Written on 30-03-2015
Two days ago was one of the most fruitful day of my life. I got the opportunity to interact wit the visually handicapped. Being a novice, I had no prior experience. How should i speak to them? How should I guide them? How much can they see? What if I am not able to reach out to them smoothly? What should I do then? All these questions were tugging me the night before the event. Luckily, the beneficiaries were very friendly and there were more experience volunteers from RSPVH on-site. All of them played a big role in helping us integrate well with the visually impaired.
The programmes planned for us? Kite flying and Telematch.
The old school game-kite flying.
Everyone proceeded orderly to the activity area, to which a beautiful scenery awaits us.
The event started with a minute of silence for our late founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew.
After a light rain, both beneficiaries and volunteers prepared their kites enthusiastically in groups. Beneficiaries were provided with various decorative materials to beautify their kites. Some of them even wrote their wishes on it! Despite the turbulent wind, everyone managed to get their resilient kites soaring in the sky. Just like the beneficiaries persevering through daily challenges.
Time flies. Everyone left their kites with a heavy heart and moved on to have lunch, during which, sparked even more interesting and engaging conversations between inexperienced volunteers like me and many alike.
Telematch.
Time for more sweat and joy!
There were many station games involved. Beneficiaries and volunteers had to move in small groups to complete the diff tasks at different stations together. Two games which left me with the deepest impression are...
1. Participants are to get hold of a slipper using their foot and are to swing it such that the slipper flies through a hula hoop, which is placed a distance away from the participant.
2. Participants are to tie their legs together and walk to a finish line not too far away.
Uh uh...I remembered how tiring it was but with much teamwork, WE DID IT!
Both benes and volunteers find the games entertaining and lively.
Final touch
The event ended with a hearty dinner and a group photo.
EYE AM AWARE 2015 really gave me the opportunity to learn about the challenges faced by the visually impaired, how they go through their daily tasks and how they connect with their environment. Most importantly, I forged meaningful friendships with them. Kudos to their determination :) !!!
If you are keen in having a chance to interact with the visually impaired, go for EYE AM AWARE event! Its an annual event by RSPVH. Don't miss their signup datelines!
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