Babysitting...

Well, that wasn't exactly what we were doing in Selayang but as compared to the typical age group that we normally deal with, these participants were really young, being between 10-12 years old.

It was an opportunity for us to get a different perspective of youth development. And as we set out to Selayang on Wednesday morning, we were both excited yet nervous as none of us had the experience of dealing with children from that particular demographic.

Marveen sums up our experience-

The Lasallian FT was once again in action, this time conducting a session for a group of kids in a programme organised by Yayasan Kajian Pembangunan Masyarakat. These kids come from an urban poor background, consisting of Indian and Malay kids. They all lived in flats in Selayang and were present for a 3 day camp, conducted by a group of young and very enthusiastic group of teenagers. We (Jon, Pui Yi and myself) were requested to do a simple session on Wednesday, the second day of the camp, on Values; somewhat similar to our Regional sessions (or so we thought).

As we headed of to Selayang that morning, we did not anticipate the challenge that was awaiting us over there. I must say, it was a very challenging task, but worth all the fun. Pui Yi conducted the first session on introducing values using a few bedtime stories. The task was to get the kids to tell the story and find its values, and that proved to be the challenge. They understood the story but found it difficult to speak it out as most of them were not so fluent in BM, gratefully the OT's managed to get them to understand it in Tamil, and in the process we learned a few words, Jon and Pui Yi that is.

As we progressed through the day we got to know these kids even more and it was a totally different experience alltogether, working with kids. Jon took off his session with an Obstacle course and followed with the balloon and pen game. His role was to wake them up from their assumed-value-centered mind or state, and to say that in reality, they do break their values without knowing so. It went well as the kids had much fun during the activities.

The final session was facilitated by me. The session was based on incorporating values towards Teambuilding. In groups, the activity was to build a bridge from paper and tape that could withstand the weight of at most 5 tin cans of soft drinks. The teams did well, quite ingeniusly I must say. This was then followed with the Entanglement game and the Raffia Loop around a Circle game. The whole time it was utter chaos, there were groups with awesome ideas, to kids in tears and playful slaps. Words cant describe the experience we had that day, though i said chaos, it was a fun filled one. And Pui Yi now has a profound respect for primary teachers, and I think Jon and I can second that.

I do have to say this, though the task was some what challenging and attention span was a fragment throughout the process, these kids got the message, having values equals to being and doing good. It was well worth the time we've spent there and to be a part of this movement, spreading change well beyond the Lasallian community and fulfilling the audacious path of Hope. It is these simple and tiny changes that can one day make a huge difference, you see Change will only come if we yearn and act for it.

All in all, a great experience and well worth the time spent.

-Marveen-

Thanks Marveen for the detailed sharing. Photos to follow soon. =)

Your Choice of FT Weekend 2

Dear all,

We're in the midst of organizing FT Weekend 2 which tentatively will be held on 22-23 August 2009. A few topics were suggested and we need your help in deciding on one.

Please RANK YOUR PREFERENCE from 1 - 5 for the following choices:

Choice A: First Aid Workshop
Learn some basic first aid skills, which may come in handy someday. You'll never know!

Choice B: Taking Care of Yourself - Health Consciousness
Get to know and understand your body, and how you can live a healthy lifestyle. (Note: No, we're not gonna make you run round SMI's field ten times... or we may!)

Choice C: Consumerism and Materialism
Consciously or subconsciously, each of us is affected by consumerism and crass materialism, whether in school or at work. We'll seek to explore more on its causes, effects, and how can we deal with it.

Choice D: Reflection
To learn more about reflection skills, and its practicality in our everyday lives - skills, impact, and how will it help us.

Choice E: Go Green!
Explore environmental issues and how Lasallians can play a part in saving the world (literally).

Do take a few minutes to make a choice and leave a comment on your preference. It won't take long!

And try to do it by 5 June, so that we may compile the results and get to work.

Thankss!

Southern Region Convention - Summing up

We have 2 sharings here. One from Rinesh, the chairperson for this year's Southern Region Lasallian Convention.

I think every OT and fasi will say Aiye with me when it comes to the experience and tonnes of fun in Southern Regional Convention. It was a very new experience not only for the delegates, the new OTs, the experienced OTs but even for the super experienced OTs. ehem ehem.....

This year, even with few minor hiccups, the convention really went on strong and managed to make a strong impact on the delegates from these 3 different schools. The delegates were very friendly and jovial this year. They did know when to speak, respond and react. This gave them an extra edge to understand better about the convention theme, Break Walls, Build Bridges.

Being an OT will sure to tire you up throughout the convention, but the spirit and the helping hand from all my fellow beloved OTs really got me through easily and also while I was having fun. The OTs were simply AWESOME! Not to mention the ever busy and helpful Facilitators and Isaac.All in all, I'm not sure bout the other regionals, but southern regionals really gave me an impact to last in my memories and to keep me going throughout this whole year.

ViVa LaSaLLiAnA
RINESHWARAN

The other sharing is from someone who chooses to remain anonymous. Here it goes.

It was a GREAT GREAT experience to be part of the organizing team. Although it was my first time, I never once felt like a stranger at all because the people there made it so easy for me. They were all friendly, helpful and fun too. Oh and they were all very CO-OPERATIVE. They taught me so much, like how to not be nervous speaking in front of the participants (I was a day chair then). Apart from what they taught me, I also learnt to be more responsible. I was in charge of finance, so handling all the money was not easy and very risky (kinda easy actually, I exaggerating only).I had a lot of fun there too. Like the games and singing. Oh I also enjoyed all the affirmations I’ve got. One of the participants wrote me a lyric from one of Taylor Swift’s song (Love Story). Kinda cheeky but I like it. Conclusion, both thumbs-up for the experience!!!

5000 words

Southern Region Lasallian Convention 2009 - A picture paints a thousand words.

Our Holiday in Port Dickson...

...with sandy beaches, beautiful sunsets, outdoor activities.

What could it have been if not a holiday? =P

Here is Dinah's and Yumin's account of the Klang Valley Lasallian Convention that happened not too long ago on 17-19 April.

They never saw it coming...

When I first volunteered to be an OT this year, I thought it would be the same like last year’s regional convention. However, it was very much different this year. This is because the responsibilities were more. I was in-charge of secretariat, food and reflection. All three were very fresh for me but reflection was my biggest fear because I haven’t written any reflection scripts before. It was the toughest thing to come out with an idea and to have a proper script. On the other hand, I felt that the delegates this year were better than last year. They were more controllable during sessions. Nevertheless, I learnt many new things from every convention. The most important thing is cooperation among OTs and facilitators to make the convention successful. Besides, being helpful to give a helping hand is a priority too because only a small group of OTs working together. All in all, it was a fun and enjoyable yet hectic convention where I gained a lot of new experiences. A big thank you to all for your great help and kind support.

-Dinah

Err...an activity

It was my second year as an Organising Team member of the Klang Valley Lasallian Convention, and this year’s experience was totally different compared to last year’s convention but still awesome nonetheless.

We left for La Salle, Port Dickson at approximately 3pm from La Salle PJ and during our journey there, we played some games on the bus as the delegates seemed lifeless. I repeat, lifeless, BUT upon reaching there, for the first session, the delegates grew from a lifeless crowd to an extremely energetic crowd. It was a highly attentive and boisterous crowd. Meeting different Organising Team members while working hand in hand with them was a great experience. Not forgetting, the delegates too; their energy and enthusiasm towards the whole convention deserves a round of applause. Hopefully, this convention has taught them something new and different. In whole, a terrific experience being a part of the whole convention process in Port Dickson even though we did not have the opportunity to go to the beach.

Break Walls, Build Bridges.
Yumin

The BUAYAs circling Shobana

Yumin's idea of fun...well, they did look like they were enjoying themselves too

And by 3rd day, the OTs pretty much couldn't wake up 28 young Lasallians ready to Break Walls and Build Bridges!

Now that the Klang Valley and Southern Region Conventions are done...

...we'll have some pictures and sharings really soon!

Do you have plans for the weekend? ;)

Well, YOU DO NOW!!


In fact, we have TWO events you could plug in to, especially for all those in the Klang Valley Region (WKC, VSW, SDF, LWH, LKM, CCYM, JCLP, VPN1, VPN2, VMM ... yes I'm talking to you!)

Kanching waterfall clean up, as previously posted is happening on Sunday (scroll down)


OR if you're not a Sunday person, or you're a home-on-Sunday-with-myself kind of person...try this:



TREE REPLANTING IN RAJA MUSA FOREST RESERVE

Date - 18/4 (Sat)
Time - 9am to 12pm
Location - Parit 7, Raja Musa Forest Reserve, Selangor

Some minor registration is required, CLICK HERE to access the official event site and register.

Furthermore, we know someone going already, so the first 4 people interested can probably tag along in her car (if you contact her soon enough). Or you could make plans to meet up there!

Contact Joyce @ 012-5014126 or jvsivalingam@hotmail.com



P/s - WKC, VSW, SDF, VMM, LWH, LKM, CCYM, JCLP, VPN1, VPN2 are initials. You know who you are!