http://www.prunkgondeln-pillnitz.de/bsdrlut/rq.ofu?qjkl9rkxstbwj

3G Pranav (28)

Service learning provided me with the experience of caring for the less fortunate. It exposed me to the other side of society and showed me that not everyone can help themselves. Some people in Singapore actually require assistance from others and this experience has provided me the excellent opportunity to lend them a helping hand. It is a kindness and, in fact, our duty to help fellow Singaporeans in need. I learnt that we had to give these people as much aid as we could. It also changed the way I look at things, made me see through a different perspective and made me realize that we have to appreciate the gifts we have received in life. I have started helping people more as a result of this experience.

The best thing that happened during the experience was interacting with the people affected by the syndrome. I realized that they needed the help. They were friendly and cheerful all the time, making the general atmosphere pleasant. However i also felt a twinge of sadness as i knew that they could never be fully normal. This was why we had to help them. We helped them sort out and arrange their books in the bookstore they had. This experience taught me to be more selfless, to give rather than to take and to not look down on others. By helping these people  at the Down's Syndrome Association (DSA) out it made me feel happy as I was helping someone else for a change.

In my college and adult years I will definitely try my very best to stay involved in the community. Although I may not have enough time on my hands at that point in my life, I will still try to devote as much free time as I have to the community. This is because I believe that the community is important and I know that I will still be involved in the community in the later stages of my life. I would also encourage my family and friends  to get involved in the community as well.

3G Andre Tng (34)

Personally, this service-learning has been a ride for me. To be able to visit and personally experience what it is like for the less-fortunate, it is really an eye opener. In school, many of us are rather well-to-do and we often take simple things, such as books and clothes for granted. Through this journey, I have learnt to step in their shoes, and begin to appreciate the little, yet significant, things in life. Towards others, I feel that we need to show more respect one another. We are born in different ways and come from different backgrounds in school,  but we should learn to appreciate one another's differences in order to mature in our youth. 

The best part was the sale of ice creams to the school population to raise funds for the Down Syndrome Association (DSA). We went around, collecting orders from the various classes. It was fun, yet worthwhile as I felt that it was a part to play in serving the community. Many people bought the ice creams, we had fun selling them, as well!

In my adulthood, I would certainly volunteer my services to help the community. As Singaporeans, it is only right that we help one another, especially the less fortunate. i would encourage friends and family to take up community services as well. Simple, yet impactful deeds, can really change a person's life in ways you might have never imagined.

Sec3 VSCE reflections

Dennis Leong(3G) (11)

1)     How has the service-learning experience changed my thinking, attitudes, and actions towards others, myself and the community?

     1) This experience taught me the importance of caring for the less fortunate and giving back to society. By visiting the Down Syndrome Association (DSA), I learnt that there are many poor people who struggle to make ends meet and that it is a duty of mine to care for them, to aid them as much as possible.
 
     2) What stands out as the best or worst thing that happened to you in your service learning experience? What did you learn from these experiences?
The best thing that happened was when my friends and I bonded together by packing books systematically for them. Although there were hundreds of book to organize in a short duration of time, our teamwork overcame the odds and we accomplished packing all the books on time neatly. Although it seemed like a simple task, my classmates and I have truly bonded through this activity and are better friends now. We learnt the importance of teamwork and cooperation to achieve greater heights.
 
      3)Do you see yourself staying involved in the community during your college and adult years? Why or why not?
I intend to stay involved in the community during my college and adult years. Helping out in the community is everyone's job. It merely takes a few hours per week to help out but the results of hard work will be paid off. Thus, helping out in the community can be done in my free time after I grow older.

3G Ngoh Yilong (24)

 
For my service learning, I had went to the Down Syndrome Association to help those unfortunate people in their Thrift Shop. I had helped clear and organised their items such as books and magazines. After my service learning, i realised that there are more unfortunate people living out there but yet they are still living happily and well. Therefore, it makes me feel that any small problems or issues that happen in my life, i should not give up easily and continue to strive for the best. During my service learning, other than feeling good by helping less fortunate people, I also get the chance to do hands-on works with my friends which would improve our relationships and the team spirit of the class. In future, if I have the chance to do more of this kind of service learning that will help the community, I would definitely lend a helping hand to help the less fortunate people. The smiles on their faces is already enough to express their gratitude towards us and I would hope that everyone in the same community can always have a smile on their face.

3G jack ng (22)

  As a whole, service learning had helped me to become someone who appreciates life more than before as I had saw that from these down syndrome people that life is fragile and precious and every second of it is priceless. Seeing those down syndrome people straining themselves to pick up new skills even thought they are mentally decapitated makes me feel that I am very lazy and it motivated me to strive for straight As for my 8 subjects. I had also became a more helpful person as I felt joy and pride helping for a good cause and want to recapture that feeling and assist others in the process.
 
  For me, the worst thing that I experienced during service learning is when it is time to stop work and head home. Ihad felt that helping others is a joy and furthermore, helping out together with friends also helps strengthen bonds. I had also grown to like those down syndrome people and had made friends with them. Hence leaving was quite saddening as I had to leave my newfound friends and I also felt that helping others not only brings joy to others but myself!
From this experience I had learnt that all good things have to come to an end and I had come to terms with it. I hope that I can do more service learning in the future.
 
  I can surely see myself being immersed in community work in the future as it destresses and helps to bring joy to others and myself. If I have free time, I would do some community work so that I can meet more people and make more friends. Therefore, in conclusion I will surely do community work in the future if I have time and would definitely persuade my friends to get involved in the community:)

3G Hong Wenyang (14)

Through service learning, I understand that there are many people out there in this society that requires our attention and help. Although some of us may whine about the immense pressure on us due to the tons of homework given to us by our teachers, I feel that it is really fortunate of us to be able to be born with normal intelligence and normal. We should not take things that are always present around us for granted. There are times where others may not be as privilege as us. Besides that, I also feel that helping others in need is what all Singaporeans should do. 

The best thing during service learning was the sale of the ice creams. As there were leftover ice-cream, some of us went around the canteen and asked students to help to purchase the ice-cream. Although some of them refused to purchase the ice-creams, I feel that the time and effort spent on the sale of the ice-creams were all worthwhile. Spending time to help the society is definitely not a waste of time!

I feel that helping others come deep from the heart. As long as you have the determination to help others,  age will not be a factor. Hence, it is only right to contribute to the society when you are working or studying in a Junior college. Help should always be present to those who requires help. The happiness gained from helping someone is far more satisfying than that of winning a game against your friend. Therefore, its never too late nor too early to contribute to the society.