April 3, 2016 | Author: Marilyn White | Category: N/A
1 NYJC SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMME SERVICE-LEARNING GUIDEBOOK 2013 Prepared By: Mr Victor Tan (Subject Head) Mr Loy Suan ...
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
NYJC SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMME SERVICE-LEARNING GUIDEBOOK 2013 Prepared By: Mr Victor Tan (Subject Head) Mr Loy Suan Hui (2 I/C) Ms Nurain Bte Mohd Saad Mdm Teh Sok Hoon Mr Lin Jiansheng Ms Anne Victor Mr Joshua Tan Ms Ma Yuexia (Service-Learning Committee)
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
PROUD (by Heather Small) I look into the window of my mind Reflections of the fears I know I've left behind I step out of the ordinary I can feel my soul ascending I'm on my way Can't stop me now And you can do the same What have you done today to make you feel proud? It's never too late to try What have you done today to make you feel proud? You could be so many people If you make that break for freedom What have you done today to make you feel proud? Still so many answers I don't know Realize that to question is how we grow So I step out of the ordinary I can feel my soul ascending I'm on my way Can't stop me now You can do the same What have you done today to make you feel proud? It's never too late to try What have you done today to make you feel proud? You could be so many people If you make that break for freedom What have you done today to make you feel proud? We need a change Do it today I can feel my spirit rising We need a change So do it today 'Cause I can see a clear horizon What have you done today to make you feel proud? So what have you done today to make you feel proud? 'Cause you could be so many people Just make that break for freedom So what have you done today to make you feel proud?
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
1. Service-Learning in Nanyang JC …………………………………………. 4 2. Class Service-Learning Projects………………...…….……………..……… 7 3. Timeline for Service-Learning Programme 2013 ……………………….. 8 4. Tips for Civics Tutors ………………………………………………………….. 10 5. Guidelines for S-L Advocates …………………………………………….... 14 6. Sample Service-Learning Projects ………………………………………... 23 7. Communication Tips and Possible Beneficiaries ………………………. 31 8. List of Possible Partners ……………………………………………………… 38 9. Useful Websites (Partners) ………………………………………………….. 39 10. S-L Committee Contact List……………………………………………….. 40 11. External Contacts …………………………………………………………… 41 12. Frequently Asked Questions…………………………………………………43 13. Acknowledgments …………………………………………………………. 46
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
SERVICE-LEARNING IN NANYANG JC
What is Service-Learning? As a student embarking on Service-Learning (S-L), you will transform the lives of not just those who receive your service, but your life as well. Through five suggested steps of investigation, planning and preparation, implementation, reflection, and demonstration, the S-L programme in NYJC works towards achieving both service and learning objectives. By combining volunteerism and structured experiential learning, service to the community changes you as an individual, and in turn, the change enriches the service you render to the community. What’s the Difference Between Service-Learning and Community Involvement Programme (CIP)? CIP involves service that is assumed to benefit the community, with learning objectives not explicitly set. Hence, any learning that takes place is a bonus rather than the result of a stated goal. On the other hand, S-L is participant-driven, and seeks to address the concerns, needs and hopes of the community. Reflections are a key component of S-L, with Service Objectives and Learning Objectives clearly set at the start of the S-L process. Through S-L, real community needs are met, and participants also embark on a journey of self-development.
SERVICE Meeting real community needs
LEARNING Self-development
Through S-L, participants also use what they learn in the classroom to solve real-life problems. For example, if students merely collect trash along the beach, they are volunteers, but not involved in S-L. However, if students collect trash along the beach, analyze their findings to determine the possible sources of pollution, and share the results with residents (public) or authority (National Environment Agency), they are engaged in the process of Service-Learning where they can apply their 4
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
knowledge from General Paper (global issues), Project Work, Science, Mathematics, Economics and other academic subjects. Objectives of Service-Learning Service Objectives To meet community needs through the involvement of students, staff and community partners in meaningful service Learning Objectives To learn through reflection, facilitation and programme design To cultivate our four college values: Integrity, Resilience, Resourcefulness, and Compassion through service to the community Service-Learning Process A typical service-learning project includes five components: 1. Investigation: Teachers and students investigate the community problems that they may potentially address. Investigation typically involves some sort of research and mapping activity. 2. Planning and Preparation: Teachers, students, and community members plan the learning and service activities, and address the administrative issues needed for a successful project. 3. Action (Implementing the Service Activity): The “heart” of the project: engaging in the meaningful service experience that will help your students develop important knowledge, skills, and attitudes, and that will benefit the community. 4. Reflection: Activities that help students understand the service-learning experience and to think about its meaning and connection to them, their society, and what they have learned in school; and 5. Demonstration/Celebration: The final experience when students, community participants and others publicly share what they have learned, celebrate the results of the service project, and look ahead to the future. Through this suggested framework, learning is deliberate and heightened for students providing the service, which enhances what students can offer to the community they are providing their service to. The “Timeline of NYJC’s Service-Learning Programme” (refer to page 8) is based on this 5
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
five-stage cycle, and it serves to guide students’ journeys in ServiceLearning throughout their time in NYJC.
5) Demonstration
1) Investigation
2) Planning and Preparation
4) Reflection
3) Implementing the Service Activity ‘Service-Learning Cycle’ Reproduced with permission from: RMC Research Corporation. K-12 Service-Learning Project Planning Toolkit. Scotts Valley, CA: National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2006/2009.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
CLASS SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECTS
What are the types of projects we can carry out?
Classes are to initiate their own project Projects can be done locally to benefit the school, the neighbourhood and beyond Fund-raising projects will only be allowed during selected college events Students are discouraged from doing projects that involve just indirect service to beneficiaries, such as beach cleanups and flag days
When can we do our project? June holidays One-week September holiday Any Saturday in Term 2 and until Term 3 November/December holidays (before 13th Dec) Classes are not to use curriculum time (including dates in school calendar reserved for school events) to conduct S-L projects When must we complete our project by? 15th September (recommended) 13th December (latest) What about the post activity (i.e. Reflection component) upon completion of S-L Project?
Students to reflect on their class S-L experience (1 hour) All students to complete Post S-L Reflection Section via S-L portal Submit photos (in CD Format) to S-L committee members Complete ALL SECTIONS via S-L portal
Note: Students need to prepare for an exhibition showcase during S-L Fair 2014
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
TIMELINE FOR SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAMME 2013
Date
Activity/Event
22nd May (11.30am1.00pm)
Service-Learning Seminar Visiting of Voluntary Welfare Organizations’ (VWOs’) booths to make initial contact with partnering organization.
1st July
Submission of Draft Proposal via S-L Portal (see page 16) pending approval. Send an email to
[email protected] should you have any problem/s with the S-L portal. [Note: Unless your project is in June, kindly submit by 30th May.]
8th July
Before July
8th
Term 2/3
2 weeks to 1 month prior to project
Submission of Finalized Proposal via S-L Portal (see page 16).
CT/S-L Advocates to update contact details of partnering organizations and project details in S-L Portal to avoid clashes. S-L Committee coordinates duplicated organizations and finalizes organizations if necessary.
Searching for a Partnering Organization CT/S-L Advocates get to know their chosen organization well, understand the special needs of the group they are helping/ interacting with, assign key roles and responsibilities among students and prepare required materials/programme.
Conduct Recce Trip to Organizations CT/S-L Advocates to contact respective charitable organizations to finalize date, time, needs and activities. Complete Pre-Service Reflection section in S-L Portal.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Date
Activity/Event
At least 1 week prior to Class S-L Project
Final preparation for Class S-L Project CT/S-L Advocates to collate all Consent Forms [signed by P/VP/HOD (Ms Amy Chiew)] and submit to respective Civics/CCA tutor All claims forms for project cost (of up to $30 per CT) to be submitted to the Civics/CCA tutor within 1 week of date of purchase Submit Risk Assessment Management System (RAMS) Form to Mr Victor Tan (SH S-L Comm.) All students to complete Pre S-L Reflection Section via S-L Portal
15th September
JC1 CTs are strongly encouraged to complete their project by 15th September. Otherwise, all CTs are to complete their projects by 13th Dec 2013.
Within 1 week upon completion of Class S-L Project
Post Class S-L Reflection - Facilitation (1 hour) Students to reflect on their class S-L experience All students to complete Post S-L Reflection Section via S-L portal
Post Class S-L Admin Submit photos [in CD Format] to respective Civics/CCA Tutor or other teacher advisor; Respective tutor to submit to S-L Comm. Complete all the sections in S-L Portal.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
TIPS FOR CIVICS TUTORS
1. Please access the S-L Portal to approve the project If you are unsure of project requirements, please approach the S-L Committee member attached to your class (refer to S-L Committee Contact List on page 40) NOTE: The class or team should have contacted a suitable organization for a suitable S-L project before submitting the online proposal. 2. Civics Tutor’s Commitment
Give online approval of student’s S-L project
Edit any official letters (please approach Secretariat for editing of formal college letters)
Submission of claims (Class S-L Project Cost): CT to collect receipts from S-L Advocate Paste receipts on an A4-sized paper Attach the receipt/s to the ‘IFAAS Payment Form’ Get the Goods Receipt Officer (GRO) stamp from General Office (Yen) on pasted receipts o Indicate ‘SOF (CIP)’ in ‘Fund to be Used’ section on ‘IFAAS Payment Form’ o Submit to Subject Head (Service-Learning) in the PE Office o o o o
Supervise Team leader’s management of S-L project
Counsel and resolve conflicts and manage stress during the S-L project
For student-initiated S-L projects, students are allowed to implement their own activities: Civics Tutors/S-L Advocates are to do RAMS with CT’s supervision and endorsement
CT has to accompany the class on actual day(s) of service rendered, RAMS has to be done and endorsed by the CT
Overnight activities will require an accompanying teacher to be present (Ratio: 1: 10)
At all times, maintain communication with CT Rep/S-L Advocate
When in doubt, do approach any of the teachers in the S-L Committee for further clarification (refer to College Contact List on page ).
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
3. Project Management Checklist Proposal Students have brainstormed on a suitable project for the class, CCA, group, etc; S-L Advocate has contacted a suitable organization for a possible Service-Learning project; Students have done a “Needs Analysis Survey” of the community and target group of individuals they want to serve; o E.g. interviews with target beneficiaries, home visits, cause research and discussions with Voluntary Welfare Organization (VWO) or Non-governmental Organization (NGO) A complete proposal MUST have the following: Work Flow Detailed Proposal Recce plan Timeline Actual Service day Programme Logistics List Wet-Weather Plan Team Responsibilities Budget Pre-activity and Post activity Plans Reflection Component Feedback Event Evaluation Venue The Team has considered the scale of the project: o Small (1 organization + NYJC students); o Medium (1 organization+ NYJC students (facilitators) + other schools); o Large (More than 1 organization+ NYJC Students+ Facilitators + Other Schools; The venue is suitable to run the project; 11
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Facilities Logistics Students have considered the resources needed to run the project; Students have included an Emergency Contact List: o (i.e. important contact details of Teacher I/C’s, Team leader, Representative from VWO or NGO, Organization Liaison Officer, etc); Students have considerd guidelines about attire, code of conduct, emergency procedures (RAMS) and stress and conflict management; Students have applied for and acquired the necessary documents, permits or licenses to conduct the Service-Learning project; If the project requires additional manpower (e.g. representatives from other schools or clubs nationwide), a list of approved sources of manpower required for project has been considered); Project Timeline There is a clearly structured timeline of deadlines to complete the project. Students have included an itinerary of the actual day(s) of service. Project Know-How Students have considered the knowledge, skills or expertise needed for this project. Students have considered if additional training is needed (e.g. partnership with an external expert or representatives from a selected NGO or VWO or trained volunteers), a list of additional volunteers who can provide the expert training has been included. Budget Total cost of the project has been considered. Students have included a breakdown of the costs involved in running the project. o Samples of sponsorship letters can be requested from CT/ S-L Comm (Note: Teachers please see K:\Admin Broadcast\Admin Matters\Committees\Service-Learning Committee\sponsorlettersample) 12
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Student has included a list of additional sources of funding. To have seek approval prior to accepting the external funding sources (please check with Mr Victor Tan, SH S-L comm, PE Dept, Ext ) Team Responsibilities Each team to have designated roles to ensure the success of the S-L project. The number of leaders will vary on the size of the group. Roles include (but are not limited to): Team Leader(s) Coordinate entire project, main liaison person for tutors and organizations
Facilitator Conduct reflections sessions throughout the S-L cycle
Treasurer (Exco) Handle finances of project, e.g. track expenditures and funds
Secretary (Exco) Submit forms, document project progression
Logistics Planner (Exco) Organize resources required
Publicity Management (Exco) o Prepare exhibition materials (scrapbook, videos, photos, etc) o Oversee Editorial Officers (write-ups) and Filming Officers (video presentation)
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
GUIDELINES FOR S-L ADVOCATES
1. Writing the Proposal Please refer to the guidelines in the NYJC Service-Learning Portal (must log into S-L Portal). 2. Liaising with Selected Organization Either call the organization directly or email a formal letter (printed on college letterhead, which can be found in K:\Admin Broadcast\Admin Matters\Committees\Service-Learning Committee). In the letter, please include the following:
Your service intentions and plans in full
Your Service Objectives should adhere to the following requirements: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-bound (S.M.A.R.T) o E.g. Our class 11XX have decided to clean the rooms and paint the walls of 15 one room flats in Blk XXX, in Kampong Bahru, on Saturday, 30th April, 8am -5pm
Your target group: beneficiaries, age group, physical requirements, interests, type of service, etc.
Enquire on nature of help needed by the organization
Look into safety precautions
Enquire on any logistical arrangements needed
Arrange for a recce of actual venue for service
Provide a tentative programme that the community will work with
3. Design an S-L Proposal (refer to guidelines below) Accessing the NYJC Service-Learning Portal: Initiating a Service-Learning project in NYJC has been made very convenient for NYJCians. If you are keen to initiate a Service-Learning project as a class, CCA or even open a project and recruit members to sign up, you can do so in the new Service-Learning Portal.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Simply follow the steps below to submit the S-L Proposal: 1. Go to NYJC College Website (nanyangjc.org) NYJCAINS > Get involved > Service-Learning Portal.
>
CURRENT
Log on to S-L Portal using your Login ID and password (see Figure 1) 2. Complete all sections in S-L Portal. For individual student with ad-hoc external community service events, please click on ‘Submit A Project’ (see Figure 1) to key in the relevant details and submit to your respective Civics Tutor for approval. You are to provide evidence such as a letter of appreciation from the relevant organization. You can find a comprehensive User Guide in NYJC Service-Learning Website. The URL is: http://www.nanyangjc.org/webusers/SL/index.php. If you have any problems with our Service-Learning Portal, please send an email to
[email protected]
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Figure 1: A quick guide to using the Service-Learning Portal (Student) Section A: Logging in, the taskbar and the main activity window. 1. Access the Service-Learning portal via http://www.nanyangjc.org/newapps/sl_portal/index.php.
2. Use your NYXchange username and password to login.
3a. Upon logging in, you should see your user role, your name and a taskbar on the left.
3b. You should also see a list of Service-Learning Projects you have initiated or you are a participant of (if any) in the main activity window.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Section B: Initiating a project, modifying an existing project (only for initiators), adding participants 1. By clicking on the ‘Submit a Project’ button in the taskbar, you will be directed to the ‘Submit A New Project’ activity window. You need to fill in every field under the Project Details and the Organisation Details in order to proceed.
2. Once you have filled in the relevant Project Details and Organisation Details, you will be directed to the ‘Project Details’ activity window. Check that the information you entered is correct. If you need to, you can either modify the existing details or add participants (if any) to your Service-Learning project.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
3. As the initiator of a project, you will automatically be a participant of the project. You may click on the ‘Remove’ button to remove yourself (or any participants). To add participants, you can either search for them by name, or by class. 4. After searching for participants, you can use the ‘Add’ button to add them to your project.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Section C: Submitting reflections 1. By clicking on the ‘View My Projects’ button, you will see a list of Service-Learning projects you are involved in, either as an initiator or a participant. You need to submit your reflections after you have completed the project. 2. By clicking on the ‘Reflection’ button, you will be directed to the ‘My Reflections’ main activity window. There, you can either view your reflection or you can enter your reflections. 3. You need to respond to every question before you can proceed to submit your reflection.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
4. S-L Advocates to help set Service Objectives and Learning Objectives (SOLOs) and to conduct a pre- and post-activity with their respective team of participants SOLOs Refer to the next section on “Sample Service-Learning Projects” for examples of SOLOs that can be set Details of pre-activity (select one of the following) done, to be summarized and submitted to S-L Portal
K-W-L survey (3 things I Know, 2 things I Want to Know and 1 thing you hope to Learn)
Teambuilding or Ice-Breaker activities
Reflection Cards
Learning Journeys to Heritage Places
Museums Visits
Talks by Guest Speakers (e.g. S-L Practitioners, Absorbent Minds)
Case Study: Understanding and Practicing Empathy
Soft Skills Workshop (e.g. Deaf Awareness, Balloon Sculpturing, Conversational Dialect Lessons, The Art of Storytelling)
Post-Activity (Reflection) Help peers discuss their observations before, during and after the project as well as and make sense of their service-learning experience. They can use one of the following methods for examining their learning, emotions/attitudes or even their understanding of community issues:
A Guided Reflection o WHAT
How did you feel while conducting/participating in the project
What were some of the challenges you encountered?
Do you think you/the class made a difference? Yes/No and Why?
o S0 WHAT
What knowledge/skills did you pick up?
What did you learn about YOU, the TEAM and THE COMMUNITY assisted?
What could you have done better? 20
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
o
NOW WHAT
What can you do next?
How else can you contribute to the community?
Other Types of Reflection: o Journal Writing - Structured Questions or Free Verse or Key Phrases about Milestone Moments of project o E-Reflection: Blogs, Digital Storytelling o Creative Portfolios - Publication Interviews/Articles, Photo Collage or Scrapbook, o S-L Portfolios o Posters o Live Videos o Poems o Sketches o Cartoons o Brochures o Anecdotal Quotations o Short Stories o Assembly Sharing/Class Discussions and Dialogues o Participate in another local S-L project o Designing Future Guides - e.g. 10 Tips for Interacting with Children
5. Celebration/Demonstration: PART 1: Designing an S-L Scrapbook / S-L Portfolio
Select 10 – 20 photos capturing highlights of the project (requirements: burn in a CD)
Collect a number of key reflections about milestone moments
Include a write-up of project (not more than 100 words) one week after the execution of the project
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
PART 2: Closure - Acknowledgement and Appreciation
Give out Certificates of Appreciation to participants
Have a Celebratory Meal or Tea Appreciation
Write Thank-You notes to service providers/organization/teacher I/C’s, etc
Make morning announcements/TV Broadcast announcements of Project Appreciation
If fund-raising project, prepare acknowledgment cheques (to be handed to Principal during morning assembly)
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
SAMPLE SERVICE-LEARNING PROJECTS
SAMPLE 1: WORKING WITH ELDERLY “Through interaction with the elderly, the volunteers not only brought warmth and joy into their hearts, but also helped improve their lives by buying necessities that the elderly lack in their homes. The items were given to the elderly during the second visit. It was a shocking realization, for some volunteers that some of the elderly were living in apartments without refrigerators, mattresses or even proper foods, as these items are considered as basics in most homes.” Foong Jia Wen, CT 1035 Title of Project: Adopt-a-Wish Dates: March 2011 – April 2011 Duration: 2 home visits Target Community: lower-income elderly Volunteers needed: 1000 students Beneficiaries: 300 one-room flat households registered with Lions Befrienders CT/Teacher I/C’s: Mr Victor Tan, Mr Joel Loo Description of Service Objectives: To donate food or household items to an elderly person after conducting a needs analysis of the households that students will visit. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): A smile on the elderly person’s face, a “thank you” response from the elderly. Description of Learning Objectives: Students will learn to be more empathetic towards the elderly, to communicate in their own dialects with an elderly person, and to develop better listening skills. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): The students will be able to communicate in simple dialect, and carry out sustained conversations with the elderly. Partners: Lions Befrienders Address: Blk 130, Bukit Merah View, #01-358, Singapore 150130
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Contact Person: Ms XXX Contact Number: XXXXXXXX Email:
[email protected] Trainings: Briefings held at NYJC LT Acknowledgment: College website write-up
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
SAMPLE 2: WORKING WITH CHILDREN “In our fast developing nations, we do not want to leave the children behind as they will become our future pillars. We want to help the preschoolers from disadvantaged homes experience a transitional holiday programme that will get them ready for Primary One.” Title of Project: Bridging Programme Dates: 17 November – 12 December 2010 Duration: Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm Target Community: Pre-school children (4-6 years old) Volunteers needed: 150 student facilitators, 50 Kindergarten Teachers Beneficiaries: 22 schools (specially selected across the country, especially catering to the children from disadvantaged families) CT/Teacher I/C’s: Ms Anne Victor (9068XXXX)/Miss (9727XXXX)/Mrs Gerda Huang (9682XXXX)
Liang Peiyun
Description of Service Objectives: Through a 4-week intensive programme, students help children going to Primary One by equipping them with the necessary skills and disposition. Student facilitators will assist the volunteer teachers at the selected schools with classroom activities (e.g. story telling, classroom management), preparing teaching materials, preparing refreshments and help with classroom cleaning. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): The preschoolers will be ready to handle the rigours of primary one with the intensive bridging programmes. They will be more confident, have a clearer picture of what to expect as they enter Primary One and have the basic writing, reading and listening skills needed to understand instructions and engage in the academic curriculum. Description of Learning Objectives: Students will pick up tips to communicate more effectively with the children. They will pick up skills of time and classroom management, storytelling and help the children to engage with their lessons. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): The children will complete academic work and performances for the finale concert cum exhibition held at the end of the programme (e.g. drawings, paintings, art and craft, etc). 25
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Partners: Chinese Development Assistance Council, Eurasian Association Singapore, MENDAKI, SINDA, Association For Early Childhood, Ministry of Education and NIE Preschool Unit. Organization: SINDA Address: No 3 Serangoon Road. Singapore 331771. Contact Person: Miss Maria Contact Number: 9873XXXX Email:
[email protected] Trainings: One half-day workshop held at NYJC LT Resource provided: Training Booklet for Volunteers Acknowledgment: Certificates of Participation; Popular Vouchers
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
SAMPLE 3: WORKING WITH THE ELDERLY “Did you know that many elderly are living alone in Singapore? Some lack meals, while others lack true companionship. Are YOU ready to be a friend and a Hero and brighten up someone’s life? Are YOU ready to be a youth with an open mind and have a healthy respect for the elderly?” Title of Project: Bright Homes Dates: 01 July 2011 – 15 February 2012 Duration: Once a Month, Saturdays, 8am to 5pm Target Community: The elderly (55-80years) Volunteers needed: 25 student volunteers Beneficiaries: 50 elderly people residing at the Redhill Estate and who meet regularly at the Redhill Activity Centre CT/Teacher I/C’s: Ms Anne Victor (9727XXXX)
(9068XXXX)/Miss
Liang Peiyun
Description of Service Objectives: Though a variety of activities (movie screenings, farm visits, bus rides to view Christmas light-up, fall prevention talks), courses and workshops (using the Internet, spa treatment), festival celebrations and home cleaning, our students will brighten up the elderly residents’ lives. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): The elderly residents will smile more as they meet youths with a reduced mindset towards ageism in our community. They will not feel isolated or abandoned and will possess a healthy mind and body as they age gracefully. Description of Learning Objectives: Nanyang students will pick up tips to communicate more effectively with the elderly. They will become effective communicators in various dialects, learn to be sensitive to the needs of the elderly and understand the importance of our heritage. More importantly, for those who seldom interact with the elderly in society, they will be given a rare opportunity to learn lessons of humility, dignity and respect. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): Through the various learning journeys, interactive workshops and courses, our youth will befriend and develop a healthy respect for the elderly in our community and the elderly in turn will receive the joys of interacting with the youths. 27
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Partners/Organization: Central Singapore Community Development Council (CDC) Address: Central Singapore CDC Main Office, HDB Hub Bizthree, 490 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, #04-10, Singapore 310 490 Contact Person: Miss Lee Contact Number: 6370XXXX Email:
[email protected] Trainings: Workshops conducted during CCA days at NYJC, CDC or Redhill Activity Centre Resources provided: Training (Dialect Lessons, Public Speaking Wokshops: Communicating with the Elderly, Spa Lessons) Acknowledgment: Certificates of Participation; Volunteer Appreciation Party (February)
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
SAMPLE 4: WORKING WITH THE ENVIRONMENT “The first year-long survey of the mangrove horseshoe crab Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda was conducted at the Mandai mudflats at Kranji in Singapore to determine if breeding is year round or seasonal and to provide qualitative and quantitative baseline data to monitor the health of the population.” Lesley Cartwright-Taylor*, Julian Lee, Chia Chi Hsu Title of Project: Horseshoe Crab Study with Nature Society of Singapore (NSS) Dates: 8th March or 8th April Duration: Once a month, Saturday/Sunday, 3.30 pm or when it is low tide Target Community: Research Department of NSS Volunteers needed: 20 student volunteers Beneficiary: The environment CT/Teacher I/C’s: Mr Mark Goh Description of Service Objectives: A once a month collection of data on horseshoe crabs, especially during low tide will be done. Volunteers will have to search for crabs on the following weekend if tides are not in favour on selected days. Data collected will be useful for research done by NSS. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): A more concerted effort to inform the public not to litter recklessly at the Kranji Mudflats, which is one of the largest habitats of the endangered horseshoe crabs. They will be able to rescue 3 out of every 4 horseshoe crabs entangled or killed by abandoned fishing nets. Description of Learning Objectives: Students will pick up effective research skills and be more active advocates of conservation practices. How Will Success Look Like (HWSLL): Through the experiential research study, our students will understand the harmful effects of extensive land reclamation and coastal degradation. Partners: Dr Hsu Chia Chi and Ms Lesley Cartwright-Taylor Organization: Nature Society of Singapore 29
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Address: 510 Geylang Road, #02-05 The Sunflower, Singapore 389466 Contact Person: Dr Hsu Contact Number: 6738XXXX Email:
[email protected] Trainings: Half-hour briefing conducted before the session on measurements and proper collection of horseshoe crabs and recording of data in record books Resources provided: Pails and gloves for collecting horseshoe crabs and measurement tools Acknowledgment: Certificates of Participation
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
COMMUNICATION TIPS AND POSSIBLE BENEFICIARIES
Working with Beneficiaries
Familiarize oneself with whom you will work with within the community: the Beneficiary, the Participant, the Collaborator and the Sponsor
Beneficiary: refers to the group receiving the service e.g. the needy, children, elderly, the disabled, the visually–impaired, the hearing-impaired, migrant workers, the environment etc.
Participant: refers to the individuals performing the service
Collaborator: partner organizations that are directly involved and possess the expertise, experience and resources needed to support community causes e.g. Non-governmental Organization (NGO) and Voluntary Welfare Organization (VWO)
Sponsor: individuals or groups like corporate companies (through their Corporate Social Responsibility programmes) that have a mission to support worthy causes through monetary means or volunteers
Government agencies: national organizations which look into the welfare of the community through legislation and assistance e.g. Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS), grassroots organizations, Community Development Councils (CDC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Finance (MOF),etc
As participants of any S-L project, you may have had little or no experience working with individuals we are serving. To ensure that your project is successful, you must be able to step into the shoes of our beneficiaries, understand the needs of the community you are rendering the service to, perform the actual service meaningfully and reflect on your shared experiences to learn about the self and the larger community.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
The Needy What Can I do?
Food Collection Drive and Distribution
Home Visits
Home Cleaning
Performances
Festival Celebrations (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas)
Befriending
Fundraising
Communication Tips:
Be patient with them
Do not make empty promises (e.g. promise to solicit funds to help pay their bills)
Converse in their preferred language e.g. mother tongue
Do not feel offended if they refuse your help
Always ask politely if you help them
Avoid questions of a personal nature e.g. Why are your children not helping you?
Empathize with the individual’s situation and help him feel less threatened by your presence (smile; avoid moving in your seat and looking beyond the person
Be an active listener
Approach individuals in pairs or threes
Adopt a neutral and less critical perspective when discussing government aid
Avoid use of accusatory or judgmental speech
Pay close attention to their speech to avoid misunderstandings
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Children What can I do?
Food Collection Drive
Toys, Clothes and Books Distribution Drive
Reading Programmes
Mentoring At-risk Children
Festival Celebrations (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas)
Fundraising
School “Beautification” Project
Design of Well-wishes Card
Adopt a Home
Distribution of “Personal Hygiene Kits”
Read-a-thons
Communication Tips:
Introduce yourself using a warm and friendly tone
Give them time to warm up to you; do not force yourself on them
Be sensitive about their social background ( do not poke fun at their attire, actions, speech or family background)
Do not make empty promises, e.g. “I will visit you again”
Do not try to discipline their misconduct; refer them to their teacher or guardian
The first meeting is very important; make sure they know gently “who the boss is”
Be patient and let them know they are loved
Help them set them short-term attainable goals
Remind them of their goals to keep them focused
Let them know what to expect at the start of the programme
Have fun as you engage with them
Be patient
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Elderly What can I do?
Food Collection Drive and Distribution
Home Visits
Home Cleaning
Joint Concerts: The Youth and The Senior
Festival Celebrations (Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali, Christmas)
Befriending
Fundraising
Wish List Drives
Neighbourhood clean-up
Charity Drives
Painting of One-Room Flats
Dialect Lessons with the Elderly
Mentorship Programme: One Elderly to One Youth
Senior Citizens Idol
Hugs Programme
“I Love You”: Grandparents Day
Assisting at Childcare Centers Run by the Elderly
Adopt an Elderly
Be a Hero
Reading Programmes
Brown Bag Lunches
Developing Community Spaces
Senior Safety Programmes
Connecting Lives Through Stories: Interview with the Elderly
Senior Prom
Family Album
Neighbourhood Heroes
Share a Meal
Skits: Crime against the Elderly
Publications: Tapestry of Past stories, Legends and Myths 34
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Communication Tips:
Be patient with them
Be mindful of their physical limitations and how they can challenge communication
If they do not recognize you, do not take it personally
Avoid talking as you eat
Face the elderly when you talk
Speak clearly, loudly and slowly
Be sensitive if they are using an assisted hearing device
Notice signs of tiredness during the visit and politely leave
Allow the person to “grieve” or “reminisce” about people he or she has lost
Look for common elderly symptoms such as depression, withdrawal from friends, irritability, nervousness; seek immediate medical aid or counseling
Agree to disagree in order to maintain mutual RESPECT with the elderly
Be a good listener
Maintain eye-contact at all times
Use simple and familiar words to communicate
When talking, stick to one topic at a time
Simplify and write down instructions
Allow them to ask questions and share their opinions
Respect them and treat them as “equals”
Take time out when angry with them
Always communicate with love and concern
Set guidelines to prevent them from being unreasonable.
Praise them publicly and often
Avoid negative body language (e.g. biting your lip, rolling your eyes and fidgeting)
Do not engage in arguments
Give free smiles
Avoid negativity
Learn to let go of grudges
Plan more fun times 35
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Youth Apart from those already listed, this section offers more project ideas that youth participants can consider working on with their peers, along with communication tips for participants to work optimally with one another. What can I do?
Tree Planting
Weeding
Wish List Drive
Bridging Programme (preschool to primary)
Peer Tutoring Programme
Recycling Programmes
Neighbourhood Clean-Ups
Charity Drives
Hunger Awareness Programme (World Vision)
Habitat for Humanity Programmes
Wildlife Conservation
Horseshoe crab Study with NUS
Mentoring At-Risk Students
Environmental activities at Sungei Buloh, Bukit Timah Hill and Botanical Gardens
Visits to Homes of Youth-at-Risk
Newspaper Collection
Carnival Facilitators
Communication Tips:
Be patient with fellow youth
Be clear and firm about the rules to follow
Make sure ratio of youth volunteers to small children is kept low
Do not let youths out of sight
Ensure a manageable ratio of youth volunteers to supervisors
Partner with schools in the same neighbourhood/ability level
Arrange storage facilities for storing donations
Collect only what you have planned for 36
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Be sure youth volunteers have ready information on objectives of project
Start small
Set standard guidelines for donations and execution of project
Be appropriately attired for all activities
Plan activities youth can do in small groups rather than individually
Have a variety of events in the programme
Plan activities that involve physical energy and encourage teamwork and sportsmanship
Provide avenues for acknowledging efforts and encouraging motivation
Plan time within programme for social interaction
Take ownership of programme
Be active advocates for selected cause.
Use peer encouragement to advocate positive behaviour
Set aside reflection time in programme for discussion of activities and feelings
Remind peers that decisions have consequences
Avoid physical comparisons
Establish Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound goals to ensure successful implementation of S-L project
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
LIST OF POSSIBLE PARTNERS
ACRES Andrew and Grace Home Association for Persons of Special Needs Autism Association in Singapore AVA AWWA Beyond Social Service Bright Vision Hospital Care Care Corner Family Service Centre (Queenstown) Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) Children’s Cancer Society Children Aid’s Society Cicada Tree Eco-place Citibank Club Rainbow Singapore Darulmakwar Orphanage Down Syndrome Association Food From the Heart Handicaps welfare Association HSBC Home of the Aged Sick Jamiyah Children’s Home Kaki Bukit Prison School Lakeside Family Centre Lions Befrienders Association (Singapore) Macpherson Moral Family Centre Make a Wish Foundation Mainly I love Kids (MILK) Mercy Relief MENDAKI Metta Welfare Association
National Library Board (NLB) National Parks Board NIE Service-Learning Club NTU Service-Learning Club Pertapis Society Pathlight Salvation Army Grace Heaven Sentosa Simei Care Centre SINDA Singapore Association of Mental Health Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped Singapore Brain and Spine Foundation Singapore Cancer Society Singapore Children’s Society Singapore Heart Foundation Singapore Nature Society Singapore Red Cross Society Singapore Science Centre Singapore Zoological Gardens Society for Physically Disabled SPCA Spastic Children Association of Singapore (SCAS) Springfield Operation Bacon Special Olympics Sreenarayana Mission St. Luke Eldercare Centre Student Volunteer Corps Sunlove Home The Singapore Association for the Deaf Touch Community Very Special Art (VSA) World Vision YWCA Child Development Centre 38
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
USEFUL WEBSITES (PARTNERS)
LOCAL
National Youth Council - http://www.nyc.pa.gov.sg/ Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports http://app1.mcys.gov.sg/ Ministry of Environment and Water Resources – http://appmewr.gov.sg/web/Common/homepage.aspx Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) http://www.sinda.org.sg/ Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) http://www.cdac.org.sg Yayasan Mendaki - http://www.mendaki.org.sg/index.jsp Singapore Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org.sg/ Lions Befrienders Service Association (Singapore) http://www.lionsbefrienders.org.sg/ The Singapore Association For The Deaf - http://www.sadeaf.org.sg/ Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH)http://www.savh.org.sg/ Animal Concerns Research and Education (ACRES) http://www.acres.org.sg/ National Parks Singapore (NParks)- http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/ Sustainable Singapore – http://app.mewr.org.sg/ National Environment Agency (NEA) – www.nea.gov.sg or http://app2.nea.gov.sg/school.aspx (For Schools) Environmental Challenge – www.eco-singapore.org Nature Society, Singapore (NSS) – http://www.nss.org/ SG Cares - http://www.sgcares.org Volunteer Organizations in Singapore http://www.aasingapore.com/attachments/wysiwyg/3730/Volunteer OrganisationsinSingapore1.pdf
INTERNATIONAL
Do Something - http://www.dosomething.org/ Points of Light Foundation - http://www.pointsoflight.org/ Global Youth Service Day - http://gysd.org/ National Society for Experiential Education - http://www.nsee.org/ World Wildlife Fund (WWF) - http://www.worldwildlife.org/ Make a Difference Day http://www.whatcomvolunteer.org/events/make-a-difference-day/ World Vision International - http://www.wvi.org/wvi/wviweb.nsf 39
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
S-L COMMITTEE CONTACT LIST
If Civics Tutors have further queries, please do not hesitate to approach the Support Group Leader for your class: Classes
Teacher Support Group Leader
Extension Number
1301 – 1306
Mdm Teh Sok Hoon (Chemistry)
123
1307 – 1312
Ms Victor Anne (Humanities)
134
1313 – 1318
Ms Nurain (Econs)
128
1319 – 1324
Ms Ma Yuexia (Chinese)
125
1325 – 1330
Mr Lin Jiansheng (Chemistry)
143
1331 – 1336
Mr Joshua Tan (English)
132
Other Contact Information: Subject Head (Service-Learning): Mr Victor Tan (PE), extension 157 Regional Service-Learning Expedition (RSLE) & ISLE: Mr Victor Tan (PE), extension 157 Service-Learning Portal: Mr Loy Suan Hui (Math),
[email protected] Students are to approach their Civics/CCA tutors for advice.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
EXTERNAL CONTACTS
Funding: Citibank
Community Development Centres
Lee Foundation
HSBC
Singapore Kindness Movement
Tan Chin Chuan Foundation
National Youth Achievement Award
Singapore Totaliser Board
National Youth Council
National Environment Agency
Lien Foundation
National Arts Council
Shaw Foundation
License Application: Licenses / Permit Application
Contact
Purpose
Duration
Cost
General Listing
https://licences.business.gov.sg
Open Listing
Singapore Civil Defense
https://licences.business.gov.sg
Exhibition / Carnival/ Shows
1 week
Yes
Singapore Police Force
http://www.spf.gov.sg/licence/ frameset_HH.html
House to house/ Street Collection/
1 week
Yes
3 Weeks
Yes
Screening of movies
TBA
TBA
Carnival / Fair
4 weeks
Yes.
Food/ Drinks/ Cultural events
2 weeks
No fees
Events
2 weeks
Yes
http://www.spf.gov.sg/licence/ frameset_PP.html
Media Development Authority (MDA)
http://www.mda.gov.sg/ Licences/Pages/FilmExLicence. aspx
National Environment Agency (NEA)
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/licenses. aspx
National Parks Board (NParks)
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/ind ex.php?option=com_content&vie w=article&id=81&Itemid=48
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/TemSub. aspx?pagesid=20080720226768161 463&pagemode+live&#food
Sports events, Public gathering, talks
Free
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If the student does an S-L project under ISLE or in his/her CCA, does he/she still need to do one as a class? Yes. 2. How many members can the S-L project Exco comprise? Around 5-7 is a suitable number. 3. How do you access the S-L Portal? Please refer to Page 16 to 19 for a step-by-step guide on using the S-L Portal. 4. What should I do if I encounter any problem/s with the S-L Portal? Send an email to
[email protected] 5. Must every student complete their pre- and post- reflection surveys? Yes. Should any one student not complete their pre- and post- reflections via S-L portal, the class project will be deemed as incomplete. Hence, no individual Service-Learning records will be printed upon graduation, for application to university. 6. Does the class-based S-L project require RAMS to be done? Yes.
RAMS form can be retrieved from K:\Admin Broadcast\Admin Matters\Committees\Service-Learning Committee
For student-initiated local S-L project, Civics Tutors and S-L Advocates will have to complete the RAMS form
Class-based Regional Service-Learning Expedition projects (RSLE): RAMS must be done by accompanying teacher
Note: All activities must be endorsed by Mr Victor Tan. 7. I have completed a class/CCA service-learning project previously and I have already input the information onto the litespeed servicelearning portal. Do I still need to login to the new service-learning portal to input the same information? Yes. As we are currently facing some issues with the litespeed servicelearning portal, we have terminated our account with them. Thus, you will need to transfer the information onto the new service-learning portal during this interim period. 42
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
8. I have completed a class/CCA service-learning project previously but have not input the information onto the litespeed service-learning portal. Can I input the information onto the new service-learning portal? Yes. You should use the new service-learning portal to input whatever projects you have completed so that it will be reflected in your servicelearning records upon leaving the college. 9. I intend to participate in an external service-learning project. How do I get recognised for my external participation? You can login to the portal and create a project. You should input ‘Individual’ under the Participants field and under the Remarks column, give more information about your participation. 10. I have participated in a class/CCA service-learning project but when I log in to the new service-learning portal, I am unable to view the project. What should I do? You should inform the initiator of the service-learning project and get him/her to add you as a participant to the service-learning project. 11. I am unable to modify the details of an existing service-learning project in the new service-learning portal. Why is this so? The initiator of the service-learning project is the only one with the access rights to modify the details of a service-learning project. If you find that there are any errors in the information, you should inform the initiator to make the necessary changes. 12. Who can I turn to for help related to the service-learning portal? You may approach your tutor or you may contact Mr Loy Suan Hui via email at
[email protected]. 13. What should a student do if he or she has other involvement/s in terms of community service outside school? For individual student with ad-hoc external community service events, register your involvement via our S-L portal. Please click on ‘Submit A Project’ (see Figure 1, Section A, page 16) to key in the relevant details and submit to your respective Civics Tutor for approval. You are to provide evidence such as a letter of appreciation from the relevant organization, in order for your tutor to approve your ServiceLearning Log. Only then, your Service-Learning records would be printed upon graduation. 43
Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
14. Should the CT accompany the class on S-L projects? Yes. For safety reasons, Civics Tutors are required to accompany his/her class for their S-L project. It is also compulsory to have at least one teacher to be in the school bus if transport would be provided. 15. What if you have a few students who did not turn up for actual classbased S-L project day with or without valid reason? That few student/s have to think of another S-L project on an ad-hoc basis. After completing the S-L project, they have to register their project via S-L portal. Same procedures apply here for ad-hoc S-L events. 16. Can the Civics Tutor add or delete participants in the S-L portal at any point of time? Yes, by modifying the participants’ details.
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Service-Learning Guidebook 2013 Nanyang Junior College
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Resources adapted from: RMC Research Corporation. K-12 Service-Learning Project Planning Toolkit. Scotts Valley, CA: National Service-Learning Clearinghouse, 2006/2009. http://handsonasheville.org/AboutUs/index.php/Youth/YouthServiceProj ectIdeas.pdf http://oregon.4h.oregonstate.edu/sites/default/files/WorkingWithYouthO fDifferentAges.pdf http://www.aafp.org/fpm/2006/0900/p73.html http://www.aolhealth.com/2009/10/02/6-tips-for-communicating-withelderly-parents/ http://www.nyc.pa.gov.sg
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