SOCIAL SERVICE 2016: KUNDASANG BOUND

   On the 23rd-24th of July 2016, the Interact Club of our school organized a visit to the Don Bosco Children's Home in Bundu Tuhan. Unlike the years before, the annual social service one-day trip was extended to a one-night stay in Kundasang. The orphanage consists of children who are aged between 6 to 15 years old. The aim of this trip was to give a helping hand as well as spend time with the children at the orphanage. We also collected money to donate food and items that are in need to maintain the orphanage such as raw cooking supplies and cleaning supplies. Besides that, this trip also opened doors for the senior and junior interactors to bond. (and we certainly did! 😜)

   We left the school around 7.30a.m. and reached our destination around 10a.m. As soon as we reached the orphanage, we were greeted with a very warm welcome from the sisters and the children. We did not waste any time and immediately started playing games with them such as charades, statue dance, sing-alongs and many more. 

   Being the Franciscans we are, we prepared performances in singing and dancing for the children. We also had "Literacy in English" as a learning session on the English language. The children also presented a few performances of their own, a traditional Kadazan dance and a singing performance. We were absolutely stunned with their outstanding talents and were in awe of their cuteness! There were good vibes everywhere. Everyone managed to make new ties with the children. Some even exchanged phone numbers! 😰

   After lunch, we divided ourselves into groups to carry out our cleaning session. We were dutied to clean the surrounding of the orphanage such as the main hall, corridor hallways, the backyard and the garden. Although it was tiring, as always, us Franciscans turned it into something fun real quick! We had a great time sweeping floors and wiping windows together while singing and this is because deep down we knew it was for a good cause and the smiles on the children's faces melted our hearts right away.

   As soon as we were done with the clean up, we did our final activity which was another ice-breaking session where we asked the children a few personal questions. Their answers opened our eyes and touched our hearts. When it was time to leave, Madam Wee presented the head sister of the orphanage with a token of appreciation from our school. We then distributed school supplies and personal sentimental gifts from each interactors to the children for remembrance. Leaving the orphanage was definitely a heavy-hearted thing to do for all of us. Being there with the children not only opened our eyes but the whole experience taught us to be grateful with the privileges that are given by God and to value our blessed fortunate lives. 

   After we left, we proceeded to check in at our hotel which was The Perkasa Hotel and settled down. Later at night, we went for dinner at a local restaurant and then had the best ayam panggang in town for supper. The night carried on with more bonding sessions among the interactors. Just imagine having 40 girls in one hotel room! Pretty crazy, right? Wrong! That's just how we do it here in Convent. No such thing as too much company because that sisterhood bond we have never seem to wear off nor do we get tired of each other. 👯😁

   The next day, we took a trip around Kundasang and Ranau and visited places such as the Luanti Fish Spa, DESA dairy farm and the Kundasang War Memorial. 

   We had a blast and made so many memories that are undeniably unforgettable! Once again, we can never be grateful enough to have been given the chance to go on this trip which by the way, would not have been a success without the careful planning of our social service director, Ivygail Elev and our teacher advisors, Miss Siska and Madam Wee. Thank you for letting us have another memorable and educational trip 💓