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
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
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
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
Thursday, May 22, 2008
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
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
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
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
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:
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:
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?
- give the kids gifts
- break into groups for activities
- thailand cooking session
- bid farewell
- 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
- 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
- trekking 3hr
- children lead
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~
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
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
Sunday, May 18, 2008
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.
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
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
Friday, May 16, 2008
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
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
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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.
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
Monday, May 12, 2008
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
2nd day
3rd day
4th day
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.
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
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
Thursday, May 8, 2008
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.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
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
Hope everyone is holding up well.
Just wanted to inform you guys that there will be no meeting this Tuesdays
Cheerios
Charlene
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