Day 5 & 6 - Reflections

Experience
We visited Neerja Mordi School. After the introduction of the school, we were invited to interact with the students in their classes. Their classroom environment was different as their classrooms were sparsely equipped with wooden chairs and tables. This is unlike a Singapore classroom where we were equipped with plastic chairs and tables and IT stuffs such such a projector and visualizer. At first, we were shy to interact with them but we slowly warmed up to them as we got to know each other better. We exchanged information about our country and culture. We also exchanged email addresses and facebook to keep in touch. We had bonded and created friendship with them.

Neerja Mordi School

The Vice Principal presenting the school to us

Interaction with the students

Next up, Values In Actions (VIA). We went to the Nishay School for the underprivileged girls. What greeted us was open room where students will sit on the floor and attend classes. We were shocked initially. After the principal explained the reason behind this building, we realized that it is good for the students too. The program is to allow underprivileged girls an opportunity to get an education as the culture in India still have an bias over boys. But the school do not want the girls to be spoilt, thus giving them the basic amenities for education.

 

 

Nishay School

We had an interactive them with them teaching them origami and balloon sculpting.  They paid attention and were eager to learn from us. We had a great and fulfilling time teaching them. As we were leaving, we passed a bag of stationary for the students, hoping that this will help them in their education.

Origami

Balloon Sculpting

After the school visit, we went on a cultural tour of Jaipur. We were impressed by the technology of the past which is still applicable to the present. We also went to the palaces such as Amer Fort and Lake Palace to have a feel of the rich architecture and culture which went behind the building of this monuments. We were awed by them.

Hawa Mahal

Sundial

Mdm Thila posing at City Palace

Amer Fort

Lake Palace

Albert Park

 

 

 

 

 

 Next, we went for shopping along the streets of Jaipur. It was a great experience as we got to shop for clothings and accessories. It was a great experience and we love bargaining! Now we understand why people say that shopping is the favorite pastime of Singaporeans.

After shopping, we went to Choki Dhani Village for a traditional Rajasthan dinner. It was an eye-opener as the plates and bowls were made of leaves. The food was unique and very spicy but we were not used to the food. It was definitely challenging for us.

Teachers @ Dinner

The next day, we embarked on yet another arduous bus ride back to Delhi. During the journey, most of us were catching up with our beauty sleep and chatting with others. Surprisingly, it was a good experience as we got to spend quality time with each other. This improve our bonding as a team which will help us in months to come.

Performance
We were co-operative and able to adapt to the tight schedule. We worked together in tight situations such as the origami and balloon sculpting to get things done. We were also more confident in interacting with students and teachers alike. We became not self-centred and put others before us. Slowly but surely, we are growing as leaders.

Learning Points
We learnt to be more appreciative of Singapore and our educational facilities. We gained insight into the history of India and learnt to appreciate diverse cultures.

Day 4 Reflections

Experience
Amber Fort was made of red sandstone which is readily available in the region of Agra. It is similar to the Agra Fort that we visited yesterday. Most parts of the fort are in ruins. We toured two of the remaining palaces and had an insight on how the third Mughal emperor, Akbar lived.

We then proceeded to use our bargaining skills as we proceeded for our first round of souvenir shopping. We bought gifts for our family and friends. We departed for Jaipur shortly after.

The six hour bus ride was arduous but filled with laughter. As the ride was bumpy, we were unable to sleep. Therefore, we took this chance to bond and interact with each other. We got to know each other more and bond as a team.

As we reached Jaipur, we were met with a picturesque scenery. Jaipur is surrounded by mountains and the roads winded along the mountains. It was beautiful and breathtaking as the bus traveled through it. There are marketplaces along the road which sells live stocks. It was bustling with activity as Hari Raya Haji is just around the corner. As we entered the city, we were met with rows and rows of pink buildings. That is the reason why Jaipur is called the Pink City.

Hawa Mahal

Performance
We did well today as we behaved ourselves and was punctual for all activities. We started to take charge of certain things such as briefing. We took initiative as a team to do most of the activities. We became more confident.

Learning Points
I learnt to appreciate Singapore for the cleanliness and organization as the streets are much cleaner and organized. I also learnt to appreciate history and the monuments that it brought with them through the ages.

Day 3 Reflections

Experience
The Taj Mahal was gorgeous and impressive. The story behind the Taj is really touching and interesting. Shah Jehan built it in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died while giving birth to their 14th child. His obsession with the Taj had caused unhappiness within his country which resulted in his imprisonment by his child. He was held in the Agra Fort where he had the view of the Taj Mahal.

Entrace to the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal

It is worth visiting the Agra Fort as it showcases the architecture and buildings of different Mughal periods. It also highlights to us the specific preferences of each Mughal emperor. The scenery is beautiful and breathtaking. We are also able to see the place where Shah Jehan was imprisoned by his son. Parts of the fort are not open to public as they are used by the India Army.

Entrance of Agra Fort

View of Taj Mahal from where Shah Jehan was imprisoned

 Performance
The team performed relatively well today as we improved slightly on the areas of improvement. We improved on our mannerism.

Learning Points
We learnt about the history of Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. This enhances our historical knowledge which may apply in our writing or history lessons. We also realized how prosperous and rich India is in terms of architecture and history.
 

Day 2 Reflections

Experience
We proceeded to Pathways School and we received the usual warm reception from the teachers and students alike. We were paired up with Pathways' students and they were our buddies for a leadership talk and an English lesson.

We were exposed to a whole new definition of leadership such as the importance of body language and personality, which we tend to neglect as a leader. It makes me realize that being a leader is not only about leading a team but rather being a role model for all to follow. It etched deeply into my mind as I continued my journey as a leader.

We attended an English lesson on Nursery Rhymes. we were pretty amused by the fact that we are learning something which we learnt in our primary school days. I was surprised by how nursery rhymes gave me a new perspective of how you should perceive things. "Never judge a book by its cover." We need to look and think deeper in order to achieve an accurate judgement on any issues. Therefore, I was introduced to how certain things are being taught in a different way in a different country.

When it was time to leave, all of us were sad. We exchanged email and facebook with each other and took photos as memories. Even as we moved towards our bus, the sense of bond which was created by the two days of interaction will remain as long as it is.

Performance
We had made some improvements from yesterday but there is still a lot of room for improvement. We need to have more initiative and not wait for others to take the lead and we need to be more confident of ourselves.

Learning Points
We need to have more initiative and confident of ourselves.

Reflected by:
Mohd Haziq
Christine Chong
Rachel Teh
Valone Siau

Day 1 Reflection

Experience
Everyone was in the airplane awaiting for the plane to take off. It was the first time that some students were taking a flight. I was feeling very nervous and excited. I could not even sleep. If you were awake, you could see other students sleeping in weird positions. Some used the blanket and covered themselves from head to toe, while others were snoring loudly and they were a disturbance to others, wthout themselves knowing. I hope i wasn't the one snoring loudly! It would have been very embarassing!

We reached New Delhi International Airport. Everything went smoothly. So, we took our luggage and went to the immigration. Then, reality struck. I was not in Singapore anymore, I'm not with my parents, I'm alone. I have to be responsible for my belongings. I have to be a responsible leader now.
New Delhi International Airport was clean and neat just like the airport in Singapore.

It was hazy outside when we stepped out of the airport and we were met with a a strong burning smell. It might have been because of the pollution.

We got into the bus and I was so excited that I could not stop looking out of the window. I saw squatters under the bridges and children begging for food and money. I felt really sad and appreciative of Singapore as most of us in Singapore have a shelter over our heads. I felt like giving them some money but understand the reasons why we cannot.

Next, we went to Pathways School, Gurgaon. The school was amazing! They have a lot of facilities such as a swimming pool and an indoor cricket court. We were lucky that we were able to join the school for their 2nd Anniversary celebration. the celebration was really awesome as we were exposed to different culture and food. They also had a wishing tree which was filled with students', teachers' and visitors' hope for the school in the years to come. The teachers and students were very friendly and hospitable to us. The students even served our lunch for us. I felt really embarrassed but thankful at the same time for their warm hospitality. We had a great time in the school interacting with the students. I look forward to meeting them tomorrow again!

Performance
We did not have much sense of urgency when the teachers gave us instructions. We became withdrawn when we had to interact with the teachers and students of Pathways School. We did not have much confidence in answering questions but we respected their culture and finished the food that we were given.

Learning Points
We need to react faster when instructions are given. We should have more confidence to speak up. We should be polite and greet anyone in front of us.

Reflected by:
Mohd Haziq
Christine Chong
Rachel Teh
Valone Siau