Second time -MUN cafe

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [√] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [  ] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [   ] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [  ] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√ ] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [√] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [√] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [  ] Developed new skills

Compared to the last MUN, I have not participated in discussion as much I did last time. I have researched, but there were several others who have researched a lot more than me. I was not part of permanent members of the Security Council, (by the way, I was Democratic Republic of Congo) my voice was ignored most of the time. Although I had researched and had things to speak about, I could not gather up the courage. I knew I could speak, and not very scared to speak, but for some reason, I just could not raise up my placard to draw attention.

Through the entire course of MUN, I have decided by myself that I will not let any other MUN be like this from next time. And since I will have MUN at school coming Tuesday at school MUN club, I decided put my best effort to do well in that MUN.

This time, I went to MUN café by myself. Grusha and my brother refused to come so I had to go all alone. However, I managed to make friends and spend time with them during break and lunch.  I think this session was to test myself. I got to know what I have done wrong and what I could do to improve myself.

 my friend Grusha talking! I am sitting next to her.

Giving speech infront of people...... presidential speech

A step forward -MUN cafe

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [√] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [   ] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [√] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [   ] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [√] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [√] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [√] Developed new skills

I have been part of MUN (Model United Nations) in school club. But our school has one hour of club in a week so I did not really get a chance to know about MUN. I claimed to know about MUN, but I really did not know much. There were several actual, real MUN outside in the other schools, cities, and abroad but I could not go to any of them because I thought I did not know anything about MUN and needed more practice, MUNs were too expensive and parents refused due to long period of time I had to be away from home.

So when I heard from Grusha (my friend) about the MUNcafe opening in Hyderabad, I was half doubtful and excited as well. I had so much difficulty convincing my parents, but I got the consent and I was in the car with my brother on 31^st, Saturday morning. (my brother decided to come along.). When I arrived at the MUN café, the scariness overwhelmed me. Everyone seemed to be so much prepared for the discussion. Some were actively talking about their issues, laughing at jokes… etc. but I registered in the last minute and did not even know my country. Aliza, the chair gave me an organization I had to represent. CSUCS. WHAT? I haven’t heard of it. It was something like.. an organization that helps to stop the children in the arm conflicts. Oh my God. I was given few minutes to search about the organization. I was so scared. I would stammer and will not be able to say anything. Grusha kept comforting me that it is the first time, and I do not need to say anything if I don’t want to.

As Grusha expected, It was not very formal as many other MUNs, maybe because there was no fees or money that needed to be paid for, or because this was the first time to open MUN café to spread awareness. I came to know that more than half of the students were taking part in MUN for the first time, including me. As the MUN progressed I started to get used to the procedure. I raised my plank card to speak about my opinion in moderated caucus; I had a nice argument with the delegate of Libya on recent crisis (I condemned the government and asked for apology which he refused); I formed block with USA, UK, Philippines, Poland…etc during un-moderated caucus; we all talked about root cause of the child soldiering, ways to solve this problem and how; I received chits from other delegates... Wow, It was great. I think I have gained and learned more than I have expected.;

Ø  I gained confidence. I realized that I could speak in front of people. I was not scared to give them presidential speech on the crisis.

Ø  I learned the importance to know about histories of different countries and current issues.

Ø  I got the entire picture of the procedure and rules of MUNs

Ø  I made many friends. We were total strangers in the morning. But by the time the MUN was done, we shared our email ids asking each other to be in touch.

Ø  I discussed about children in arm conflict. I spent my time thinking about life of million children and how to help them instead of grudging on what I don’t have. I was proud of myself.

Ø  I gained broader perspective to look at situations. Instead of thinking of “I”, the individual, I was pondering on the crisis as the head of the organization, who represents entire crew in the organization.

Ø  I am now willing to go to other MUN. OakMUN (Oakridge MUN), HMUN (Harvard MUN) is approaching. I am now seriously considering to take part in them.

Water, the essential

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [  ] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [√] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [√] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [√] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [√] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [  ] Developed new skills

On early morning of 29^th of October 2011, (28^th of October very late night) 28 students of grade 11 and two teachers, Mr. Banerjee and Ms. Pratibha, boarded on airplane heading towards Mumbai. While heading to Mumbai, I was excited about the idea that I will be camping with my friends, but at the same time I was anxious whether or not this would be a fruitful trip.

The first day, we all went to the beach in Mumbai for dragon boat and kayaking. Dragon boat required teamwork and I learned that if everybody works together with one goal, with proper direction, the task can be achieved.

We had to travel about three hours to reach the outskirt of Mumbai. 30^th and 31^th of October, we all worked vigorously to make a dam for people living in the area. The water stagnant behind the dam was being used for all purpose except drinking. Over 150,000 people were dependent on this water source. There was a dam made few years ago but most part of it was damaged and it could not store up the water for a long period of time. People had to suffer, because monsoon lasted for one or two months in entire year and the dam could not hold water for longer period. For 6 months a year, people had to live in threat of lacking of water.

The work was really challenging. First, rocks on the bed of the river had to be removed in order to make the ground more stable. Mud had to be shoveled and put into tubs. The mud then was put into sacs which were stitched and carried to the river where it was laid down to prevent flow of water. It looks really simple, but only the ones who have done the work know how much of physical and mental strength is required to bring this into reality. My back ached so much after shoveling the mud and putting them into the baskets. After shoveling half an hour, I could not stand straight. And the tubs were very heavy; two people had to carry it together. And it required a lot of concentration to put mud into the sacs, and making sure mud is not wasted. There was certain technique to stitch, and by end of the day, I had blister on my fingers due to pulling and pushing needles in and out of the mud sacs. The boys carried the sacs because they were simply way too heavy for girls to even lift them up from the ground. Instead, girls carried tub full of mud on our heads to the river. I had never done it in my life and I am sure I would never have done it if I did not go to the trip. I felt like collapsing on the ground. I never thought how heavy it would be when I saw workers doing the same thing. But now, after experiencing and being in the same situation, I can feel how much of pain they must be going through every day.

It was a special memory in my life. I cannot forget the moment when the construction of dam was done and I hugged my friends in happiness. I felt happier than I bought a nice cloth, I felt happier than going to a famous restaurant and indulge myself in favourite dishes. The thought that I gave people hope to live, the fact that every effort of mind would help people to survive for at least two years made me feel I had done something, something which worth a lot.

I thank my school and teachers who accompanied us that gave me opportunity to have such special experience and helped me to learn so many things I could not learn in the classroom. I realized I can also do things that give positive impact on other people’s lives.

evidence:

website to refer-

http://www.jalvardhini.org/vanarai-bandhara.php

carrying soil on my head like one of girls in the village ^^ (it was really hot)

stitching bags--

dam being constructed!!

Leadership camp

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [√] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [√] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [√] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [  ] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [  ] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [  ] Developed new skills

In ‘Introductory session’, I learnt:

ü  To be observant to people around me

ü  Ability to point out positive instead of negative

ü  That everyone have their own uniqueness

In ‘Juggling bean bags’, I learnt:

ü  To adapt to changes

ü  The importance of listening during team working

ü  The importance of planning

ü  To see things from others’ point of view

In ‘Acid River’ activity, I learnt:

ü  To engage members who are not interested

ü  Importance of working together

ü  That I cannot leave any of my team members behind

ü  Importance of cooperation and communication

In ‘centipede-walking’ activity, I learnt:

ü  The importance of cooperation and how difficult team work becomes even if single member lose concentration or interest

ü  Importance of having direction set out for the members to follow

ü  Need of effective communication

In ‘crate building’ activity, I learnt:

ü  To manage limited time

ü  The importance of planning beforehand and coming up with ideas

ü  To take nothing for granted

ü  Importance of creativity

ü  The happiness that comes from achieving goal

In ‘Challenge tower’, I leant:

ü  To see things from others’ point of view

ü  The importance of doing things everyday

ü  Fun activity can become dangerous without listening to instructions

ü  To encourage each other

In ‘mountain climbing’, I learnt:

ü  The importance of exercising everyday

ü  The importance of water

ü  The crucial role that nature has one our lives

In ‘Group dance and song’, I learnt:

ü  To be patient

ü  To work with members who are not interested in the activity

ü  To control my anger

ü  To be creative

ü  To be bold and confident on our ideas although it might seem absurd

In ‘Paint ball’, I learnt:

ü  To be alert

ü  To know my team members’ position

ü  To listen carefully what is going on around me

ü  The importance of listening to instructions

Ice Breaker

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [  ] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [  ] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [√] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [  ] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [   ] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [   ] Developed new skills

I was excited at the beginning in the bus by the thought that I will be staying in the camp site with my friends… Until there was puncture in the bus and we had difficulty reaching the campsite.

Yes, to be honest, I did not have distinct objective to achieve in the camp. I was on the bus with my friends heading towards the ‘Trails’ because the IB coordinator said that it was compulsory. I did not have much of expectation.

To the contrary, I loved all the activities. Some of them were challenging, and mostly they all needed teamwork. I had to encourage others to overcome fear of going up for rock climbing and zip lining. I found out that the work becomes much easier and enjoyable when I do it with others who is equally enthusiastic. Being together with friends itself made a beautiful memory. I was happy to know that there were my teammates supporting me from behind. The feeling that I am not alone, made me feel that I could go through the IB course, whatever it is, however challenging it might be.

I got to know about my classmates much better, about their weaknesses and strengths, their characteristics, what they like to do. By the end of the camp, I realized how close we became compared to the first day of our school.

I also got to know the motivation behind the school sent us to the camp; to be a support to one another.

I thank the school and my friends. I learned much more about life than I did in the classrooms.

Hola, Caballo!

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [√] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [  ] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [  ] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [  ] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [  ] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [√] Developed new skills

I went to “Hyderabad Polo & Riding Club”- Sy.No. 177, Aziz Nagar Village, Gandipet, Hyderabad., R. R. District- in month of June and July of 2011 (between 23^rd of June 2011 and 23^rd of July 2011). First three to four classes were spent just riding the horse for an hour. I had to practice lifting my hips up and down in preparation for trotting. By fifth class I received whip and I was taught how to use it. I was constantly reminded to hold bridle tight and attach my lower body to the horse. Posture was really important. Also I acquired knowledge about how to deal with horses, for instance, cautions needed while mounting on the horse back and getting down or moving around the horses. I learnt how to direct horses left and right. When I first went on trotting, I felt the course would be difficult. I kept bumping and had no idea how to deal with the horse. Due to wrong position of my fingers on the bridle, I got blisters on both hands, and my thighs used to hurt a lot. But more and more rounds I did, I got used to riding horse, I acquire know-how of riding a horse. By tenth session, I was really comfortable with a horse, and I could ride horse holding bridle with only one hand. I have learned a lot, and I was happy to find something new that I could enjoy.  I also learned the importance of encouragement. I went to the riding club along with my father and my younger brother. We used to encourage each other and tell different know-how we acquired. Sharing different experiences on that day while coming back in the car remains as beautiful memory as well. By doing activity together, we understood each other,- by the way, all three of us got blisters – had something in common to start off conversations.

There were difficulties I had encountered during the project, for instance, being forced to wait even though I have arrived at exact time (which happens in India most of the time-no offence). I have learned to be patient through series of experiences. But one of the most important things I would like to stress upon, is to listen to others carefully and act accordingly. Once, after getting down the horse, I passed the horse from the back. I was reprimanded harshly, because I could have gotten myself killed. Instructor told me before (or I read it while researching) that horse kicks whatever is behind it and indeed a number of riders were injured due to the horses’ habit.

I was not very content with the teachers and instructors, because they did not give us enough information of how to deal with the horse. I was just pushed on the field to learn most of the thing. And also, although I perfectly learned trotting and walking, I am not confident whether I will be able to direct a horse. There was always leading horse for my horse to follow. But other than that, I had amazing experience.

evidence:

This was the card I had to sign on whenever I went to the club. Instructors used to keep bunch of cards. I had to find mine and signed in my name with the date before going to the field to ride a horse.

This is how it looks like from inside.

These photos are further evidences of the project. I am riding the horse in the photos.

Dream school

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [  ] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [√] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [√] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [√] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [   ] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [√] Developed new skills

When we first went to the remote learning center, (It looked like a very small school when I went and saw. But I do not know why it is called a remote learning center) Ms. Pratibha told us that we will be divided into three groups; painting, planting and fixing facilities. During the three days, we would change our roles and do all three activities. But, many students ended up doing one activity since either we were good in one particular field or got attached to the work.

I was part of painting group. I was teamed up with Danny, Jacob and Ms. Clênence. We were asked to paint the left wall of the main building. Ms. Clênence was there to help us out and give us advise so the outlining and drafting the painting was entirely on our shoulders. Since it was a school for the children, we decided to draw animals, rainbows, trees, bushes…etc. Ms. Clênence told us we could also draw children.

It took entire three days from 9:30 to 13:30 to finish painting. We needed a lot of cooperation, creativity and skill for drawing and painting. We asked for advise to each other for colours (We had to make colours. There were only primary colours such as white, blue, red, green, black, yellow. Anything beyond had to be made by mixing existing colours.).

It was difficult to paint because there were other students digging soils to plant trees and moving cements to create place to sit for the children. Dust was all over, (it is dry season here in Hyderabad and it has not been raining for days) so much so that by the end of the day my lenses of glasses turned obscure due to layers and dust. From second day onwards I worked with a mask.

Although I felt dull at one point of time, and tempted to stop the work in midway, I did finish painting. My teammates were so hardworking, I felt really lucky to have such good teammates. I was proud of myself on the last day when I saw the completed work. (we worked until 17:00 on the last day to finish the work ) I loved our painting. And I could not stop smiling when the children, those who will actually be studying in the school said that they liked our painting the most.

Clay modeling sessions were in first and second day after lunch. We made art works in the art room of our school. We could make whatever we wanted. I made a teddy bear with a heart and a lion. I had so much of fun. It has been ages since I have touched clay or done art work.

At the end of the three days project, I felt really good about myself.  Although vigorious, it was fun and wonderful experience. 

Cold winter, Warm heart

Learning outcomes achieved while doing the activity over a period of time:

1)      [  ] Increased their awareness of their own strengths and areas of growth

2)      [√] Undertaken new challenges

3)      [   ] Planned and initiated activities

4)      [   ] Work collaboratively with others

5)      [√] Shown perseverance and commitment in their activities

6)      [√] Engaged with issues of global importance

7)      [   ] Considered the ethical implications of their actions

8)      [   ] Developed new skills

I wrote reflective diary every day after coming back to the center. Unfortunately, I can show only two of them. My laptop which had the entire diary was crashed and I could not get some of them back. Following is the account of what happened on 26^th and 29^th plus what I have learned.

26_Dec_2011 14:00~17:00

I met Ms. Namsuk Kang who was in charge of service. she was surprised to see that I was just a high school student. (she thought I would be an university student when I sent her mail while I was in India before vacation began) she said that the service work was usually done by university students. But fortunately I was allowed to work with a class with students from 4^th to 6^th grade elementary students. The existing teacher who was in charge was Ms. Mira Park. There were five students today (some were absent). I was nervous at the same time very excited because I have never worked with handicapped students in my entire life. There were two Down’s Syndrome children; most of the students had mental disabilities rather than physical ones. They had difficulty in expressing their thoughts, some did not know how to count numbers, and they did not know how to control themselves. As soon as I entered the classroom, Ms. Mira introduced me to the student that I am another teacher. Some were busy doing their work and some were listening intently. After the introduction, Ms. Mira took me by the side and introduced the children to me separately. She told me which one was ferocious, which one was lagging behind; and their age. One student called ‘Hyeon-a’ accosted me and asked a number of questions- why I came there, what grade I was in, and the school I went to. Then she held my hand when we had to go downstairs for checking their heights, weights, and blood pressures (they get it checked once a month). I was so thankful. I did not know how to approach them, but she told me many things about the center and answered all questions I asked her (I think she is much more intelligent compared to other students. Probably the brightest student). I tried to memorize names of the students. One student was very sensitive. I tried to talk to her and sat next to her, but she shouted “Go away! Go away!”. I could not do anything but leave her alone. It was a headache to monitor all the students. They ran about here and there. One student; ‘Seong-you’ was notorious for hitting other students, shouting and stealing others’ possessions. Her look was also very scary, and the teacher had to deal with her physically. I could not even get close to her. I was so scared of her.

                                                                 

I had to make sure these students wash their hands clean with soap, brush their teeth and not play with each other and sit quietly when teachers were distributing snacks. Then we went to sports room. Once or twice a week, old ladies (mostly grandmothers) came to the place to have small recreation with the students. We played games. There were various fights between students but everything went well.

I did not know that there were many disabilities existed in the society. But I realized that was because there was none around me and I did not bother to approach them before. I was thankful that I could control myself and learn what is correct and wrong. I realized that, although we complain about many things such as not having enough clothes to wear and food to eat, there are so many things we can thank. We take it for granted that we can walk, talk and think properly. If we just turn a little bit, changing the angle and look at the society, there are so many people in need, so many people who are suffering. I felt so grateful that I volunteered to help them.

29_Dec_2011 12:30~17:00

I wiped the desks and furniture in classes with tower as usual. I could not believe today was the last day to see children and teachers here. I realized I became close to them in very short period of time. A thought that today would be the last day made me work harder and clean the classes whole-heartedly. At 13:20 I was done with cleaning furniture and desks. I was about to clean the floors when Seoung-U entered the classroom with her grandfather. There was no one except me in the class. Ms. Mira did not come yet. Seong-U’s grandfather said that he has to go somewhere quickly that is why he has brought her early. Okay… I do not know how to handle a disability alone, especially someone like Seong-U. I just had been with these children for three days and Ms. Mira was with me most of the time.

Seoung-U asked me whether or not we are going to go to supermarket. When I gave indication that we are not going because we have gone there already, she started groaning and grating her teeth. I suddenly got scared. What if she start shouting or run away? So I told her that I am not very sure, we would ask Ms. Mira as soon as she comes to the class. I tried to talk to her but she seemed to be in her own world. She sang songs I could not understand at all and the next moment, she was frowning and groaning. I just stood there, watching her in case she runs away somewhere or hurts herself.

…

At the end of the day, I did not learn any new skill from the service, but I learned how beautiful a life can be if I just change the way I think. I, and people around me complain about so many things. I complain if everything does not work as I expected them to be. But I have realized I am so privileged and have so many things to thank. Instead of using my time complaining, I can help others and make the world cheerful.  I had sacrificed my time travelling on the bus and helping the children out. But I think I have gained something that I would not lose in my entire life. It was such a beautiful experience.

evidence:

In Korea, service is essential part of education. So government has created a system where all the account of service can be stored and maintained on a webpage http://www.vms.or.kr/ Since I have spent my 7^th grade in Korea, I was aware of this system, and the service coordinator in the welfare center had put up the date and the hours I have served. This will be my evidence.

And this is the website for the Ulsan welfare centre: www.ulsanrehab.or.kr