Due to the emphasis on a holistic education, students in my country are given opportunities to undertake community service programmes and contribute their services to society. Known as Values-in-Action initiatives, these programmes run the gamut from tutoring less privileged children to cleaning the beach.

This morning, my fifth graders and I visited an old folks’ home near our school. Being fearless, some of them grouped together to put up song and dance items. One even played “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on her violin. Following our performance, we split up into small groups and interacted with the residents. Even though many elderly people were immobile, they could bond over the painting of a glass deco art piece with my students. I thought it was ingenious of my colleague to prepare this simple and workable activity for both the young and old.

On the whole, I thought it was good that my students got to interact and render service to their older counterparts.