Start Small Dream Big- Final Phase
We had a planning for a grand celebration. We sent letters and invitation to all our parents to donate basic food items. A few K2 parents helped us to pack these food items in 20 bags. We invited 20 senior residents from Sarah Senior Care Centre on Tuesday 23 May 2017. We also invited grandparents of the students.
The whole school assembled to welcome them. We had relay games, performances by children in all levels. We got families to present the food bags and they took photos with the heart craft the children did with the Seniors.
We ended the celebration with group photograph and served the invited guests with catered buffet lunch. Parents helped to serve them food and to bring them to the restroom. Children sat with them to have their food.
Reflection from parents and children and teachers:
Some parents and even grandparents were warmed by the fact that such an event could bring back memories of their own kin. There was a mutual understanding and collaboration on social responsibility evident when everyone rose to welcome and attend to the Seniors.
When we asked children how they felt when they met the Seniors, a few said they were scared because the Seniors are strangers; shy because not sure how to communicate with them and excited that they could meet other grandfathers and grandmothers.
Teachers viewed this as a platform for children to participate in a community project. This is very meaningful for them to gain an opportunity to contribute back in the form of care and respect to the elderly.
Seniors are amazing individuals. They have a thing or two to teach us about enduring change and handling life’s adversity. Even if a senior’s hearing or memory isn’t what it was in the past, our elders have great wisdom to impart. Younger generations must learn the importance of respecting their elders and make time to listen and spend quality with them.
Xiao Ren Wu De Xin Sheng
