Research Education Project with Muhammdaiyah Welfare Home

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Our RESL Journey - Motivation through Inspiration

Motivation through Inspiration

To me, motivation is more than just attending speeches, workshops or mere conversations. In order to motivate someone, I believe one needs a much more complex platform, rather than just politically correct interactions with the intended audience. One needs to reach out to the person, not only through words, but also through emotions.

The Start of Our Journey

We first set forth on our RE journey without any true ideas or objectives in mind, especially since this is our first time doing a service-learning project. During our first few meetings, we brainstormed possible ideas and concepts for this RE-SL project. From cable car rides to a trip to zoo, we thought of every possibilities that came into mind. In the end, we decided on an event at a place which seems to be the ideal source of inspiration for all of us.

The Master Plan

The Singapore River is in the heart of Singapore. And our group feel that perhaps it could touch our hearts and that of the residents of Muhammadiyah Welfare Home. Our primary objective is to get to know the residents in person. Due to the negative mindset the general society has against them, we believe that it is essential that we get past social barrier between us and them, and in turn, getting to know the real people behind the gates of Muhammadiyah. At the end of the day, we intend to motivate them, by inspiring them to move on with their lives. They are not alone in society, and that there are still thing worth enduring for, like the beauty of life.

The Actual Day

After weeks of planning, we finally had our event on the 21st of June. It ran smoothly, perhaps too smoothly. We completed the route faster than expected, and before we realise, we were already at the roof terrace of Esplanade. The residents spent their time there enjoying the view, expressing themselves through words and images and doing a short survey which we gave them. However, most importantly, we spent our time there talking and getting to know them. We mingled around as friends, without any social quos or unspoken barriers between us. We talked, joked around and finally, had our lunch together at the roof terrace. The entire event went better than expected, and it really opened our eyes and changed our views towards them.

Takeaways

Throughout the entire planning process, we had mixed feelings towards the residents of Muhammadiyah Welfare Home - some of us were hesitant while others were doubtful. However, when we finally had the chance to meet the residents in person and really talked to them, we realised that they are no different from any other person. They talked, joked, played like any general member of society would. That was when we realised that these residents, and any others in similar situations, are being regarded wrongfully by the general society. They are no different from any of us. And essentially, they deserve to be treated equally and have their rightful place in our hearts and society.

RESL Group 3063

10:17 PM