The Star, Friday September 4, 2015
The children and their ‘Sehati Sejiwa’ inspired T-Shirts.
DEEP in concentration, with a
paint brush in their hand, the children from two welfare homes expressed
their love for Malaysia on T-shirts during a special art programme over
the National Day weekend.
Eager to showcase their talents, the children painted their interpretation of the National Day slogan “Sehati Sejiwa” on the T-shirts at the “T-Shirt Colouring” event organised by The Mines shopping centre.
The activity at the mall in Seri Kembangan saw participation of 58 underprivileged children from Rumah Keluarga Kami and Yayasan Sunbeam Homes.
The children, who rarely celebrate National Day beyond their home, were very eager to join in the fun.
One little budding artist was Fiona Khoo, who wrote “Merdeka is the
Best” on her T-shirt in addition to the pre-designed stickers that were
provided.
Rumah Keluarga Kami’s caregiver Rayal Andrews Jose said they were happy that the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a day away from the home during the long weekend. The 20-year-old home in Kajang has some 30 children aged between six and 17 years old.
“They need the exposure to other people to practise their social skills and get comfortable conversing with people,” he added.
Jose said the children usually were taken on outings during festive seasons and rarely went to malls.
His view was echoed by Yayasan Sunbeam Homes Daycare coordinator S. Saraswathy, who said going out gave the children an opportunity to mingle with others.
“This way they learn how to carry themselves in public, but as caretakers we need to also ensure they do not pick up any negative influence while outside,” she added.
Saraswathy also emphasised that National Day-themed events were important for the children to understand the occasion’s significance.
She said the younger generation often treated the day lightly and did not know the importance of gaining independence and the hardship Malaysia’s forefathers went through to achieve it.
The Mines marketing communications manager Paulin Lim said the event was intended to show the children the true meaning of independence day through an easy and fun activity.
“At the same time, we wanted to give the children a chance to express what Merdeka meant to them,” she said.
But instead of expressing their creativity on paper, she said the
shopping centre wanted the children to be able to wear their creation
and so decided on T-shirts instead.
After their creative exercise, The Mines filled the hungry stomachs with meals from Fish & Co before they departed for home.
The children also took home goodie bags prepared by the mall.
Eager to showcase their talents, the children painted their interpretation of the National Day slogan “Sehati Sejiwa” on the T-shirts at the “T-Shirt Colouring” event organised by The Mines shopping centre.
The activity at the mall in Seri Kembangan saw participation of 58 underprivileged children from Rumah Keluarga Kami and Yayasan Sunbeam Homes.
The children, who rarely celebrate National Day beyond their home, were very eager to join in the fun.
Rumah Keluarga Kami’s caregiver Rayal Andrews Jose said they were happy that the children were given the opportunity to enjoy a day away from the home during the long weekend. The 20-year-old home in Kajang has some 30 children aged between six and 17 years old.
“They need the exposure to other people to practise their social skills and get comfortable conversing with people,” he added.
The 58 children from the two homes feeling enthusiastic.
His view was echoed by Yayasan Sunbeam Homes Daycare coordinator S. Saraswathy, who said going out gave the children an opportunity to mingle with others.
“This way they learn how to carry themselves in public, but as caretakers we need to also ensure they do not pick up any negative influence while outside,” she added.
Saraswathy also emphasised that National Day-themed events were important for the children to understand the occasion’s significance.
She said the younger generation often treated the day lightly and did not know the importance of gaining independence and the hardship Malaysia’s forefathers went through to achieve it.
The Mines marketing communications manager Paulin Lim said the event was intended to show the children the true meaning of independence day through an easy and fun activity.
“At the same time, we wanted to give the children a chance to express what Merdeka meant to them,” she said.
A young boy focusing on his painting during the art programme.
After their creative exercise, The Mines filled the hungry stomachs with meals from Fish & Co before they departed for home.
The children also took home goodie bags prepared by the mall.
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