations will be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Malaysia

The purpose of this campaign goes beyond encouraging people to listen to the students in terms of education. It is hoped that further long-term benefits will also be achieved.

When others listen, students will be more empowered to speak up and to give their opinions. Encouraging students to articulate their views will lead to a culture of analytical and critical thinking, which is a much-needed skill for students to become leaders of tomorrow (or even today!).

We have approximately 80 delegates for each convention. With 20 conventions under La Salle Centre’s belts, we could have 1,330 (70 x 19) signatures from delegates alone.

With approximately 1,000 students in each Lasallian school, and 15 Lasallian schools all over Malaysia, we could have 15,000 (1000 x 15) signatures from Lasallian students alone.

After that we only need 8,670 more signatures to reach that targeted 25,000.

If each Lasallian student asked 0.5 family member to join in, we would reach our target in no time! (of course, friends, family, teachers… are very much needed to help make this campaign a success, not just 0.5. ;P )

So, in this season of giving, do lend your name for a good cause and spread the word, and to all current students, do get EVERYONE in your schools to sign our petition in January!

Please visit www.voicesofstudents.wordpress.com for more information. The online petition can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/VOSLU/petition.html.

And as 2011 knocks on our door, let us open the door and say ‘Yes, we can!’