day 4,5

Day 4,5 (Garing National High School) "The warmth and hospitality in a familiar setting"

From the slums to a high school, it was as if we endured the tough times and here we are at an environment that could shower us with more hospitality. The first programme was sort of an opening ceremony to welcome the REACH team. The high school students put up many entertaining performances for us. Indeed, I don't think they will pale in comparison with us. Duets, monologues, songs and dances. In fact, the grade1 class i took for Mathematics later in the day had one multi-talented student! She was the top grade one student, school monologue representative and in the dance team. The latest news i heard on the second day was that she was taking entrance examinations for a scholarship to college.

We were received like VIPs and our resting quarters was actually the Principal's Office. She was one very motherly figure and we can really see her genuine care and concern for the school population, teachers and students alike. In the office, we were inundated by the endless supply of food and tibits. And there were student leaders to help us. More interestingly, I made a new friend with one of them, Kim! She was like carrying the plates in and out of the office every now and then, yet with a smile on her face always. We promised to keep in contact through writing! There, a new friend found :)

I taught a grade one class mathematics, specifically the concepts of gradient and graphs. Fortunately, they were quite keen on learning. After that, we played 7-up with them. And i made them perform for us as a form of forfeit. Interaction with them was great and they were not in the least bit bashful or reluctant.

And we all had a souvenir to remind us of the days at Garing. A personalised tee shirt with our names printed on it. Will always remember Garing National High School for their warmth and hospitality. :)