The phrase, Group Endeavours in Service Learning (GESL, pronounced 'guess-sel') ought to ring a bell in most NIE trainees' heads. Perhaps it does more than just that, as I believe that the experiences of this powerful programme would have been etched in the hearts and minds of every student teacher who has passed through the gates of NIE since 2005.
For Service Learning Day on 10th Feb 2012, I was greatly inspired to create this GESL movie presentation not just to showcase our successful endeavour, but also to allow all of us in the group to relive those fond memories and also give others an eye-opener to the possibilities of community service. Since the presentation would be shared with other MOE staff, teachers and current NIE trainees, this can enable them to learn from our project that has rendered us with much holistic enrichment.
My GESL group (LINK-Love Integrity Novelty Kindness) has collaborated with Ananias Centre to help the primary school children there to learn and develop skills and values from a series of activities. Drawing, making of felt-based ornaments and clay moulding would fall under the umbrella of technical skills, while desirable soft skills would include creativity, communication and entrepreneurship. The kids are to make Christmas-themed cards, clay and felt ornaments which will be marketed to raise funds for their dream excursion to Science Centre and Snow City. It is hoped that they would gain the invaluable experience of learning to work hard and strive towards personal success through this project.
My group’s dynamics was evident from day one when we underwent our orientation games. We are a quiet yet resilient bunch of people, open-minded towards diverse ideas yet focused on the task at hand. This unique characteristic stuck on with us throughout the project.
The two days of Merandi had helped us to step out of our comfort zones as we shared insights about our life stories sprinkled with the many ups and downs. From then on, our group interaction evolved from being just cordial to more spontaneous. Even though all 17 of us are very different in terms of subject expertise, age and backgrounds and thus naturally explored vastly different ideas during brainstorming, we are one when the issues boil down to efficiency and effectiveness. My group members also never failed to come to a consensus whenever there was any conflict of ideas or interests. This working style put us in good stead as we made rapid progress from the very beginning, often meeting the designated deadlines much ahead of time.
On a personal note, this GESL project has set the stage for more school community involvement projects (CIP) to come, as I ready myself to embark on them as a JC teacher. I strongly believe that GESL is not just about mere endeavouring; it is the act of doing, getting our hands ‘dirty’ as we learn to serve the community, so as to achieve maximal and meaningful learning through this service.
In fact, GESL has provided me with a golden opportunity to contribute and give back to the society that has molded me into a teacher. One of my greatest takeaways is the realisation that as a teacher, my capacity to help is not just restricted to the JC students that I am teaching, but also students from lower age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds. Although at times effort (i.e manpower) and money (e.g sponsorship) are perceived to be the keys to make a community service project a resounding success, I feel that the crux is still the genuine heart to serve.
Overall, I must say it was a precious experience which had left an indelible mark on me, one that cannot be bought. For me, GESL definitely does not end here. That gratification gained can and should be relived through the continued spirit of selfless giving.
