Sa Wee's Mini Diary!

Monday, March 21, 2011 ♥ 1:47 AM

hi peeps. hmmm~ Overall, i would say that the pre yep programme was a success. (: It kind of started with cassie and myself meeting up with some year threes to discuss the programme and while planning, it was really important to note that whatever activities that we plan for, awwa clients can enjoy and be part of it. I think that was the main challenge because we had to ensure that our activities were inclusive and suitable for the clients. For example, when we wanted to have some art session, we had to be careful in ensuring that the clients would be able to hold color pencils and crayons and in case there might be some who cant, we had to make sure that there's a backup plan to it. For example getting a variety of art tools such as paint n sponge so that clients who cant grip thin pencils can perhaps grip a sponge which size is bigger. I think I've learnt how to be more thoughtful when it comes to planning programmes for clients. Not only is needs analysis important, it is also important to put yourself in the clients' shoes if you want to plan programmes for them. Only then, you're able to see whether certain activities you have planned for are suitable.

Had a thought on my mind on our pre-yep day. As i was required to wait at Clementi MRT bus stop for 3 AWWA clients, I recieved a call by the staff who said that she n the vehicle would be delayed, so the staff mentioned that i could meet up with the AWWA clients first at the bus stop without her. I told her that I wouldnt be able to recognise the AWWA clients because I hadnt met them before. So we both decided that I would just wait for the staff and the vehicle to arrive. While I was there, at the bus stop standing and waiting, I found myself looking at the people around me, trying to see if i could recognise them as AWWA clients. Immediately, i felt that it was really bad at me. Cos it felt like i was judging people based on their "external traits". I felt quite guilty and felt that perhaps sometimes in society, what people always see first is the outside of a person. They judge and make assumptions about them based on simply what they see. However, what they often neglect is that in every being, there is also some form of inner beauty, which can only be revealed with much effort, sincerity and genuinity made to know the individual. But at least, i was aware of my behavior and I told myself that it isnt right just to judge people on the outside. A learning point for me, and I hope through sharing this experience of mine, all of us would try to avoid making assumptions about people or certain communities simply base on what we see.

In a nutshell, i also felt that the clients were really warm towards us too ^^ glad that they had fun, and were so spontaneous and supportive during our programme. People with disabilities are people like us, they have faith, dreams, hopes and happiness to pursue too (:
Many many many thanks to cassie n fellow team who had made the programme possible. Spread the love !

♥♥♥YEP Team♥♥♥

About us

We are a group of students from Ngee Ann Polytechic, School of Humanities (HMS). We welcome all HMS students who are going for YEP trips to join us. Do share your views and comments at the tagboard :)

About Cambodia YEP 2011

Our YEP trip is from 21st March to 3rd April 2011. Our group which consists of 24 members, will be heading to Khmer Village (Cambodia) and Phnom Penh. We plan to bring joy and memories to the villagers; especially people with disabilities. Moreover, geared with our skills and a passion to reach out to communities beyond Singapore, we hope that both our students and the villagers will gain something precious from this trip.

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January 2011 February 2011 March 2011 April 2011 May 2011 June 2011

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