SYNERGY
FOR A BETTER FUTURE
JOINTLY
ORGANIZED BY NUS & NP
The
Motivational Workshop 1999 was targeted at Secondary
4 & 5 students who are in the Normal academic and
Normal Technical streams. The objective of this
educational séance was to encourage these students who
are on the verge of dropping out of school to move on to
education at a tertiary level.
Planning
for this 2-day seminar was initiated at the end of
February. The organizing committee was made up of
representatives from both NUS’ Indian Cultural
Society as well as from that of Ngee Ann Polytechnic.
Both parties were very enthusiastic to get underway on
this joint project. The zest was a factor that catalyzed
the formation of a strong bond among us. It resulted in
unblemished cooperation that was fundamental for the
smooth running of events right from the outlining stages
to the workshop itself.
The
emergence of a hectic 2-day program dawned at Ngee Ann
Polytechnic where the students had their registration
done. As soon as the welcome and briefing were over, the
students had their icebreakers. After lunch, the
participants were involved in a scavenger hunt, which
allowed them to get acquainted with the
polytechnic’s environs. The scavenger hunt saw both
the student leaders and their chargers do forfeits that
most would never have seen themselves a part of. After a
truly enjoyable time, dinner was served to fill every
ravenous stomach.
After the
refection, all were transported to NUS. Participants of
the workshop had the privilege of expending the night in
the rooms of Raffles Hall. Once the rooms had been
allocated, we took a stroll up to the science faculty for
the Alumni Talk. Mr. Vadivazhagan (NUS) and Miss Latha
Kannan (NP) conducted this talk. It is worthy of noting
that both speakers are well known television
personalities whom the participants are aware of.
About an
hour was allowed for the students to wash-up, call home
and to have their supper before lights out at 2330 hrs.
The
students were up at about 0530 hrs and by 0600 hrs; they
were ready for the morning exercises and games. The
participants were brought on a run of about 1.2km before
they had a wild time playing captains’ ball at SRC.
They were so enthusiastic about the game that a number of
them ended up with minor wounds while trying infinite
stunts just to notch points or to make passes work out.
As soon as
they had had their showers, the students were served with
breakfast. After curbing their craving for food, they
proceeded for their first talk of the day by Mr.
Viswasathasivam. Mr. Viswa spent a substantial amount of
time in getting to know the students better and helping
them open-up to him. He was immensely potent in his
interaction. Consequently, he won the admiration of all
that were in attendance.
In the
later part of the afternoon, the students had to put up
skits based on certain themes given to them on the first
day. They were also given a newspaper that was to be
utilized as a prop and not as a newspaper itself. Many
innovational ideas were showcased and it was delectation
watching these students do what seemed to come so
naturally to them.
The final
closing was held at LT 13 and Dr. Veeramani graced the
occasion. He gave an apt speech at the closing and handed
out certificates to the participants of the workshop and
prizes to the best group.
A
reception was held before the students were dismissed.
Photographs were taken to keep the anamnesis of this
event intact. It was truly gratifying when the students
came up to thank us for organizing this camp which was an
inaugural event. They also told us that they would do all
that is conceivable in order to move on to tertiary
education. Some even said that they would see us next
year.
And yes,
we want to see them in a year’s time at an improved
and finer workshop.
Harikumar
Engineering (I)
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