Service Learning Team Elderly Home Volunteering (25/05/24)
On Saturday, the 25th May 2024, our Service Learning Team had the privilege of spending part of the day volunteering at the Lok Sin Tong Chu Ting Cheong Home for the Aged. It was an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience for all involved. The students led the elderly residents in various group activities, from a bottle passing game to solving mind-stimulating riddles. But beyond just the activities, our students truly connected with the seniors, listening intently to their life stories and experiences. This volunteering opportunity not only brightened the lives of those we served, but also profoundly impacted our own students, inspiring deeper empathy and a greater sense of care towards others.
Reflections from our student leaders
- 4S (11) Yeung Yuen Kei, Charlotte
As the leader of the elderly home visit , I have learned a lot about the process of planning for an outing. For example, contacting the organisation, creating the games and explaining the activities for our teammates. In the beginning stages of contacting the organisation, it was not easy because we couldn’t schedule a suitable time. After multiple exchanges back and forth, we were able to make a plan that suited all. The communication between the organisation and our teammates to arrange the time was challenging, but this experience also gave me a chance to learn how to communicate well with others, become adaptable and figure out a plan that is good for everyone.
- 5S (6) Lim Cheuk Chee, Rachel
Leading the team was a valuable opportunity for me as it fostered my communication, organisation and leadership skills. I had several discussions to arrange the schedules, divide the responsibilities, and get all the supplies needed during the event. During the planning process, the most challenging part was figuring out the right activities to engage and delight the elderly, taking into account variations in their motor abilities as well as hobbies. We brainstormed various ideas from traditional board games to sing-along music games to consider which games would appeal to different abilities and interests. It was truly an honor for me to be one of the leaders in the activity. This activity not only made me feel more committed to the team, but it also made me feel the joy of helping those in need. I would be delighted to participate in more similar activities. This experience made me understand that sometimes what seems like a small action to us might seem big to others.
- 5S (9) Sharma Suhana
As one of the leaders in charge of handling the project, we delegated tasks efficiently into 3 different groups which had their own tasks to discuss, addressed some of the concerns of our teammates and tackled the situations in an effective manner. In my group, we were in charge of the riddles. I ensured that my teammates had enough time to research and deliver the riddles in a proper manner. I feel that in terms of communication and delivery, it was overall pretty good and gave everyone clear insights regarding what they were going to do. Volunteering made me realise that even small actions would lead to a bigger impact on the world. I hope that one day all the students get a chance to participate in volunteering to benefit the community, even if it’s just a mere gesture. It’s the effort that counts.
