Better together: TFI SCALE scholars guide students of Sekolah Luar Biasa Tuna in non-competitive games to help cultivate a sense of unity, cooperation and support.
(PHOTO: Nurul Farahin)
A trip to one school for special needs students provided TFI SCALE scholars with unique opportunities for kinaesthetic learning and encouraged students to engage with people in new ways.
Nurul Farahin discovers the learning outcomes of such programmes.
More than 40 scholars from Republic Polytechnic (RP) and State Polytechnic of Malang (Polinema) visited Sekolah Luar Biasa Tuna Grahita in Lawang, Malang, on Thursday, Mar 15.
The visit is part of their community service under the forth running Temasek Foundation International Specialists’ Community, Action and Leadership Exchange (TFI Scale) to build cross-cultural networks and develop better appreciation of diverse socio-political issues.
“Such visits are important to let scholars view their problems from a different perspective and set as a reminder for them to be happy with what they have. By spending time with the students here, the scholars can start to realise how mediocre their problems are and value the facilities and opportunities they get in Singapore,” said School of Information Communication facilitator, Sharmila Kanna, 49.
Sekolah Luar Biasa Tuna Grahita caters to over 150 children with special needs through vocational education to equip them with relevant skills for different industries upon graduation.
While facilities are limited, the school has produced competent students who have won multiple awards in national competitions in cookery and styling.
The scholars conducted different activities with the students. One such activity is ‘Transfer the Ball’ game where players are required to get a tennis ball from Point A to B using wooden pipes without dropping it. The non-competitive game was aimed at cultivating strong camaraderie amongst the students with different disabilities.
RP student Nur Hanisah Sidek, 22 says, “It’s different from RP’s competitive learning nature. In class, everyone ‘fights’ for the grades they want. Here, working together and achieving a common goal is more important. Such games can help empower the children to become better team players and build their confidence.”
“It’s a wholesome learning experience to be here. I’ve learnt a lot about appreciating what I have while playing with the students. I’m even considering volunteering my time at special schools when I’m back in Singapore,” the Diploma in Interactive Digital Media student added.