Outside Volunteers

Grade 10 Student Reflection:

“We went to the elderly centre where we interacted and enjoyed the fun activities in the home for both afternoon and morning. At the first home, we met and communicated with the elders, as well as doing exercise with them. While doing the whole exercise, the room was filled with laughter and positivity. I kept laughing at the old woman who led the exercise since she was full of energy, and it was a very nice thing to see. After doing exercise, we were divided into two groups in which the other will stay with most of the elders to play jenga while the others will be each assigned an elder to “play” with. The one on one activity was for elders who needed special attention, some had certain disorders, while others were not had disabilities moving their limbs. I was part of the one on one activity, and I got paired with an old man who was unable to talk nor move his fingers. So in order to help with his problem, they gave him clay to help him use his fingers and hopefully gain some improvement as time passes by. It was hard because it was very awkward and boring between us since he wasn’t able to talk anymore, and all I could do was to help him do it by simply getting his hands and doing the action. But throughout the activity, I was inspired by his perseverance to be able to do the exercise and I could really see that he was trying his best. And, I think it’s something that is very useful for us, and to acquire that kind of mentality is something we should be using towards problems we face. At the second location, we visited another old man who was from Myanmar but grew up in Macau. He was very welcoming and entertaining as well. When we left, it looked as if he did not want us to leave. That was when I realised how important it was for them to be visited and what it meant for them. I was kind of disappointed and mad when he talked about his ten granddaughters, because he had relatives and it was sad to think that they are leaving him alone in there. I mean I never got to know my grandfather very well since he died when I was young, but I still got to see him and I have been longing to share a bond with my grandfather ever since. So I really can’t imagine how they are able to leave their grandfather right there while they go on with their own lives, but I’m sure they have their own reasons. But in my perspective, I would not put any of my loved ones alone in a home for the elderly. Anyways, it was also a lesson that tells us to love our loved ones while they are still with us.”

Early Childhood Volunteers at work: