Day 3 (16.2.11) - Lovely Day

by Nelson Choo & Leong Chi Mun

 A new day a new beginning, the stars were still shinning proudly around the moon, while the sun was still reluctant to arise to shine his rays of light. However, that doesn't stop us - the enthusiastic Kota Star group - from leaving our cozy beds. With great joy and energy, we once again headed towards Kota Setar. Though it takes around an hour to get there, we were never bored as our hearts are filled with the passion to learn, serve and touch lives whenever possible. Needless to say, we enjoyed looking at the beautiful scenery where the sunlight breakthrough the crest of the mountain and the scenic paddy field just could make anyone happy.

 We reached our destination on time and yet again 'toilet' is indispensable to life, well at least for me (Chi Mun). We were assembled at the CML room awaiting the arrival of Puan Nur Wahidah bt. Azmi, the Nutritionist (Pegawai Zat Makanan-PZM). However, our meeting got delayed for about an hour as the PZM had other errands to attend to. Patiently we waited while some of us looked through our check list so as to ensure we have all questions prepared and ready.

Also, some of our group members went to the clinics to have a talk with some senior citizen patients. Fortunately, they managed to meet Mr.Haji Wan Yahya, the person in-charge for the geriatric patient registration and services. Although for a short while, he shared lots of his experience with them which was indeed valuable. He also showed them the senior citizen registration book and guidelines for their health services.

~ with Mr.Haji Wan Yahya ~

~ Tinesh & Jothi with senior citizens ~

~ registry book & guidelines on geriatric health ~

By 9am, the PZM came, and we had a good time listening and gaining more information about many things including the famous ‘Food Basket' and the 'Bakul Satu AZAM (Akhiri Zaman Miskin)'. We bombarded some questions as well, as the PZM tried her level best to satisfy our queries. She also explained the importance of good nutrition and the various methods they used in helping those under nourished. For instance, 'Pemasaran Produk Bayi' was carried out to control the price of baby's product like milk etc. so that all citizens from different social classes can afford to buy sufficient milk for their loved ones.

~ PZM giving a talk ~

~ with PZM , Pn. Nur Wahidah ~

 After that around 10am, we ushered ourselves to Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Syed Mohamed Al-Bukhary for the School Health Programme. This school was awesome; they even had a display of traditional items like Songket, Congkak and many more.

~ at the school ~

~ some views of the school & 2 posers in between ~

~ Chi Mun with the display of traditional items ~

We then observed 3 nurses and 3 medical assistances examining 13 students where 2 were normal students and 11 more were students with special needs (with auditory and lingual impairment). We were overwhelmed with gratitude that how lucky we are to be blessed by the Almighty God with good physique. The health officers did visual acuity and general examination for all the students. Anti Tetanus Toxoid (ATT) vaccination were given to Form 3 students. It was a fun learning experience as the teachers responsible for the class for special learners began teaching us some sign languages (American Sign Language) so that we were able to communicate with them here and there. Before long, most of us have mastered our alphabets. This is the basis/foundation that we need to build on to be able to learn other words.

~ Nelson guiding the students with special needs ~

~ ATT injection given to the students ~

~ Gomalaa & Jothi self visual acuity testing ~

Before long, our stomachs began to sing songs of hunger. Fortunately the programme finished in time and we began our journey to fill our stomachs. We decided to head to a vegetarian restaurant for lunch and food was good!! After lunch, we went for walk in Star Parade with of course an Oreo McFlurry held tight in my (Chi Mun) hand.

~ McNelson & McDonald ~

Come afternoon, we had another session of talk with Sister Norma on various issues concerning the adolescent's age group. Time flies, before knowing, the activities of the day have all been completed. Having the memories of those students with special needs in mind, we reminded ourselves how blessed we are and should not take things for granted. Well easy said than done but we are determine to practice it day by day to our best ability. We returned to campus happily to be rejuvenated and recharged for the day that is to come, knowing that more surprises awaits.

                                             "Follow Excellence......Success will chase after you."

                                                      -Ranchhoddas Chanchad @ Phunsukh Wangdu-