Ninja!

Thursday, July 12, 2007

Postponement of tomorrow's "Say it Out" to 20 July, Friday

Dear all,

Please be informed that we will be postponing tomorrow's "Say it Out" to next Friday, 20 July. The time and venue will remain at 4.30pm at CSLMCH.

Programme
(1) Evaluation of past "Say it Out" sessions - children to brainstorm how it can be improved/ activities or topics that they are interested in
(2) Election of two Group Leaders - two students will be elected Group Leader for a 3-mth term to develop a sense of responsibility in the leaders as well as to develop some form of identity in the groups
(3) Angel & Mortal - facilitators will be secret angels of the student mortal, exchanging messages and small gifts in a game that will last till the last session of this year

Let me know if you can come for next Friday's session. Also, let me know if you are keen to help out but can't make it for next Friday's session. I need a list of volunteers in the "Say it Out" programme to be angels in the Angel & Mortal game.

Thank you!

Regards,
Andrew Leo

Friday, June 29, 2007

"Say it Out" to resume on 13 July, Friday

Dear all,

I had a short meeting with Jasmine and Gerardine this evening regarding the "Say it out" programme. "Say it Out" will resume on 13 July, Friday, 4.30pm at CSLMCH and will be held on alternate Fridays after that.

As discussed, the new features of the programme include:

1. More games.
2. Different methods of delivery: mini-toastmasters, debates, etc.
3. Dividing the students into permanent groups for an on-going competition, with prizes to be given at the last session of this year.
4. Electing a student leader for each group.
5. An Angel & Mortal game with students and facilitators.

The purpose of this programme is to develop the student's confidence to speak up through sessions of games and discussions. Gerardine made a good point worth highlighting here. The students are facing many issues in their life at their age and we do not know what their values and guiding principles are. We should not try to assume the position of a teacher in this programme. Rather, we should take time to listen to what their views are on these issues and share with them our opinion on them as an older person who had gone through these before.

Please let me know if you are free to help out with this programme. Thanks a lot!

Regards,
Andrew Leo

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Charity Bike'n'Blade

If you can ride a bike (or blade) and want to do something for charity, this event is for you:

The Charity Bike'n'Blade, organised by Avanade Asia, aims to raise $500,000 for the Centre for Women and Girls, the Ling Kwang Youth Centre for the underprivileged and The Salvation Army’s Youth Programmes. It will be held from 7th to 9th September 2007.

Help to raise $500 and you can participate in the 40km Singapore-only leg, or raise $2000 to take part in the 400 km Malaysia-Singapore circuit.

Check out http://www.charitybnb.com/howtoparticipate.html on other ways you can participate in this event.

Friday, June 8, 2007

December Community Service Event

Dear all,

Christina, Yu Jen and I discussed the "December event" for CSLMCH briefly this evening. Here's the rough idea:

Purpose: Involve the children in community service to let them know that they are not too young to contribute to the community.

Activity: Distribute bread (or something else) to old folks living in one-room flats; do household chores for them and/ or chat with them.

Date: 28 December, Friday

Our initial idea was to have the children bake something to be distributed to the old folks, but that will be too much activity in a day. It's also quite difficult for us to bake enough for distribution. We can't guarantee that what is baked is safe for consumption too.

We are thinking of limiting participation to the "Say it Out" students, i.e. children in Primary 5 and above.

Each child should be attached to a volunteer. From our last December event, we can expect to have around 18 volunteers. So around 18 to 36 children can be involved, assuming each volunteer takes care of one or two children.

If each team of volunteer and children visits 6 old folks on that day, we can reach around 108 old folks (one HDB flat?).

What do you guys think?

Revamping "Say it Out"

Dear all,

Christina, Yu Jen and I had a meeting this evening to examine why our "Say it Out" sessions didn't work out and the ways we can improve the session.

We all agreed that the fundamental purpose of the session, i.e. to develop confidence in the children to speak up, should not change. I spoke to one of the students at Movie Night and he told me that "Say it Out" is a useful session and he enjoyed it very much. That's very comforting.

We postulated the following reasons the students voted against "Say it Out" in the last session:

1) Too much teaching. They loved the games, but when the teaching gets too long, we begin to lose them.

2) No focus. We did not introduce the topic at the beginning of the lesson, but jumped straight into the activities expecting the children to know what we are trying to get across.

3) Peer pressure. We'd like to believe that not all who voted against the session really meant what they say. They could be seeing this as a challenge and wanted to display their disregard of our authority over them. Some did so because they are influenced by their friends.


Thus, instead of coming out with a entirely new programme, we think it's more practical to refine what we have now. We came up with the following points:

a) More games. One game to start the session and another to end it. We should also make known the agenda for the session at the beginning.

b) Alternate sessions of debate, lesson and "mini-toastmasters". We can experiment with different methods of delivery.

c) On-going Competition. We divide the students into two groups competing against each other in debates and "mini-toastmasters" for a group prize at the end of the year. This will give them a sense of belonging to a group and incentive to attend the programme.

d) Group Leaders. Leaders of the two groups are elected for a three-month term by popular vote. They have the responsibility of reporting attendance, leading discussion for debates, etc. This will make the programme less facilitator-imposed and more student-initiated.

e) Angel & Mortal. This is suggested by one of the students. A volunteer can act as angel to a few student-mortals, exchanging messages and small gifts with them. Participation is voluntary.


We propose to hold our next "Say it Out" session directly after the June holidays (6 July or 13 July). We'll not be giving them a lesson, but we'll be providing them with an overview of what we will do for the rest of the year. This will let them know that we value their opinion.

We can hold the election of group leaders, form the two groups and assign angels to mortals in the first session.

We appreciate any more ideas to improve our 'Say it Out" sessions. Please let us know if you have any more points to add.

Thank you!

Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Movie Night Tickets Sold Out

Hi all,

Just a notice that the tickets to Movie Night on 2 June has been sold out.

And thanks to the member who bought an extra ticket and gave it to the Chen Su Lan Home, bringing the total number of tickets allocated to the home to 21.

Friday, May 25, 2007

"Say it Out" shelved + Excursion calcelled

Dear all,

I heard from Christina that today's "Say it Out" session went quite badly. The students did not show interest and did not pay attention when their peers were presenting. When asked whether they want us to continue running this programme, 5 out of 9 students said "no" while the rest wanted us to do something different. Not a very good sign.

Therefore, as Christina had discussed with Siva, I think we should shelve our plans for future "Say it Out" sessions for now. We should meet soon to come up with a programme to replace "Say it Out". The students said that they are interested in baking, cooking and stuff. Perhaps we could return to our original concept of having special interest groups for the students.

Besides shelving "Say it Out", we were faced with another disappointment today. The students said that they did not want the excursion or rock climbing. They wanted to go cycling at Sentosa, which would be very difficult for us to organise. So we have decided to call the excursion off since there's no point doing something the children won't appreciate. (That means we can afford to spend more on our event on 28 December.)

Thus, we'll need to have two meetings next month to discuss (1) "Say it Out" replacement and (2) 28 December event. May I suggest the evening of 8 June, Friday , and 9 June, Saturday for the two items respectively?

If you are interested in organising these events, please let me know if you are able to make it. Thanks!

Regards,
Andrew Leo

Monday, April 30, 2007

A Night at the Movies

Official Description by Mensa Singapore:


Following up from last year's successful movie night, Mensa Singapore presents 'A Night at the Movies'. Come join us for a night of action and adventure at the movies, followed by a lovely dinner whilst enjoying the fantastic view of the bustling traffic below at Cathay Cineplex Orchard's exclusive Preview Lounge.

This year is extra special as we will be inviting 20 children from the Chen Su Lan Home. All ticket sales proceeds will go into making a difference to these children's lives. Mensa Singapore will do its part by providing transport and taking care of the children during the event. We sincerely hope you will support this cause and give these children a chance to spend the evening with us.

Only 48 seats are available, so hurry, mark this date in your calander and get your tickets today! See you there!

Date: 2 June 2007
Time: 4.30pm - 9pm
Venue: The Cathay Cineplex at 2 Handy Road
Movie: Pirates of the Caribbean, At World's End
Tickets: $28

Tickets will be sold at Mensa Soapbox on 19 May at NUSS Suntec and at Chill and Chat on 27 May at Settlers Cafe (Central).

If you are unable to make it on these two dates or have any enquiries, kindly contact Alysia at alysiatee@gmail.com for an alternative arrangement.

This event is open to both members and non members of Mensa. Availability is on a first come first served basis.
__________________________________________________________

A bus will be arranged to bring the children from the Chen Su Lan Home to the cinema and back. We need volunteers to take care of the children on the bus and at the venue. Please let me know if you are interested ASAP. Thanks a lot!

Friday, April 27, 2007

The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

By The Flaming Lips

If you could blow up the world with the flick of a switch
Would you do it?
If you could make everyobody poor just so you could be rich
Would you do it?
If you could watch everybody work while you just lay on your back
Would you do it?
If you could take all the love without giving any back
Would you do it?
And so we cannot know ourselves or what we'd really do...

With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?

If you could make your own money and then give it to everybody
Would you do it?
If you knew all the answers and could give it to the masses
Would you do it?
No no no no no no are you crazy?
It's a very dangerous thing to do exactly what you want
Because you cannot know yourself or what you'd really do

With all your power
With all your power
With all your power
What would you do?

Sunday, March 25, 2007

First Session of "Say it Out"


This is a group photo taken after our very first session of "Say it Out". It was a lively and informal session with the objective of building the student's confidence of voicing their views in a group. The students were jovial and energetic and even the facilitators enjoyed themselves very much.

A photo album containing pictures of our past events have been created. You can click on the link on the right, "Pictures" (under "Links"), to view more photos taken at the session.

The next session of "Say it Out" will be conducted on 13 April (Friday), 4.30pm - 5.30pm at CSLMCH. It will be conducted every other Friday at the same time and venue thereafer.


Friday, March 23, 2007

Change of Dates

The second and third session of our communication skills programme, "Say it Out", will be on 13 and 27 of April, 4.30pm - 5.30pm at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home.

Subsequent sessions will be on every other Friday.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Official Announcement: Communication Skills Programme

The Volunteer Special Interest Group (SIG) will be conducting a biweekly communications skills programme at the Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home (CSLMCH) that will benefit a group of students in the primary 6 and lower-secondary levels.

Using games, informal discussions and group activities, we will engage the students with interesting topics that are relevant to their everyday lives. The objective is to build up their confidence of sharing their thoughts in a group, a skill that will serve them well in the future.

Our sessions will be conducted at the CSLMCH compound from 4.30pm – 6.00pm. The dates for the first three sessions are as follows:

1. 23 March, Friday (Topic: Ambitions)
2. 5 April, Thursday (Topic: Priorities)
3. 19 April, Thursday (Topic: Education)

Volunteers are needed to serve as facilitators for this programme. Please send an email to mensavolunteers mensa org sg to indicate your interest in volunteering.

If we have enough volunteers, we will make this a long-term programme that will be held every other Thursday at the same time and venue.

Thanks a lot!

Friday, March 9, 2007

Meeting with Jasmine today

I met Jasmine today and she proposed that we have our second and third sessions on the 5th and 19th of April (Thursdays) because most of the students have CCAs on other days. The first session will be on 23 March (Friday).

I requested that the time on Thursday be delayed to 7pm so that perhaps more volunteers will be able to make it. She will confirm the time with me again.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

oops.the pic is pixelised.sorry....

mensa jacket


my mensa jacket front n back...

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Proposed Dates for Biweekly Programme

Hi all,

The tentative dates for the first three sessions of our new programme at CSLMCH are:

1. 23 Mar (Friday)
2. 9 Apr (Monday)
3. 24 Apr (Tuesday)

The time is 4pm to 6pm. We'll be conducting current affairs lessons for the Pri 6 - Sec 2 students with games, discussions and group activities.

Right now, we are still short of volunteers. We'll continue the programme on alternate Mondays and Tuesdays if all goes well.

Mensa Jacket

Here are two pictures of my Mensa jacket:



It's reversible; white on one side, black on the other.

Friday, February 16, 2007

New Programme Details

Hi all,

Christina and I met Joel today to talk about the new programme that the Volunteer SIG will be running. I'll briefly summarise the main points.

In this programme, we'll prepare interesting newspaper articles covering social issues and current affairs for the children to read. We'll go through the article with them and discuss the ideas and values that can be learnt from it. We can adopt a group discussion and presentation format, hold it as a workshop, a forum or a debate. The idea is to be creative in letting the children speak their mind.

In the first few sessions, we can be more informal in the organization of the session before moving to a more structured programme. At the end of each session, the children will then fill in an evaluation form to assess how they have benefited from the programme.

It'll be a 1.5 hrs session held once every two weeks for a group of P6 and Secondary School students. Tentatively, we plan to hold it on Tuesdays, 4.30pm - 6.00pm. But our first session will be on 23 March, a Friday.

I understand that some of us are unable to volunteer on weekdays, but that is when most of the students that this programme is targeted at will be available. So we have decided to hold it at a time when more students will be around to participate. I hope that we'll still have enough volunteers despite this rather inconvenient timing.

Please let me know whether you are able to volunteer for this new programme. Thanks!

Saturday, February 10, 2007

January Menews & New Programme at CSLMCH

Hi all!

The January edition of Menews is out! Here's the link: http://www.mensa.sg/menews/jan2007

Read Victor's reflections on his experience at last years Post-Christmas party at Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home. Some pictures from the event are also available.

One of our members, Zun Zin, has started the Business SIG. Do support him if you are interested in business.

Ok, our visits to CSLMCH were supposed to begin in February, but we are now considering another suggestion by Joel to take over an existing programme. It is a biweekly forum session where the children can talk about current affairs or everyday issues that they are facing. It allows them to gain knowledge while working on their communication skills.

I'll be meeting Joel and his colleague this Friday to iron out the details of this proposal. Do email me your ideas or suggestions. I need to know what you think of this new programme, and how many of us are able to commit to it. Thanks!

Have a great week ahead. Happy Chinese new year!

Friday, January 19, 2007

quote of the day

We can do not great things, only small things with great love.

-mother theresa

Saturday, January 13, 2007

hey.....y change the color? its even more boring than the previous one.at least the black one cooler.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Bukit Timah Excursions

Mensa Volunteer SIG will be organising two hiking events during the March and June holidays respectively.

March Trial
This is a bonding as well as a planning session for all volunteers and volunteer wannabes. We will take a hike into Bukit Timah's rich reserves, where we will have some exciting games as well as great outdoor cooking sessions. Moreover, if you are fond of nature and outdoor activities, this event is definitely designed for your sporty psyche. You will also get a chance to lean closer to Mother Earth, as you will see many rare species of plants, animals, as well as familar flora and fauna. In the midst of having fun, volunteers can also chip in valuable suggestions that contribute towards the June hiking session, making the entire session a fruitful one.

June Event
Hiking might not be a brand new experience. However, hiking along with dozens of lively and joyous children will deinitely be an out of the ordinary experience for many of us. You can add more life to your mundane June holiday as everyone is given a chance to bathe themselves in the blessings of the forest sweetness whilst doing charity. Each of us will be responsible for leading a few children to the greenery while the rest can help out in the logistic aspects.

You just need to register yourself and your friends by sending your name and contacts to mensavolunteers@gmail.com

Calling out to anyone




Hey people~! I have something to promote. The above pics are samples of giftboxes I have made.Initially,I gave them away as xmas presents but I've received orders from friends to buy them. I am actually planning to sell them and donate the money to charity.Anyone is interested in buying or have any good ideas which charities I can donate and liase with?? Really appreciate anyone who can help!!! =))) Thanks! Have a nice day!
Cheers,
Alesia

Credits for the Telematch at CSLMCH

Here’s a big thank you to all who have, in one way or another, made the Telematch at CSLMCH last December a success. That was the first major event organized by the Volunteer SIG and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of certain individuals.

1. The Management Committee of Mensa Singapore had been very supportive of our event, especially with its publicity.

2. Eric and Christina had generously provided for the cost of the event out of their own pockets. Christina and friends were also responsible for preparing lunch, particularly the laksa which was so popular with the children.

3. Joel and the other staffs at CSLMCH were very hospitable, rendering their assistance whenever we need them.

4. Moses contributed to the highlight of the day with his balloon sculpturing, which fascinated the children as well as some volunteers.

5. All the other volunteers have been very dedicated in their various roles in the event. In no particular order, they are Edmund, Ronnie, Amanda, Hanlong, Victor, Angeline, Sharman, Merry, Zun Zin, Alesia, Collin, Wei Jian, Lynn, Anlinna, Linda, Eva, Jiren, Chin Soon, Isaac, and some others. (I’m sorry I don’t have the names of everybody.)

6. Last but definitely not least, the children were the real stars of the event. Their youthful enthusiasm was such an inspiration for all of us.

Personally, I thank God for giving us the opportunity to organize the Telematch at CSLMCH. To be honest, we had to take a huge step of faith when we initially went ahead with the planning of the event. When the first advertisement of the event was published in the November issue of Menews, only five of us were available for the event. However, our number grew and we eventually ended up with more volunteers than we had expected.

I was very encouraged by the response of our members and friends. Though some had to pull out of the event, some other members brought their friends in to ensure that we have enough volunteers. More than 20 volunteers turned up on that day.

I’m also glad that our strength is not only in our numbers. I can sense that our volunteers are very passionate and committed to our cause too. Quite a number of volunteers have declared that they will continue to support our community service activities, raising many interesting suggestions regarding the things that we could do as a SIG.

It’s been a great pleasure working with you guys. I really look forward to our next event in February. See you then!

Random pictures from chan su lan home








These are some random photos from our first volunteering event at Chan Su Lan Methodist Home.the photo quality ain't that good cause they r from my handphone...so yea.hope the people in the photos dont mind me posting them.=p Lookin forward to the next volunteering session, and I hope this SIG will remain active for a looong time to come! =))))
CHEERS!
Alesia