MAD Project Update - December 12

As of the last MAD meeting, we've decided to tweak our service. Our schedules do not match up very well with Mr. Meyer's schedule, so we decided to find another teacher that would fit our schedules better. We contacted Mrs. Wilson and she agreed that we could help her starting next semester. So, starting next semester, we will help Mrs. Hunter and Mrs. Wilson every other week.

Sha Tin Food Bank - December 6, 2014

On December 6, I went to a food bank for service with three other students. In 9th grade, I went to Tung Wah Food Bank a few times. The Sha Tin Food Bank was similar, but had some differences, to the Tung Wah Food Bank.

A worker at the Sha Tin Food Bank started off our service by giving us a talk on what food banks are. I already know the general gist of the purpose food banks, but the worker informed me about things I never knew about. That included information about: who was qualified for food banks, the types and needs of different people, and government support. He asked us questions to ensure that we understood what he said. I shared a bit about my experience at Tung Wah Food Bank.

After the worker explained what food banks were, we started our service. There was a mother and daughter waiting to collect their food. The four of us helped transport the canned and packaged food into their bags. The heavier foods, such as canned foods, were put in teh bottom, and the lighter foods, such as biscuits, were put on the top. The worker told us to ask the family some questions, so we did. This was a difference compared to the Tung Wah Food Bank. When I helped in the Tung Wah food bank, I didn't really interact with the people getting the food. I stayed in the storage room and helped out there. Anyways, after helping the first family, we started to assemble a food "package" for a family of three. On a sheet of paper, there were different types of foods (written in Chinese) with the quantity next to it. At first, I had some difficulty reading the Chinese, but I quickly got the hang of it. I looked for the food on the shelves and passed it on to two other students outside who were putting it into boxes. We assembled one more "package", then it was time to go.

Helping out in a food bank was really fun. Serving the Hong Kong community is a priority of mine.

ICS Service Warriors (with SWD) - November 27, 2014

This was the first service that the ICS Service Warriors participated in. We had one after school meeting every week three weeks prior to this service, totaling approximately 3 hours of preparation. During the first preparation meeting, we brainstormed ideas for this service. A person from the Shatin Welfare Department (SWD) came to our school and gave us some background information. In our second preparation meeting, there was role play and finalizing the activities we were going to do. In the third meeting, we finalized our preparations and got all the materials we needed.

On November 27, after school, we went to a home for mentally retarded women. There, we were given a tour of the home and informed about the different needs that the mentally retarded people would have. After the tour, we went into an activity room and played the games and activities we prepared for them. Even when we prepared simple games, such as tossing a balloon in the air, they found great delight in it. In total, we had four activities prepared for them: playing with balloons (hot potatoes), pass the parcel, jigsaw puzzles, and puzzles. Every time a new activity was introduced, we would have 2-3 students explain the instructions. I helped to introduce the pass the parcel game. Some of them were reluctant to join. So, I went around and encouraged them to join in the activities. In the end, most of the people in the room joined in the activities.

This was one of my favorite services to participate in. In the past, I have served children and the elderly. I'm not sure why, but I liked to serve those with mental disabilities the most. In this ICS Service Warriors group, I intended to explore different kinds of service and see which one I enjoy participating in the most. As of now, out of all the options, serving the mentally retarded is at the top of my list.

Community Service Cafe - November 8, 2014

On November 8, I went with three other students and served at Tung Wah Community Cafe in Mong Kok. A volunteer explained to us about the purpose and functions that the Tung Wah Community Cafe provides. Those with financial needs can have cheaper meals. After informing us about the history of this cafe, he passed us some aprons and assigned us roles. I worked with one other student and was in charge of cleaning up after those who ate. We would get their trays and put the used plates, cups, and utensils in the correct bucket. After that, we would get a damp towel and wipe down the table. Finally, we would push in the chairs and get the table set for the next customer. In addition to this, I would also help the elderly order and/or get their food.


This was the first time I served in a community cafe. It was a really great experience. I hope that I would be able to serve there again.

Act 20:35 - In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

First MAD Project Service

Yesterday, on November 4, I officially started the "action" part of my MAD project. After school, my MAD group and I went to Mr. Meyer to help out around the art room. The first task that we were given was to clean the sink. The sink was filled with dried out paint and had globs of paint stuck onto it. We scrubbed the sink clean using sponges and towels. We removed the drainer and had to scrub that out too. After cleaning the sink up, 2 of us went down with Mr. Meyer to help hang artwork. We had to be very careful when pinning the artwork up because students have spent hours on it. I felt pressured as I hung it up. In the end, it looked decent. However, the organization and placement of the artwork could have been better. I will pay attention to that next time if Mr. Meyer asks us to help him with that kind of task again. Overall, it was an enjoyable first service. I had a better idea on what Mr. Meyer would like us to do.

Currently, we plan on alternating between Mr. Meyer and Ms. Hunter every week. Two students will go to Mr. Meyer and the other two will go to Mrs. Hunter. We will rotate every week. Depending on the need, we will adjust our schedules to satisfy the needs.

First SWD Meeting

On October 31, I had the my SWD meeting. We talked about the different kinds of services that we can help out with. Services included helping the children, elderly, disabled, mentally ill, mentally retarded, drug abusers, and people in hospitals. There is a wide variety of services that I can participate in. I don't really have a particular service that I especially want to help with, so I will explore the different areas first then focus on one particular kind of service if I want to.

Tai Po Organic Farm - October 11, 2014

On October 11, 2014, I went to the Tai Po Organic Farm again. This time, the work we did was not as tiring compared to last time. A volunteer started us off by giving us a tour of the farm. He introduced us to the nursery and the different plots in the organic farm.

After that, we planted broccoli and lettuce. We had to fill the pots with soil, cow manure, and seaweed pellets (provide nutrients). We mixed all the materials together. Then, we used the end of a gardening tool to poke a hole in the soil. We transplanted the young shoots, originally in a small pot, into the bigger pots we've prepared. Finally, we watered them.
 

It was a really good experience, I was able to help the plants grow and develop.

We went to help out in the nursery. We transplanted the baby shoots into small pots. We had to pick the baby shoots from clumps of soil and put them into their own small pots. I had to poke a small hole with a chopstick and put the shoot in. Then, I covered the empty spaces with soil. That is my favorite thing to do in the Organic Farm.

As I have said before, I really enjoy going to the Organic Farm. I can integrate a lot of symbolism in it. In order for our faith to grow, we need to have sufficient "nutrients". Those "nutrients" would include spending time with God and reading the Bible. I should continue to develop my faith.

Approved MAD Proposal Form

Here is the link to our approved MAD proposal form.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PdShI-wRNuX1xwiD1YQ4gf0rfIUmo2a4VNa-sTTmiK0/edit?usp=sharing

MAD - Proposal Form

Our group put together a proposal form draft. Here is the link to it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wyDJdQonDjE3SApgOEcRixfK9lSYZC-pupFkEWgjSeY/edit?usp=sharing

MAD - Initial Ideas

During our first big group MAD meeting around a month ago, Victoria and I found something in common - we both wanted to help out the ICS community with cleaning and organizing. We formed a small group because of that. Tiffany soon joined us during that first big group MAD meeting. Rachel joined us during the second MAD meeting. We then shared some ideas on what we wanted to do.

These were a few of our initial ideas:
- Cleaning up the art room (gets messy, especially after painting classes)
- Helping the library organize (books, etc.)
- Helping teachers that are injured or could use some organizational help (Mrs. Hunter, Mrs. Wilson, etc.)

We're still coming up with ideas, but our main focus is to help the ICS community with cleaning and organizing.

To my group, I've proposed an idea about going to the food bank and helping out. That idea was put down because many people were not free on Saturdays. No problem. I will still go there myself to help out (this coming Saturday I will help out at the food bank). I'm also interested in Kiva (kiva.org). According to the senior in charge of managing it in ICS, it can count as a MAD project. In Kiva, you provide loans to those who need it. The people who receive the loans can use the money to buy seeds, textiles, appliances, etc. I thought about doing it for my MAD project, but I wanted to do something that can help the community in HK, including the ICS community. So, I've decided to stick with my group, participate in the food bank, and work with Kiva all at the same time. My main MAD project will still be helping the ICS community with cleaning and organizing.

Right now, my group and I need to think of steps and fill out the MAD proposal form by this week.

Tai Po Organic Farm - September 13, 2014

Last Saturday, on September 13, I went to the Tai Po Organic Farm. We met at Tai Wo station and rode a bus there. We walked through a village and reached the farm. A green-shirted guy introduced us to what we were going to do. Two other people and I have been here before, so we were put to work immediately. The rest of the group went on a mini tour of the farm. The three of us were given the task of pulling out old corn stalks. We were given tools to loosen up the dirt near the roots. When we got most of the dirt loosened up, we were (usually) able to yank the corn stalk out. It was pretty tiring, especially under the boiling sun. We had to remove around 20-30 of these corn stalks. There were many bugs and flying insects. The other group, the group that has never been to the Tai Po Organic Farm, planted seeds in the dirt. In total, we worked for around 2 hours and departed after that.

Throughout this service, I was reminded of God's blessings. Many people in China and other places in the world do this every day to make a living. Oftentimes, they don't get a lot of pay from it too. It reminded me to be thankful of everything God has given me. It was also pretty cool experiencing what some of my ancestors may have had to do every day. I wouldn't mind going back and working in the farm again.

A New Year - 10th Grade

Hi! I will continue to use this blog to write about my MAD project in 10th grade. It will contain posts about my decision making, progress, events, success (or failure), and reflections. Some other non-MAD related service opportunities that I participated in will also be posted on this blg. I will try my best to post often, especially when I just finished a service. 

Global Issues - Unclean Water

Person drinking contaminated water

More than 3.4 million people in this world die every year from issues relating to water, sanitation, and hygiene. Of these 3.4 million people, 99% of them occur in the developing world. According to the United Nations, unclean water kills more people than war combined with all other forms of violence. Because water sustains life, it is life’s most basic need, yet many people in the world are unable to have access to this necessity.

Child drinking unclean water

Many parts of a person are affected by unclean water. Unclean water can cause children to be unable to attend school and parents to be unable to maintain a job. Drinking water gives humans energy to perform their daily functions. If a person gets sick from drinking contaminated water, they are unable to go about their daily tasks. Children are unable to go to school, and parents are unable to work for money. Most of all, drinking unclean water can cause numerous health problems and diseases. According to Water Projects International, 80% of all disease in the world originated from unclean water, poor sanitation, or bad hygiene. Water and sanitation directly links to the health of each and every person. Drinking unclean can cause a person to get Typhoid fever, also called Salmonella Typhi. Typhoid fever can cause birth defects, cancer, and generic damage. From drinking polluted water you can also get Cholera. Cholera affects a person’s intestines. Without immediate medical treatment, a person affect by Cholera could die within 12 hours. A person can also get Trachoma from drinking unclean water. Trachoma irritates the eyes and can cause blindness. Unclean water can also cause a person to get amoebic dysentery. It is an intestine infection that causes severe diarrhea. Schistosomiasis is a disease that is caused by parasitic worms. A person gets infected when their skin comes in contact with contaminated freshwater, where harmful snails live. Crops need clean water to grow. Without clean water for irrigation, crops die, providing families with little to no food to consume.

Children gathering water from a local stream

The UN estimates that Sub-Saharan Africa spends 40 billion hours a year gathering water. That wastes a lot of time. A jerry can, the typical container used to gather water in Africa, weighs over 40 pounds when it is completely full. Children have to walk many miles to an unclean water source to collect water, when instead, they could be going to school. Malalatiana Rosoanisina from Madagascar said, “Twice a I’d have to collect water, it gave me stomach ache as the water was yellow. I couldn't go to school and had to go to the doctor.” Malalatiana would often get sick from drinking dirty water and would have to skip school. Additionally, Malalatiana had to collect water from an unsafe spring. The path leading to that spring was dangerous and slippery. She often fell over and lost water. As a result, she was forced to return to the spring to collect more water for her family. Shilpi Mondal from Bangladesh told the organization WaterAid about her situation, “We collect water from 20-30 km away, usually about once every ten days. We share a boat with our neighbors as we can’t afford our own. This water gives us diarrhea – we know it does – but what else can we do – we have no choice. When I give the water to my daughter I know it will make her ill. It makes me very sad.”

African children using LifeStraws, a portable water filter

Clean water

Many organizations are helping out with this global issue. Such organizations include Water.org, Water Projects International, Blue Planet Network, and Concern Worldwide. These organizations work together with the affected countries to build wells and other water structures. It significantly improves access to water for people, therefore, saving time. WaterisLife.com provides areas with unclean water with water filters, a water filter system for households, and clean water wells. Many organizations are doing their best to tackle this global issue as effectively as they can. However, they can always use help from you!

Ending poverty begins with clean water. Unclean water causes poor health, hunger, and a lack of education. These three things lead to a cycle of poverty.

Deuteronomy 15:11 - There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.

Sites Used:

http://water.org/water-crisis/water-facts/water/

http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2010/2010-03-22-02.html

http://www.waterprojectsinternational.org/whywater.html

http://library.thinkquest.org/09jan-oracle-n-001/00423/page_469943279.html

http://thewaterproject.org/poverty.asp

http://www.wateraid.org/mg/what-we-do/the-crisis/water

http://www.concernusa.org/programs/water-and-sanitation

http://www.waterislife.com/about/donations/

Tai Po Organic Farm 3

On March 8, 2014, I went to an organic farm in Tai Po again. Turns out, out of those who did sign up for this service, I was the only one that went. But, a lady from the advancement office also joined me, resulting in a total of 3 people that served that day.

First, we attached strings to the bamboo sticks so that the melon plants can grow around that string. The strings were attached vertically. We watered the plants a bit. Seeing that some of the plants did not make it, we removed them and replaced the dead plants with new plants. Afterwards, the Tai Po Organic Farm asked us to help them sweep the boardwalks. I used this big broom that street sweepers use. At first, it was pretty difficult to use because I have never really swept the floor, but I quickly got the hang of it. We would put the swept up leaves, seeds, and rubbish into trash bins. The three of us spread out to different areas of the boardwalk and cleared our areas. In my area, there was a lot of seeds. Compared to sweeping leaves, sweeping the seeds is a lot more difficult. Most of them were lodged between the planks of wood, so when I was sweeping, I had to use a lot of force to get them out. I really like participating in this service. I can connect with the things we do there. The seeds in our life are like sins. God, the sweeper with the broom, forgives us and clears our lives form sins. He doesn't care if we, the boardwalk, have sins lodged so deeply inside our lives, but God will still get rid of those sins if we allow Him to. We were all a bit tired after sweeping the leaves.

After sweeping the leaves, we helped the other plots get rid of the unwanted weeds/plants growing on their plots. I actually like getting rid of those weeds/plants. It's fun. It's satisfying to see the plant and its roots coming out from the ground. In total, the three of us filled a basket with those weeds/plants. Finally, we put fertilizer onto the plants. Honestly, the organic fertilizer did not smell too good. The Tai Po Organic Farm claimed that the fertilizer was made from plant remains, but I'm not too sure. I wasn't too good at pouring the fertilizer on the plants, so I let the others to the rest.

Overall, this was an excellent service opportunity. Although it was a bit awkward at first because I was the only student that helped out, but the lady from the advancement office was very kind and funny. I had a great time and hope to go again before school ends.

Global Issues - Child Labor

I've decided to expand this blog to also include information on some global issues.

126 million children worldwide are subject to child labor. Child labor refers to the employment of children for work that deprives them of childhood and an opportunity for an education. This harms the children physically, mentally, and socially. Oftentimes, the children subject to child labor do not have a choice. Some have to support their family financially, and others were forced to work for others.

Children operating a spinning machine

During the Industrial Revolution, children as young as the age of six were employed in factories for little to no pay. Oftentimes, the factory owner would get away with not paying them nothing. Sometimes, the children would work up to 19 hours a day, with only a one-hour break in between. Not only were these children subject to long hours of work, but they also worked in dangerous, and often fatal, conditions. Large and heavy equipment surrounds the children as they work. An accident can cause a major injury, and possibly even death. Part of the reason that children were used in factories was because they had more nimble and agile fingers than adults. For example, the children can easily tie tight knots in a carpet industry. The treatment of the children in factories during the Industrial Revolution was often cruel. The people whom the children serve with would often physically or verbally abuse them. Furthermore, punishments such as having to carry a heavy weight on their neck would be given to the children who accidentally mess up when they work. Finally, in 1912, the Children's Bureau made it the US government's responsibility to monitor child labor. Then in 1916, the US Congress was pressured into passing the Keating-Owen Act. This was the first federal child labor law. It prohibited the sale in commerce of goods produced by factories that employed children under the age of 14. However, this act was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. So, in 1938, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Fair Labor Standards Act (find out more http://prezi.com/zizqmp0mu35l/fair-labor-standards-act/). This placed limits on many forms of child labor. Any child under the age of 16 is not allowed to work in hazardous conditions. Child labor was a problem in the past, yet it still is a problem today in the present.

Child trafficking

Currently, there are children involved with trafficking, soldiering, mining and manufacturing. These are all forms of child labor. Child trafficking is also a form of slavery that involves children for exploitation. The children are considered to be merchandise and can be moved from one country to another. Examples of exploitation includes sexual exploitation, forced services, practices similar to slavery, and even the removal of organs for money. Child soldiers are involved in armed political groups. Most of the child soldiers were abducted from their families and forced to become soldiers, but some joined an armed group for a chance of survival. They are used all over the world. An example of a military group is the Lord's Resistant Army (LRA), which is found in Uganda. Child mining is dangerous work for children. Children mine for diamonds, gold, salt, stone, and other other minerals or objects. Children work both above and under ground to find gold. When they work in tunnels, they risk death from explosions and tunnel collapse. The air is filled with dust and sometimes toxic. Additionally, constant exposure to salt is unhealthy for children because salt is corrosive. Children are still involved with the manufacturing business. They face dangerous accidents and are treated cruelly and poorly by their employers. Many children suffer from loss of eyesight, constant back pains, deformation of fingers, and even lung diseases. The experiences of childhood diminished all due to the need for cheap labor. Cadbury used to use African children to gather cocoa beans for their industry. As of 2010, Cadbury no longer uses African child labor in their main chocolate range. Their most popular diary  milk range will also carry a fair trade logo to show ethical company behavior. As people who have freedom, we should use our freedom to help those who don't. Underneath this are some actions you can do to help children subject to child labor.

Child soldier

What you can do:
- Spread awareness to family, friends, and neighbors about this issue
- Sign this petition to help the children of Uzbekistan that are subject to child labor:
   http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-forever-21-to-stop-forced-child-labor-in-cotton
- Pray for the children involved in child labor



Sites Used:

http://www.compassion.com/child-advocacy/find-your-voice/quick-facts/child-labor-quick-facts.htm

http://www.ilo.org/ipec/Campaignandadvocacy/Youthinaction/C182-Youth-orientated/worstforms/lang--en/index.htm

http://www2.needham.k12.ma.us/nhs/cur/Baker_00/2002_p7/ak_p7/childlabor.html

http://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=true&doc=59

http://www.ibcr.org/eng/definition_child_trafficking.html

http://listverse.com/2013/03/07/10-modern-day-forms-of-child-labor/

http://www.ilo.org/ipec/areas/Miningandquarrying/MoreaboutCLinmining/lang--en/index.htm

http://tvnz.co.nz/business-news/cadbury-drop-cocoa-made-child-labour-2946609

http://library.thinkquest.org/trio/TTQ02189/manufacturing.htm

Tai Po Organic Farm 2

On the Saturday of February 22, 2014, I went with another group of students to an organic farm in Tai Po. In total, there were 6 students that signed up for this service. All participants were from my grade. We met together at 9:00 in Tai Wo station. We took the 25K to the village where the organic farm was. We walked a distance to reach the organic farm.

Our school rented a small area for us to plant vegetables. It was an awesome opportunity for all of us. We all received a pair of gloves. First, we had to remove the small unwanted weeds/plants that were growing on our plot. We were given a hoe to help us remove those plants. If we left the plants there, they would take in all the nutrients from the soil away from the plants we are about to grow. This reminds me of the parable of the sower. It is similar to "thorny ground". It still allows the plant to grow, but the "thorns" would take in all the nutrients and eventually, cause the plants to die. In our lives, the weeds are like riches and temptations. It takes all our time and attention away from what really matters, God. Right now, I think my faith is in thorny grounds. I get distracted by all the temptations. That is why we need to remove the things that distract us (weeds). It would allow our faith to grow stronger in Christ.

Afterwards, we loosened the soil. Then we put fertilizer in the soil to help the plants grow. It looked like dark soil. The "fertilizer" in our lives would be anything that helps, not hinders, our faith in Christ. This can include reading the Bible, praying, doing devotions, going to church, listening to Christian lectures or music. We then pushed the soil up to make our plot higher, the soil looser, and to cover up the fertilizer. Then, we put bamboo sticks to guide the bitter melon plants and showing them where they should grow. So, when they grow, they won't grow all over the place, but straight, wrapping around the bamboo stick. In my life, the stick would be God. I need to wrap myself around God and make Him the center of my life. Finally, we removed baby plants from their small containers and planted them in our soil. We planted 3 different kinds of plants: romaine lettuce, bitter melon, and something else. We had to be very careful and not accidentally break or rip the roots or leaves. The plant is like our faith. It is very fragile when it is small and new. But as time passes by, our faith grows larger and stronger, like a plant, and is able to withstand more trials.

This is one of my favorite services. It constantly reminds me of my faith and trust in the Lord as I tend to those plants.

Hebrews 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Tung Wah Food Bank

On February 15, 2014, I went with one other student to help out at Tung Wah Food Bank in Mong Kok. We met up at Mong Kok East train station and took a minibus to an area near the food bank. We had to walk a bit to reach the location. When we arrived, there was a guy that told us what we needed to do. We were to pack and organize food for those who came by to pick up food. People with diabetes or other special conditions would get different amounts and types of food compared to the rest of the people. Examples of food we packed included macaroni, instant noodles, luncheon meat, canned fish, canned beef, corn, canned mushrooms, backed beans, Horlick, Ovaltine, eggs, oatmeal, and milk formula. A lot of food are canned because many of the people who applied to get food either do not have a stove to cook a lot of food or are homeless. The people/families come to collect their food once every week, each time bringing home a week's worth of food. Coupons are also distributed to them to allow them to buy other kinds of food from supermarkets and other stores. After all, eating instant noodles and canned food too often is detrimental to your health. 

When we packed food for the people/families, we first would need to look at this sheet to see how much of each item we needed. Because it was in Cantonese, I had a bit of difficulty with it, but I knew most of the words and I understood it pretty quickly. We would put the food on a cart. With the person/family waiting outside, we would push the cart down into the waiting area and help them put it in the bags they brought. For the first timers, we would provide the bags for them. In total, I think I helped pack food for 6-8 people/families.

When we had time, we helped restock the shelves neatly. We opened cardboard boxes with the help of scissors and took the food out to stack on the shelves. We also organized bags of 2kg rice.

Overall, this service has taught me to be thankful for the food I have. Not everyone is fortunate enough to have enough money to buy good, healthy food for consumption. This service was fun and enjoyable. I am sad to know that they are soon moving somewhere else, but I hope that I can serve in another food bank in the future.

February 11, 2014 PPT Presentation Reflection

The gap between the rich and poor is tremendous. The majority of Hong Kong's population lies within the less than $5000 a month. Many of these people live in cage homes.  After listening to Mr. Auty's presentation, it gave me a deeper insight onto the problems Hong Kong faces. Anyone can make a difference, young or old, including me. The purpose of MAD projects is to allow us to use our gifts and blessings to serve the community. I hope that when I go on service experiences, I would open my heart to them and serve them as best as I can.