LEARNING JOURNEYS
Band IE Trip The trip to Hanoi , Vietnam was a fruitful one , with many of the bandsmen immersing themselves in the rich culture and traditions of the country . Most importantly , they also learnt many crucial life lessons while helping to serve the last , the lost and the least in the Friendship Village we visited during the trip .
With the misconception that a visit to the Friendship Village was going to be grim , with the children being mentally or physically impaired due to the consequences of Agent Orange used in the protracted Vietnam war , the boys were pleasantly surprised to find the children already learning mathematics , Vietnamese and even embroidery despite their severe disabilities . The students soon discovered they gained a lot more from the Vietnamese students , from life lessons and how to give thanks .
Teaching English to the residents at Friendship Village
Performance at the Friendship Village in Hanoi , Vietnam
Catholic , Sailing and Judo IE Trip The students stayed in the houses of the Pabahay Community Foster Families . From the students ’ perspectives , there was nothing fancy about their house ; it was a small Kampung style house made of wood and metal , yet the residents of the house were very happy to see new visitors . One favourite aspect of this experience was witnessing the ‘ Gotong Royong ’ spirit . The people there do not mind walking into each other ’ s houses to rest or relax , by playing games . To them , they are all one big , happy family . Another part of the trip brought them to Bagac , Bataan and it was mostly spent in the Jaime Hilario Integrated School ( JHIS ), where they interacted with the school ’ s staff and students and did activities together . The trip reminded them of who they are and what they do as Lasallians . To them , SJI has always been a school with a strong community and it is through the trip that brought the students closer for it is as God said , “ When two or more gather in my name , I am with them ”.
Grand Party @ Friendship Village
Mr Nigel Fabular and the boys enjoying a local meal in Manila
Interaction with students from Jaime Hilario Integrated School
A ride on a Philippines School Bus
JOSEPHIAN ANNUAL 2018
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