Visit to Red Cross home for the Disabled (8 Aug 11)

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The Pre University students started the day off early when we were assigned to pack all the donations collected over the previous weeks – donations that were generously given by the students. While half the students were focusing on this task, the other half were cracking their heads to think of a suitable performance item for the entertainment of the residents at Red Cross Home for the Disabled.

Once a consensus was reached, intensive preparations to put on a great show began!  We settled for a mixture of popular contemporary and classical songs which we were confident would bring some cheer to the residents.

The highlight was when the popular Mandarin ballad sung by the late crooner Teresa Teng “ 月亮代表我的心” was played on the guitar by Mark Tan.  It enthused one of the residents so much that she went on the stage and started singing along with the rest of the students.  It  was indeed a heartwarming moment for all of us there watching.

Thereafter, the students were split up into two groups: the task of the first group was to interact with the residents, and the second group was assigned to clean the facilities and equipment in the home.  I had the privilege of feeding one of the residents, Agnes.  I fed Agnes gingerly at first afraid that I might hurt her or do something incorrectly.  After some time as I became more comfortable and relaxed, we broke into a congenial conversation which was at times hard for me to understand but that posed no barrier.

What touched me deeply was the humbling realisation that we have taken so much in our daily lives for granted. Simple tasks like eating that may seem insignificant are tremendous milestones for these residents.  It made me appreciate so much more what I have.

As the day came to a close and as we said our goodbyes, I felt slightly teary-eyed.  Looking back, I am so glad that in the giving spirit of this year’s National Day, the school and teachers have given something precious for us to take away with.

By Julia Lim (Pre-University One Joy)