10 LUMEN | LEARNING
Learning to
Serve
By Ms Marakatham
The last , the lost and the least are continually mentioned and referred to throughout the four years of a Josephian ’ s life . This is so as the very essence of a Lasallian education centres on its core values , one of which is service .
Project Scubilion is an example of servicelearning programme that aims to nurture the social , emotional and spiritual intelligence of the SJI boy . Named after a La Salle Brother Scubilion Rousseau who had devoted his life to working among the poorest of the poor during the 19th century , Project Scubilion engages youths in a process to discover important values and lessons that enhance their life skills while engaging in needful community service . This rich learning environment with a strong hands-on approach nurtures in our pupils the need to lead purpose-driven lives , hence living up to the school motto of being ‘ men of integrity ’ and ‘ men for others ’.
Over the years , many of these servicelearning projects organised by the boys have
been responses to immediate needs of the community around us . In 2010 , when one of our Josephians , Tan Ser Yung was seriously injured in a Judo competition , the class of 434 ( 2011 ) started the campaign ‘ He is one of us ’ to rally the school community , parents and old boys to raise funds for his medical needs .
In 2011 , the students from 324 and 325 were engaged in a Tutor Mentoring Programme to about fifty Primary Five boys from Bendemeer Primary school for 1.5 hours weekly . Each Josephian was not only a tutor but also a big brother to his young ward .
Over the 6-month period , bonds were indubitably formed that the seniors wanted to complete the programme with a celebration where they adopted a different role by being play companions to their charges in the various games they had organised . Much to the latter ’ s delight they also walked away with goodie bags their tutors had bought from money raised . The Josephians did not return empty handed too but were pleasantly surprised by personalised cards that were presented to them .
Ho Kang Jie ’ s card read : “ Thank you for teaching me Mathematics and English . My marks have increased by 20 marks . I wish you will come back and teach me again ,” while Zaidh said , “ I want to thank you for teaching us and I appreciate your help and kindness .” - words that touched the Josephians .
Beyond Project Scubilion , there are other student-initiated community projects by CCA groups and student leaders . Hair for Hope , started by the SJI Prefectorial Board in 2008 ,