ISSUES/ CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS

The following were the issues and challenges faced by the team members during the social engagement project:

1. Time constraint

Time constraint was one of the challenges experienced by us in terms of deciding on suitable meeting time and agreeing on the dates for our project. Finding suitable meeting time and rehearsals was a big challenge as every member were committed into other activities and different class timetables. Nevertheless, we managed to carry out several meetings by making good use of break time between classes to ensure our project would be conducted smoothly. Secondly, agreeing on the dates for the project was an issue. Other than classes are conducted throughout the weekdays, SKPK also often carried out events during weekends. Hence, the dates that were available for us to conduct our project are limited. It was slightly difficult for us choose a date that can ensure all members are able to attend the project. In the end, we decided to carry out our project during the mid semester break whereby all members would be free by that time.

2. Preparation of activities

We faced some issues in the preparation of the activities the were to be conducted during the project as well. For instance, the weather was bad when we were trying to carry out Explorace on the second day. We had to reset our materials and locations for each activities due to the sudden rain.

Luckily, we have prepared plan B that list out the indoor games that could be carried out during bad weather. Also, with the cooperation among the  group members, we were able to reset the materials at the right locations in the fastest rate.

3. Communication

As we were being informed, the participants consisted of disadvantaged children who are deaf and mute. Therefore, we could not understand the sign language that the children were trying to convey to us as well. Luckily, Encik Fekhry ,an SKPK’s teacher and the coordinator who being with us throughout the programme translated the sign language to us. We also prepared whiteboard to allow the children to write down their thoughts. Nevertheless, we were able to conduct simple sign language and eye contact to communicate with the children.

4. Building a strong relationship with the children within two days

The children were energetic and showed their enthusiasm throughout the two days programme. However, we as the facilitators, at times found it challenging to control the children when we were carrying out the activities. Hence, we occasionally found it tough to get them to follow the tentative on time and establish a strong bond between the volunteers and the children especially on the first day of the programme.

Subsequently, on the second day, we have adapted to the knowledge and skills in handling the children. After the continuous efforts showed by the volunteers, we certainly did engage with the children and develop a close relationship with them through all the time we have spent at SKPK.