Goducate … Go And Educate! – Page 198 – Helping Asians Help Themselves

2011-01-282011-01-31

Camaraderie at Goducate community center in KL

It was early morning in Kuala Lumpur when my sister and I headed out to the Global Friends Hub, a Goducate community center for migrant workers and others to gather and engage in wholesome activities. On our way we stopped to get some Roti Canai, a local food that is a must-try if you’re ever in that area. We were warmly greeted by some of the volunteers as we walked through the doors of a comfortable gathering place where in just a short time people from different parts of the globe would gather to chat and do what we do in South East Asia: eat food.

When we arrived, our new friends were preparing breakfast—it was a pity that we had just eaten! We were eager to meet the faces that came through the door and for the next few hours we seemingly had non-stop conversations with people from many different places. Some joined us because their current employment is there in KL and they wanted to find some friends to spend time with, others were there because hard times had hit and getting to have a well-rounded meal was not a normal occurrence. Either way, the friends who gathered together spent time encouraging each other. As friends shared with each other what challenges they’ve recently faced there was a great sense of camaraderie there.
One of the volunteers of Global Friends Hub shared with me that one of the men that frequently visits, originally came as a beggar. On this particular day she was surprised because he was cleaned up, wearing clean clothes and seeming to make a turn for the better.

Another delightful aspect of this center is that it’s not just for adults—children joined in the time of fellowship and had fun together. My sister played Jenga (a tower-building game that requires physical and mental skill) with one of the children while other youth were strumming their guitars. I enjoyed talking to the youth, getting a glimpse of what their life is like. There was an elderly man who joyfully chose to serve others there by washing the many dishes. Different ladies, who have busy work schedules, took time to prepare delicious dishes to share with all that came. There’s no question why people return to this center, the atmosphere is filled with love and is very family-like. You never know what kind of impact a community of friends can have on a life. Yet this I know, spending the day with new friends was a refreshing reminder that race, nationality, and status level shouldn’t create barriers when it comes to developing healthy friendships

2011-01-262018-09-23

My LifePegs Experience

I spent four years in Northeast China getting my bachelor’s degree. It was where I learnt of LifePegs (LP). The first time I joined a LP activity was in June 2009 and at that time, I was close to graduation. It was a pity indeed, I wish I could spend more time with LP during my college days.

My first trip with LP was to travel to Da Qing Gou, a small town in Inner Mongolia which took us 3 hours by bus to arrive from the city centre. Being far away from the hassle and bustle of the city, it was a great place to relax. It was not only about traveling, but a good chance to make friends. The most impressive part was having lectures on life skills on the trip. Strange, you must be thinking, as in China, learning and relaxation don’t seem to go hand-in-hand. Well, that was the biggest difference from a travel agency or an institution. LP trips are about having fun, relaxation and at the same time learning life skills that are beneficial. I could vividly remember the topic of that lecture was about dating. We learnt about what love is and how to show your love. I was impressed with the knowledge that was transmitted to us. You know what? When I was in the college years, I always had romantic feelings which could be dangerous at times. Thankfully I was protected well by my parents and I didn’t do anything wrong which would make me regret my whole life. But I made my parents worry a lot for four years. I am thankful that I finally learnt on that LP trip that love is sacrifice rather than romantic feelings.

One year later, I got a chance to go to Scotland for a year’s further study. I was blessed by the LP lessons, including cross-cultural issues, that I learned which were applicable in real-life situations. I still remember a LP seminar that I joined, the topic was about friendship. What kind of friends do you prefer? Diverse answers were given. “I want to make friends who can help me out when I am in trouble” and “I prefer those who shared the same dreams with me”… well, not bad answers. But I was impressed by the following part. “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. You know what? I realized that we had always focused on what we wanted and what would benefit us but seldom consider others’ needs. I have learned lots of valuable principles about making friends, but “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is a concept that I heard for the first time then! I decided to change from my selfish attitude and apply the principle into my own life, I have since benefited a lot! I am glad that my growth and maturity in life is part of the fun and valuable times spent at LP.

LP is a great blessing to many Chinese college students like me. LP has helped us, the young generation, to see hope and the need to grow. We have been given much guidance through learning lifeskills in activities. Most of us LP members no longer hang out aimlessly on the streets/campuses or immerse ourselves in the internet game bar. Moreover LP is a place full of love and encouragement and positive spirit! Thank you LP for giving me precious experiences that last a long time!

Guest writer Jessica, Volunteer from China

2011-01-242011-01-28

Veg@table project gathers pace in Dayap

Grace pulling out her flowering plants to make way for beans

It takes only a spark to get a fire going. After seeing Nanay Anita’s vegetable plants in her frontyard starting to bear fruit, her neighbours want to turn their frontyards into vegetable patches too. One neighbour, Grace, a mother of 2, decided to pull out her flowering plants to grow beans instead. So far 14 families in Dayap have joined the project.

P1010120-400 — Jordan (left), the farm manager, with a father pleased with his tomato seedlings that have sprouted

The manager of our model farm, who is helping the community there to plant vegetables, recalls how the children used to have little better to do than throw stones at passersby, himself included. Now they want to help with the planting.