Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy. – Senator John Hoeven
The senior citizens had played a prominent part in the society. Often children had been taught in school to appreciate and respect their grandparents at home. This time, in our SSDB project, the centre had planned a trip to the elderly care.
Before the visit, the teachers read stories to the children about the importance on respect as well as taught the children some ways they can care for the elderly. The teachers and children made stars card with encouragement words and messages of care and share, respect, love and hope for the elderly.
We also sent out letters to invite parents to take part in the project by donating food to the elderly care. All the children and teachers were looking forward to the day.
As the day finally arrived!
On 28 July 2017, the children put on their “start small, dream big” hat and were ready to start their small steps to a bigger journey.
The trip consisted of K1 children from Bukit Batok East Blk 241 and K2 children from Bukit Batok East Blk 208 as well as teachers and few volunteer parents.
We reached there around 10.00am. Our children were welcome with friendly and smiling faces.
At first, the children were shy and do not know how to approach the grandfathers and grandmothers.
However, with a little prompting and encouragement from the teachers and the workers from the elderly care, the children were soon playing and even joking around with the elderly.
The children did art and craft together with the elderly, not forgetting to give out the encouragement cards they did in school.
The children from Bukit Batok East Blk 208 then perform a song to the elderly.
Laughter soon filled place, the elderly were gladly entertained and enjoyed the childrens’ performance.
After which the children also gave the elderly some of the food that were they brought from home.
Soon, it was time to leave. Both the children and elderly were reluctant to part as they had build a bond over the short hours there.
This visit was a valuable experience for the children as they learnt to appreciate and care for the elderly, not only their grandparents at home but also elderly outside.
We certainly hope that this visit also help brighten up the day for the elderly at the centre. Definitely looking forward to more trips like this!
