Photos selected for Service Learning Day

Video on School-for-Life Chiang Mai

Hi Homerunners,

Below is the edited video on School-for-Life (Chiang Mai) to be shown to the students in CHIJ Katong Convent. Pls kindly feedback if there's further changes need to be done.



By IT/Media

We Are Back Home

Dear Homerunners,

We are back and everything went well when we were in Chiangmai. The children there were very happy after receiving the Kids Pack and they are really sweet. Hope you all enjoy the short video made by Wai Wang when we were in Chiang Mai.



Regards,
Kok Boon

Tuesday Service

Hi guys....

Andrew and I can offer the help on tuesday....pls let us know the time n place to meet.....so tat we can do our bit for u pple....

Pls let us noe the address for Wai Wang.....

Andrew, Caroline & Clarice

old man In and old man Na

As i imagine us singing this song in front of the whole school, how much smiles and giggling i can already see on the faces of our new thai friends. They will simply roll all over and would run to hug us for it.

I loved this song!! it's great. what about you guys? i am in for this. but how can we get everyone's agreement fast so we can all start learning?

here is my own 'sound' interpretation of the song, not the most authentic one, so please do your own adjustments as it make sense to your ears.

http://www.hawaii.edu/thai/thaisongs/frmtain.htm


ta In ka ta Na

Ta In ka Ta Na

Ha pla aw mah kin kan

Dai plah thuk wan

Plak kan ko pan kan pai

Ha pla ma long nan

Ha pla ma pak tat tai

Chioong meh kai klai

Ru na chai mai pre pre dai

Tey liao wan liu

Krok mah tng kan mearn tng mah

Song con tng clah

Yan whu-a pla han pla kan preyo

Ta In ka Ta na

Saw ka a wah ching chiyo

Pla yu ma ding dio

Hua phoon pio pio pai kin

Possible Activity

Hi guys...

u may wanna consider leawrning a thai song n then sing to the kids over there.

found tis webby: http://www.thaisounds.com/music.html (northern folk song) but will need someone who can understand thai to help see wat is the meaning n the words are...

another intereting one: http://www.hawaii.edu/thai/thaisongs/ta-in.html

this is the webby bout the meaning of the song: http://www.hawaii.edu/thai/thaisongs/frmtain.htm

My discussion with Khet,city tour, more about SFL & others

I spoke to Khet last nite and this was what transpired:

1. Trekking - About 1 to 1.5 hour. Some kids will take us there. As tips, we should give to each kid 100 baht for every hour. We can have about 5 to 10 kids. Mostly the older ones, they are also the big sisters and brothers to the rest of the kids in the school. You will enjoy their company very much.

2. city tour- As SFL is located up in a mountain, to travel to the city can be expensive and time consume, unlike Singapore, it is common to spend 1-2 hour on the road. So after much thought over it, i felt the best way is for us to go to the city on arrival day before going to the school. Since Khet will be there with us, she can tell us what first aids to buy. So our arrival in the school maybe in the late afternoon. We should already have some food on the plane b4 arrival so maybe some snack is enough. We may need to give some food to the driver and those coming to fetch us, though. We may also need to pay for some extra petrol, but it is still better than taking a trip all the way from the mountain and back.
3. adaptors for power points - Khet said they do have some adaptors in the school. If needed, we can purchase when we arrive, it maybe more expensive to buy here.

Regarding our discussions yesterday:

1. sports game: I proposed a captain's ball match between the Thai teachers versus Singapore teachers.

2. Camp fire - Khet said it is possible if there is no rain. They just need to gather the woods. other equipment they already have. Maybe we can pay for some of the equipments like fuel.

3. Group song - Lay Khoon, is it possible to download the song and lyrics to everyone so we all can practice. My feel is that the song you chose; Child, is a very nice song, only i concern is that it is more suitable for solo performance than group performance because of the rythem. Is it possible to also stand by another catchy song which the kids can clap along. . .

4. canteens - there are 2 separate canteens, one for the children and their teachers and another for guests. We will dine in the guest canteen where some children will serve us and a teacher will cook for us. We can also dine in with the children if we like.

5. Housekeeping - everyday some children will come and clean up our rooms, change bedsheets and towels. It would be nice if we give them some tips. These are some ways for the kids to have some pocket money.For peace of mind, please keep all valuables in your hand carry lugguage bag. I don't think they have safe deposit boxes.

6. Yesterday i found out a slightly better exchange rate at the shopping mall next to Boon Lay MRT : 23.1 baht to a sing dollar.


More about School for Life.

Because it is a German-Thai foundation started by home-stay owner, Mdm Joy and Dr Zimmer from a German university, this school is better established with some supports from German donors. For example, some rich Europeans have started projects like organic farming, sports facilities, etc. The SFL video you saw earlier was done by a German company. Even a princess from Germany had visited this school.

In a sense, the children are given the best opportunity to grow and learn, hence, they are more expressive, more intelligent and happier. Due to their frequent contacts with group visits from schools and volunteers from Germany and other parts of Europe, these kids have some western influence. I would say that they are the more fortunate ones. Emotionally, they seems happier and more cheery. They learnt a lot about recycling, care for nature and the environment. They have some very dedicated teachers like Khet, who taught them good values, manners and life skills. Even my Chiangmai professor friend told me that these kids are more polite from kids in other schools in Chiangmai. Kids from Singapore would gain much by spending some time with these children.

minutes on 20/5/2008

Thian Beng: Gave tickets out to the people going.

Points to note on flight:
27/5 (Singapore to Chiang Mai)
Flight 702 8.50am-1045am Terminal 2 ---- gather at 7am terminal 2

30/5 (Chiang Mai to Singapore
Flight 701 11.30am-1535am Terminal 2

Planning of Activities in Chiang Mai:

Lay Khoon : on songs and cheers -- sing along and games
Kaili and Wai Wang: Games--- friendship dance, "cloth game" -- aka peek a poo, cheering games

campfire (optional)

daya and rochelle: sports games ( the kids at chiang mai have sport games in chiang mai everyday) eg Thai teachers vs Singapore teachers

Kok Boon: Magic show and Itinerary for trip

Winnie: Payment for lodging (2700 baht per person for 3 nights + $8 more for surcharge extra from travel agency)

zhemin: chip in ideas in any area!!

other points to note: equipments for activities and language barrier

some Suggestions of Activities (flexible):

1st D:

• Welcomg ceremony from them to us
• sing along session?
• Magic show?
  
• at night show video of the singapore kids?
  

2nd D:

• give the kids gifts
• break into groups for activities

3rd D:

• thailand cooking session

4thD:

• bid farewell
  

Activities for us:

1. City tour
• they are booking for us the transport
• chiang mai kids giving us tour guide
• pay bus ride only
  
• $100 for 1st aid kits and other items
  
2. visit school
• film the environment of school/in chiang mai esp the orphans along the roads or in city area
• 2 canteens-- 1 for kids, 1 for guests
  
3. trekking 3hr
• children lead

in case of nth to do or spare time:

please bring some cartoons or cartoon movies or any videos suitable for every1 for eg, finding nemo, lido and stitch etc.. the kids can watch, we can watch too~

before trip:

• packing of boxes at waiwang hse on thurs
• bring of boxes(7-9boxes) on the actual day to airport ---- kokboon, laykhoon (mayb), any wanna help?
  
• please bring 1 handheld luaggage/backpack
  
• as for toiletries（liquid)
• we'll all put into them a box and check in
• sth to note in check list
• passport (vaild for 6mths)
  
• airtickets (electronic ticket)
  
• thai baht (enough cash？）
  
• bring long / track pants
• 3-4 sets of clothes
• 3-4 set of under garments
• Jacket/socks
  
• toiletries - shampoo, shower foam, toothbrush, toothpaste, facial foam,Sun-block etc
  
• own medication---motion-sickness pills, panadol etc
  
• insect repellant
• hp/hp charger
  
• 2 pin plug adapter (2 pin horizontal, flat vertically)
• digital camera (bring along so that we can gather all e best footages)
• video camera (optional)
  
• laptop(optional)
• towel --- provided at the lodging (optional)
• get insured with travel insurance on ur own (optional)
• that's all i can think of~

rest of the Gesl members rmr to pass winnie e $100 if u haven't and do come dwn to send us on 27/5 morning! ( i know it's very early can come t1-t3 to shop)

Packing the kits

hi guys! We need to pack the kids' kits to prepare for the trip to Thailand.
We will be going to Wai Wangs house this Thursday at 430pm to prepare the kits.
His house is located in the Tampines area. We really need help so if you can make it please contact me at 92220404 for full details.

Lucas

abt the coming trip

I am sure some of you already have some questions in your mind after you've read my post
on the 3day programme. I will try to make myself available this coming Tuesday to answer as many questions as you may have or else if i can't, i can note them and give them to Khet to provide the answers. But just for now, i like to let you know a few things:

a) abt performance: stage performance is a very good way to build rapport with the kids, so anything entertaining will be great. So I like to know...

1. Is anyone bringing any musical instrument to perform?
2. would you like to sing a song as a group? if yes, what song would you like? any suggestions?
3. Do you know of some party games that the kids can play with us?
4. Is there a really good singer who can sing solo?
5. Kok Boon has volunteered to perform a 5 mins magic show.
6. what about one telling a funny story and the rest of us act it out on the stage?
7. What about a dance item? aerobic dance? cha cha? traditional dance?

b) abt the outings

1. trekking - there is some hills behind the school where the kids know very well and they have guided some visitors there before, personally i have not been to one.

2. city tour - possibly you need to pay for the transport and food whilst in the city. It is also a good chance for you to take some photos of poor children in the streets. This may also include temple tour as well.

3. village tour - they have some bicylces (provided they are still in working conditions) which we may loan and have one or 2 kids show us around the villages.

4. school tour - just need a pair of shoes and leg power

c) what to bring, some suggestions:

1. enough for 3 days, please try not to do any laundry there in case it rains and your clothes are still wet on the 3rd evening.

2. 2 pairs of trousers, + the one you wear: total 3

3. 4 to 5 t-shirts.

4. toiletries

5. 1 pair of saddles , 1 pair of sports shoes

6. some thai money, you can change it here. I think it's about the same as if you get it over there. It's about 22 baht to 1 sing dollar. I have not change it here before, but will try tomorrow.

7. insect cream

8. umbrella, can be very useful if it rains

9. some snacks, if you are snack ppl like me, who eat and eat but never can grow any fatter.

10. digital camera - for all the sweet memories

11. maybe some of your school assignments, just in case you got time to kill on the plane

12. others

Meanwhile, think of all the questions you may want to ask, either post it on-line or wait till Tuesday.

Briefing: Trip to School For Life

Dear Homerunners,

There will be a briefing for the volunteers going to Chiang Mai's School for Life by Thian Beng and myself.

Tentative Date and time: 20/5/2008 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm
Venue: NIE TR 57
Attendance: Only volunteer for the trip

Will keep you all posted through SMS by Monday evening.

Thank you.

Regards,
Kok Boon

Well Done, IT / Media Team !!!

Hi IT / Media team,

I just want to thank you for the great video job. It's really very well done. I see if this can be shown to the kids and staff at the orphanage on the first evening after dinner .

Kritagyata would be so delighted if she sees this.

Thank you again,
Thian Beng

Video from CHIJ Katong Convent

Hi Homerunners,

We've uploaded the latest edition of the video clip with amendment to the title at the beginning and credits at the end of the video. Pls feel free to comment for better improvement on the video.

IT/Media

I have just managed to speak to Khet about the programme. Though the Director has not given the approval, she said usually he would say yes. So since you will be having the meeting tomorrow, i thought it would be useful for you to know the proposal programmes so you can discuss. here it is.....



1st Day

• Welcome Speech by Director
• Followed by students’ performances (as welcome and thank you)
• Lunch
• School tour
• English lesson
• Trekking to the mountain (led by students)
• Games / sports
• Dinner
• Games / Singing songs in the hall
• ZZzzzzzzzzzzz
  

2nd day

• Morning assembly
• Meditation dance
• Breakfast
• Charity time (distribution of gifts from Singapore)
• Followed by morning classes for the children
• Lunch
• Afternoon –city tour
• Back to School
• Zzzzzzz
  

3rd day

• Morning assembly
• Meditation dance
• Breakfast
• Learn thai dance / cooking / other activities ( you can plan for this)
• Lunch
• Visit to hot spring & village (other activity)
• Free time / sports
• Dinner
• Movie / free time
• ZZzzzzzzz
  

4th day

• Departure / farewell

Programme at School-for-life

Teacher Khet ('Cat') has drawn up a 3-day programme proposal for the director to approve. Once the approval is given she will email to me the final details. Some highlights include:

1. trekking up a mountain with some children leading the way. ( weather wise)
2. English lesson/s and other possible activities with the children
3. games / sports
4. performance by students
5. school compound tour
6. city tour
7. and of course, distribution of gifts.

The proposal is only meant as a guideline pertaining to their time table because some of the children also have other duties during the day that they need to complete like, area cleaning, laundry, gardening, home work, exercise, etc., you are welcome to make any adjustments once i got the proposal. Be ready to be flexible though, after all, we will be outside Singapore, so things are not always as be systematic as it is here. Let's go with the flow.

I encourage anyone of you who can sing or perform with a musical instrument on stage for the children, please do talk about it tomorrow and if possible, come up with something . It can be group song, drama skit, some party games, peppet show, mime, whatever that you feel is entertaining for the children. You can also teach them a English song you like, (maybe just teach them the chorus) please try to teach them songs that are more suitable for kids. There is a time slot in one of the evenings after dinner when the kids can assemble at the hall for this.

Meeting 13/5/2008

Dear Homerunners,

Meeting will be brought forward from 430pm to 230pm.

Date: 13/5/2008 (Tues)
Time: 1430 to 1530
Venue: 7-01-TR57 (usual TR)

Agenda:
1) Select inspection team to pack and check the kids pack at Waiwang place
2) Verification of meal preference in Chiangmai
3) Prepare video presentation for Chiangmai
4) Equipment inventory listing
5) First aid item

Regards,
Kok Boon

photos of T..Katong Girls School

Hi, Can someone please send me some close up group photos of the girls during the collection day at the school? Kritagyata wants to post it in the latest kids-to-kids newsletter. She asked me to thank everyone for the great effort and said she is very proud of all of you.

Also some news from chiangmai; 20 girls, with some of their teachers, have just participated in a national aerobic dance competition and they have succeeded to go to the next round of selection to compete with groups from other parts of Thailand. Due to their circumstances, these kids have lots of fighting spirits.

I have spoken to the teacher regarding the programmes we can do there and she needs to discuss this with the director. Due to the dance competition and newly given assignments, she could not discuss it earlier.

No Meeting on 6th May

Hey guys,

Hope everyone is holding up well.

Just wanted to inform you guys that there will be no meeting this Tuesdays

Cheerios
Charlene

hi everyone,

About the thank you cards from Chiangmai kids; I like to suggest that we leave it to the kids and teachers there to decide how they want to thank the kids here. For all you know they may want to offer a cultural dance or a giant thank you banner or even just a thank you smile. If nothing comes out of it, just let it be. Giving from the heart comes with no expectation in return. The opportunity for us and the children here to give is, in itself, its own reward.

STUFF!!!

Hi all,

I've collected the remainder of the packs from KC together with A WHOLE LOT OF OTHER THINGS. According to the Mrs Helen Lie, the girls wanted to give more things like bags, pens, notepads, erasers etc. So most of the kits are with Wai Wang and all these other things are with me. SO...I think we need to decide the following:

1. Do we want to give the kids in thailand the other things (most of them are in good condition). Somebody will need to go through them and decide.
2. How will we distribute them: give them out in thailand/include in the kits?
3. Quality control for all the kits and for us to top up whatever is missing(?)


Charlene: One suggestion for activities for the kids in thailand can be to decorate the "return" cards for the girls in Katong Convent. Maybe what we can do over there is to teach them simple english words so that they can write in the card (i'm assuming they don't known english)? Things like "hello", "how are you", how to write their name in english.

-val-

Ideas for activities during the trip to Chiang Mai

Dear Homerunners,

There will not be a meeting this week. In the meantime, can please brainstorm for activities/games that can be held during the time in which we would be in Chiang Mai.

You can contribute your ideas on the blog or bring it up for discussion next week on the 22nd of April.

Meanwhile hang in tight with all the assignments.

Cheerios
Charlene

Photo during Kid's Kit Packaging in KC

Hi Homerunnera,


It was quite rush during our visit in KC in collecting the kids' kits and we didn't have time to take many photos. I've only managed to take one class photo for the class I'm taking. Attached for your reference.

Regards
Jason

Update: Sesson at KC on 8/4

Hey all,

The card-making and kit packing session at KC last Tuesday went well. The girls were very enthusiastic and had lots of questions to ask. It was really affirming to see that they genuinely wanted to help these kids in the orphanage.

The kits are all stored in Wai Wang’s house now. Total of 7 boxes! Thanks Y1!

As expected however, some of the girls didn't bring the stuff for the kits. It's not a large number, so I'll make a trip down to KC tomorrow to pick up the rest of the things. I’ll probably keep them with me for the time being, but I suppose we need to arrange to do quality control on the kits to ensure that everything is inside each kit.

We should also confirm when we will be able to go down and show the video to the KC students & return the cards from the kids in Thailand to them. Kaili also mentioned that we can get NIE to give them certificates. I think that would be nice too.

-val-

Request for More Volunteers

Hi dudes!

For the KC session, we currently need more volunteers to go down and help because Thian Ming and myself cannot make in on tues.

Currently, we have WW, Zhemin, Valerie, Joseph and Jason (thank you very much!) who are going down to KC. Will really really appreciate if some of you who can make it on that slot contact me or Kok Boon.

Many thanks and have a good weekend! Its kinda near. :)

Update: Session at KC on 8/4

Hi all,

I've spoken to Mrs Lie. Pls find the details of the session below.

Time: -0845-0945hrs. (We need to arrive in the school at 0830hrs)

Venue: The kids will remain in their classes.
(For those of us going down, we will have to split up and take one class each.
IT people, could you pls assist in making extra copies of the K2K video and briefing slides coz we'll all have to do the briefings separately. Thanks doods!)

Things to bring: Ziplock Bags, Cards, Boxes to store the bags, Scotchtape for the boxes. Video camera. (pls add on if any more)

Programme:

Intro on what K2K is all about.
Show video.
Work on cards.
Pack Kid's Kits.
Debrief.

Funding...

Hi Guys,

I just got word that YCM is not funding our project, most unfortunately. The reason is that our local community programme is not satisfactorily developed based on their criteria. 

But there may still be hope of getting funds from elsewhere. I am now in contact with a member from the YCM panel who is going to link us up with other organisations who may provide us with some funds. These organizations are ExpeditionsSG, Raleigh Society & NYC Overseas Youth Programme Grant.

I will soon be invited to join ExpeditionsSG's yahoogroup and will hopefully find out more from them and bring us good news! Although, it might be good not to get our expectations too high!

-Rochelle

Standard packages

Hi guys,

I have finally sent the standard package to KC last thursday yah here are some fotos of 'em.

Confirmation of 1st Session at KC

Dear all,

It has been confirmed that the video screening (School for life) and packing of Kid's Kit will be done on the 8/4. Thanks.

Regards,
Kok Boon

Video Camera

Hey everyone..

I managed to get hold of a video cam.. Do get back to me when you guys need it.. It's now in my hall.. As I had mentioned earlier, I've got no idea how to transfer those files.. When it's recorded, it's in .mod.. haha.. We can settle that later lah eh.. There're two batts and my card can only hold to abt 2hrs of normal recording and 5hrs of economy recording.. But I'm not sure of the quality of economy recording though.. Anyway, I hope it will suffice..

Meeting 25/3

Dear all,

I would like to meet the volunteers going to KC on 2nd Week of April
· Valerie
· Jason
· Wai Wang
· Zhemin

Agenda
1)Discuss the series of activity to be done in school
2)Logistics
3)Personalised Cards

Regards,
Kok Boon

Personalized Cards

Hey Guys,

Update on the cards. I found 8 by 5 inches plain white cards @ $1.95 for 50pcs. Reckon that's pretty good.

Anisah, If we use these right, then what about the "return" cards for the kids in KC? Should we get 2pcs per student so that they can get something tangible back from the kids in the orphanage? Plus, this makes up one activity that we can do when we're in Thailand! ;)

-val-

Video Cam

Hi Homerunners,

My video cam can only last for 15 min. Will continue my search for one.

Regards
Jason

Good News : Ziplock Bag

Hi Homerunners,

The supplier has agreed to sponsor 200 ziplock bags of size 15"x15" (38.1cm x 38.1cm).

Regards
Jason

Video Camera

Dear all,
I've managed to borrow a camera that can video for about 30-45minutes.
I suppose this is okay for the KC visit but not good enough for the trip.

Anyone else have a better one that can last longer?
If not, we'll just have to bring more video cameras or XD memory cards to Thailand.
In the meanwhile, I'll continue to source for more.
Thanks

Zhemin

Meeting update 11/03/08

People who have kindly volunteered to go to KC in the first 2 weeks of April

· Valerie
· Jason
· Wai Wang
· Zhemin

Things for people to do:

· Kaili and Jason will source for the Zip-lock bags
· Jason will source for the white sticker labels to label the kits
· Jason will source for boxes to place the kids’ kits in
· Valerie will source for the personalized cards.
· Treasurers to find out about the funding.
· IT people to source for a suitable video camera for the filming of the packing session at KC and the trip to Thailand.

For the abovementioned people, please post any updates on the blog. Thanks!

ziplock bags

Hi guys,

I've found 2 sizes which are appropriate for our packing.

26.8 X 27.9 @ $1 for 8, So 160pieces = $20

17.8 X 20.3 @ $1 for 20, so 160pieces = $8

it's at ABC market at bugis.

Agenda for 11/10

Agenda for 11/10 meeting

1) Update progress
2) Report on the meeting with KC
3) Collection of Air tickets fare (only for volunteers involved)
4) Individual committee activity

Any AOB, please update.

Thanks.

Carton boxes for Packing of Items

Hi Homerunners,


I've managed to get free carton boxes for packing of items, but we'll have to go down to Tuas and collect ourself when we need them anytime.

Jason

air tickets

Today I managed to book all the tickets . But the price has gone up to $ 358. Collection date is 12 March.

Hi Anisah

Basically, they would need items like:
1. bandages
2. antiseptic cream / lotion (hydrogen peroxide)
3. plasters (of all sizes)
4. phyllium husks ( for constipation) i can get this for you.
5. cold packs
6. water melon frost ( for mouth ulcers) i can get this for you.
7. disposable gloves
8. cotton pads or rolls.
9. others basic essentials.
10. insect bite cream

For Thian Beng

Hi Thian Beng,

I have spoken to Destin and I guess we have decided to take the nail-clipper out and you also mentioned that you do not need all the items in the first aid kits but instead specific items only.

Just wondering if you could specify to me which are the items you need so we could source for them. We programmers will also think up of a replacement item for the nail clipper. Thanks :)


Anisah

Air Fares

Hi guys,

These are the best prices I’ve gotten out of the travel agents

1) Misa Travel – 373 silkair

2) City 99 Asia – 370 silk air

3) Euro Asia Holidays (63399133)

- 315 silkair

- 350 tiger air.

So for now, the best bet is Euro Asia Holidays, this is the best price they can give me for 8 people. However they need me to confirm the numbers asap as they only have 9 seats left. So if you guys are agreeable, we should book soon.

No Meeting on 04/03

Dear Homerunners,

There will be no meeting this week.

Therefore please update your team task on the blog:

1. Funding form to YCM: Treasurers
2. Status on the boxes for packing: Logistics
3. Sourcing of supplier for the Kid's Kit items: Programmers
4. Update for air tickets to Chiangmai: Charlene

Regards,
Kok Boon

Katong Convent

Hi guys,

I have managed to get in contact with Katong Convent and have informed Destin about it. He and Thian Beng are willing go meet up with the PCCG teacher in charge this Thursday. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the meeting with them as my lessons only finish at 230pm on that day. So hope all goes well guys. See ya!

Anisah

Update from IT/Media

Hi Homerunners,

We've edited the video on School-for-Life which is specially for school's reference. Photographs have also been added for information. Pls kindly feedback if there's anything you would like IT/Media to include or edit in our blogs.

Regards
IT/Media

Meeting Minutes 260208

GESL Meeting 260208

Meeting on 26/02/18 lasted from 430pm till 630pm. The following issues were discussed.

1.) Trip to Chiang Mai
a)It was agreed that the trip should take place between the 27th and the 31st of May.

b)The trip will last for 4D/3N and will take place between the stipulated time period as stated in the preceding point. The exact dates will depend on the availability of flights and Charlene has volunteered to find out more details regarding the flight schedules

2.) List of items to be included in the kids’ kits

a)The list of items to be included in the kids’ kits has been put online by the programmers already.

b)It was mentioned that the first aid kit would not be assembled by the Singaporean kids. Instead, the first aid kits could be bought using student donations. Another suggestion would be that we could use the $100 allocated to each GESL group and buy first aid kits. Kaili also suggested buying first aid kits from polyclinics as it would be cheaper.

c)Waiwang also mentioned that the kids’ kits will contain personal items. It will contain cards for the Thai kids to design for their Singaporean counterparts. He also suggested that we take a photo of a Thai kid with the kit received from his/her Singaporean counterpart and that this photo will be brought back to Singapore and distributed to the Singapore students who made the kits.

3.) Transportation of kids’ kits from Singapore to Thailand

a)Boxes of kids’ kits will be checked in by representatives form Homerun who will be flying to Thailand. Each person has 15kg of luggage allotted to them so it is feasible to check the kits in. This will also prevent any delay in the kits reaching the kids in Thailand.

b)Clarice has kindly volunteered to help in sourcing for boxes and other transportation materials so that we can save cost.

4.) Publicity/ IT and Treasurers broke up and discussed their various issues

a)Publicity will prepare the slides for the presentation when meeting Katong convent. Anisah has been nice enough to go about arranging a date with the school and will update on this as soon as possible.

b)IT will work on getting the website ready.

c)Treasurers are to get more details about the funding. Treasurers will also do their own proposal and submit to YCM to get funds for our project.

Progammers!!

Hi guys,

we programmers have come up with the following items to be included in the pack, feel free to comment.

Items to be packed:

Toiletries:
1)Soap (bar)
2)toothbrush
3)toothpaste
4)handkerchief
5)nail clipper

Stationery
1)notebook
2)Pen and pencils
3)Sharpener
4)Eraser
5)Ruler

** We have estimated that the cost of pack should be between $5-10 but should not exceed this amount.
The students can also add one of their own personalised items if they want, this is optional.


I had a conversation with Destin and apparently the school wants first aid kits as well. The programmers are proposing that we purchase 5 sets (estimated at $50 per set) and pay for it out of our own pockets.

Other issues:
There will be a compulsory personalised item from each student. This will be a card with the picture of the student on it to the kids in Chiang mai so our friends in Chiang Mai can identify who is giving the pack to them. The card should include a personal message and also their personal details such as their name and class. There will be a 'return to sender' slip in each card so that the children in Chiang Mai can maybe write a message back to our girls in Singapore.

I will be posting a diagram to show how the pack should look like as well as how the card should be made.

I guess that is all!! See you guys soon!!

Anisah

Hey ya'll

Hey guys,

I just spoke to Destin and we programmers will come up with the list of items, just a heads up, I have just (like 2 mins ago) e-mailed kaili the contacts for Katong Convent. Hope all goes well people and we can get this project on the way! YIPPE!! See you guys soon.

Anisah

Meeting Agenda for 26/2

1) List of items for students to pack- programmers
2) Decide on duration of trip- all volunteers going
3) Prepare slides for school – publicity
4) Source the dates for flights- logistic
5) Improve on our Publicity blog site- IT team
6) Update on funding – Treasurers

tiger airways

Tiger Airways allow each person to
1. check in 1 luggage of not more than 15 kgs and
2. one hand carry up to the cabin.

For a few days' trip, if can travel light, then one hand carry should be enough to load up everything you need. Unless you need to bring laptop n other equipments. Normally for me, i carry one cabin size luggage and one haversack into the cabin.

If we use cardboard boxes to load up the items, and we have 8-9 people going, then we can check in more than 110kgs, including some personal items, it will eventually be added up to 130kgs.

This way we are sure that the items reach there with us.

Forwarding is also possible, just need to make some advance arrangement. Any chance of getting sponsorship for this?

BTW, how many days do you all intend to stay there? For the adventurous, there are many outdoor activities you could do like elephant riding, mountain biking, (REAL mountain biking), rafting, trekking, etc. -Thian Beng

Quotation for Shipment to Chiang Mai

Hi guys,

Attached is the reply from one of the air freight forwarder:

Please to offer the air freight rate from S'pore to Bangkok airport (the nearest gateway toChing Mai ) at SGD 0.80 per kg.

They are still communicating with the counterparts in Bangkok to get more information from them for the door rates to Ching Mai. They will advise the transportation and the handling charges incur from Bangkok airport to the mention address in Ching Mai which was given by Kok Boon.

Will keep u guys update for the charges. However, since there are so many of u all going, we can consider handcarrying the presents for the kids.

Cheers,
Clarice

Confirmed attendance to Chiang Mai's School For Life

Hi Homerunners,

Here are the names of volunteers going to Chiangmai.

1. Winnie
2. Kaili
3. Wai Wang
4. Thian Beng
5. Lay Koon
6. Zhemin
7. Rochelle
8. Daya
9. Kok Boon

Thanks.

BossaBall

Hi Homerunners,

Remember Bossaball? This saturday there will be a session at RP from 3pm to 8pm. Each player need to contribute $3 and will need a minimum of 12 to start. Anyone interested do let me know. Below is a youtube video on Bossaball. Thanks.

Good news from Chiangmai

I just spoke to Director Yothin of SFL(school for life) and was told that we could go there in late May to 6 June instead of mid June. So those who like to go for this exciting trip please book your slot early so i could tell him and keep a look out for tiger airways weekly promotional rates which may appear on-line anytime now.
-Thian Beng

Inspiration for the day:

Affection sweetens everything in life.
Only in sweetness-soil can oneness-plants grow.
~Sri Chinmoy

Orders

Hi guys these are the orders i got so far,

Anisah: 1/2 roast chicken and mash potatoes
Daya: Crispy Chicken
Kok Boon:Arabic Salad and Falafel Sandwich
Kaili:Shish Kebab
Winnie: Chicken Wrap
Andrew: Whole Roast Chicken
Waiwang: Falafel Sandwich
Jason:Whole spring chicken

Hope its all good. See ya tomorrow :)

FOOD ORDERS

Guys and girls,

I really need your food orders PLEASE!
By tonight if possible!


Anisah

E-mail from KC

Hi guys,
this is the e-mail i got from my school.

Sounds like quite a nice thing for our Lower Sec to take up. Perhaps 4 classes of Sec 1 students would be good.

Anita, pls liase with Zakiah over how the Sec 1s can be involved. They can then do the packing / reflection during PC period. Pls prepare to provide istructions / deadlines / other logistics and admin directions for this project.

We do need publicity materials from Anisah about the group they are helping so that our girls can identify with the children in Chiang Mai and have more compassion for them.

We can then enlist the help of the PC trs to see the project through.

Thanks

Helen

One more thing

Hey everyone,

I have e-mailed my old school and they seem interested in the project!!

Publicity !! I need you!! I'll give you guys the contact details of the teacher via e-mail later on k got to get ready for school now.

Anisah

Outing on the 19th of February @ 1.30pm

Hi Guys,
sorry to bother you all again about the outing. The lady from the cafe told me that it would be great if you guys could go to the website and give me a list of food orders so that they ll be able to prepare it on time for our lunch then. Thanks.

Anisah

Meeting Minutes (12/02/08)

1. Chiangmai trip was discussed

• Trip will be from the 18th to the 21st of June
• Cost will depend on the number of people who are going. Approx 40 sgd per day per person. this will include 3 meals and laundry seervices. Airafre is approx 350-360 sgd on budget ariline.
• there was a further suggestion from Thian Beng that we go 1-2 days earlier to film orphans on the streets to facilitate in the reflection excersice when we come back.
• we are to confirm the exact attendance for the trip the next time we have meeting.

2. Funding

• Funding will be obtained from young change makers (YCM)
• treasurers will find out more details on funding procedure and update accordingly.
• There were also suggestions to defray the cost of sending the Kits by getting sposorship from the airline.

3. Kids' Kits

• It was suggested that something basic and geberic should be put into the kits because the age range for the Thai kids is from 6-16 years old. We are to ensure that the kits will be beneficial to all the kids irrespective of age. some examples of items were toothbrushes, excercise books and writing paraphernelia
• About 160 Kits will be required

4. Contacts for schools

• Destin suggested that we ask secondary schools first. this is because most of our GESl team members did contract teaching in secondary schools prior to NIE and thus might have contacts in these schools. In particualr the suggestion was to target Sec 1 students.
• Once the contact has been made with a school and willingness shown, the publicity people will handle the negotiations. however the programme people will have to come up with something concrete for the publicity people to work with.
• A website should also be up and running for the publicity people to use as a tool to convince the school. This website (made available to the public) was set up by the IT people during the GESL meeting session in the form of a blog titled Kids to Kids by Homerun. However there is still the problem of compressing videos to put up on this public domain blog. The publicity people are also to help the IT people conceptualize how the blog will look like. Kok Boon has volunteered towork with publicity and IT with the setting up of this blog.

5. Everybody then moved into their respective departments and worked throughout the rest of the meeting.

6. Things for people to do!

• Programme people to come up with the actual specifics of the programme in 2 weeks time.
• Logistics need the name of the school in Chiangmai to source for sponsorship
• Everyone needs to contact their contract schools by the next meeting.
• New public domain blog (which will include videos) to be worked on collectively by IT and Publicity people
• Treasurers will find out more details on funding procedure and update accordingly

Outing on the 19th of February @ 1.30pm

Hello my fellow friends, here are the details of our outing on the 19th of February

The place is called:-
Cafe Le Caire@ Al Majilis

The details are as follows:-
Address: 39 Arab Street Singapore 199738
Phone: 62920979
Website: www.cafelecaire.com

You guys can check out the menu at the link that i have given you above. I'll call tomorrow to make the booking :)

See you guys!

Cheers!

Anisah

P.S We can have some shisha so just for fun here is a link for you guys to check it out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hookah

Who to contact in your contract school?

Dear Homerunner,

Good morning. I suggest that for all who are contacting their contract school, the person to look for is the PCCG HOD. She will be the right person to talk to on our Kids to Kids Programme.

Regards,
Kok Boon

request for water bottles

For enquiries on NEWater bottles, please contact

Tel: 65410543 / 67313107
email: PUB_NEWater_bottles@pub.gov.sg

we can make the students drink while they listen to our presentation and make full use of the water bottles to decorate?

how??

New email for publicity

Hi all,

FYI.

I've set up a publicity email for homerun group for schools to email queries to.

Email: geslhomerun@gmail.com
Password: GESLhomerun2008

If case password is forgotten,
Question: Who is our first teacher?
Answer: EMILY

regrards,
Kaili

Today's discussion

Hi Guys and Gals!

This is what the 'Programmer' Group came up with today:

- As we know it, we will be dealing with about 200 secondary school students and will be making 160 packages for the kids in Chang Mai

Session 1
- Introduction on our Kids to kids project which would be done during assembly
- Question and answer session afterwards
- Providing students with our contact details to enquire about the things that they have to purchase and bring to put in the package.

Session 2 (Briefing and personalizing of items)
- Provide the students with a sample pack, so they know how it should be packed and how it should look like
- It should be a standard package with one variable item/ personalized (We have not decided on the item yet) - Logistics please head down to Daiso and see if you can purchase something for the children
-Zip Lock bags purchased and labels created (Blank white labels which students can decorate to write their name and class) to make it more convenient for administrative purposes)
- An example of the label should also be created so students have an idea of how it should be done

Session 3 (Packaging and Collection)
- Packaging and collection (Logistics please)
- Ask the students to do a mini reflection, oral or written. We can make some video recordings of how they feel and take pictures etc.

Session 4 (Reflection and mini performance)
- Can continue on the reflection aspect
- Do a mini cultural performance and record it on video



Apart from that we are hoping that the kids in Chang Mai can do a mini performance for the students in Singapore so that they have something to take back from their experience.

Other Issues

- Publicity please try to confirm dates with us
- Marketing can you please come up with funding for sponsorship of personalized items at this point in time we are thinking of water bottles that they can decorate or pencil boxes and plain t-shirts that they can design themselves for the children in Chang Mai.
-Another issue i would like to bring up is that there might be students who are on financial assistance and are unable to afford to purchase the items foe the children in Chang Mai. We will just ensure that these students will be able to participate in other ways k?
- We were also suggesting that for the personalized items, we could ALL help in cutting out a card thing for the kids in Chang Mai where our students in Singapore can put their photos and a message

I guess thats all folks! See Ya! e-MAIL ME IF THERE IS ANYTHING YOU GUYS WANT TO RECTIFY

Meeting 12/02

Dear Homerunners,

Meeting for this week

Date: 12/2/2008 (Tues)
Time: 1630 to 1800
Venue: 7-01-TR57 (usual TR)

Agenda:
1) Confirm attendance to Chiangmai
2) Funding from YCM
3) Strategies to approach school
4) IT: website
5) Updates from Thian Beng

Suggestion for posting of blogs

I would like to suggest that everyone creates a new post (instead of clicking on the 'comments') for any comments made so that everything is on our Home page.

Testing too

At first saw Daya's post but didn't see the 2 comments from daniel n clarice. But after some anyhow clicking. So just try to make a new post see what it will look like.

OK we can add picture too...

Test test...

Hi everyone...Just wanted to try out and see whether this works... Im very new to this and if anyone doesnt like the layout, feel free to change ya... Happy posting!