Muhd Nuradam Shah (22) SL Reflection

As part of our service learning project, the class organised a performance for the old folks at All Saints Home (ASH). I was part of the Malay Cultural Group and we did a short performance using traditional Malay drums called Kompang.

We came to the decision to play the drums for our performance as we were already going to play the drums for our ‘Speech Day’ performance. Hence, we decided to kill two birds with one stone and play the drums for our performance. Moreover, we have an instructor to teach us how to play the drum as part of practice for the ‘Speech Day’ performance.

During the preparations phase, we met at least once a week to practice for the performance. Usually, this practice was also in conjunction with the practice for ‘Speech Day’ performance. Despite the lack of practices, I still felt that we managed to pull off a reasonable performance although I felt that we could have done better. J   I could also sense that the old folks at the home enjoyed the performance as they were seen clapping along.

Surely, after all the preparations and performances, I'm sure we must have learnt some valuable things along the way. If not, all the effort put into this service learning would just go up in smoke, right? As for me, I learnt 3 different things along the way. Firstly, I learnt to play the traditional Malay drums, Kompang. This way, I feel that I am contributing to the continuing existence of our culture in one way or another. Secondly, I learnt that serving the community is not as bad as I expected it to be. In fact, I really liked the community service by our class as we get to bring smiles to the old folk’s faces and interact with them after the performance. Thirdly, I learnt to cherish my elders and not to leave them at any old folk’s home even when I am busy due to my working life in the future. When we are young, they are the ones who took care of us, fed us, wash us etc. Now, it’s our time to repay their deeds by taking care of them when they grow old and not chuck them to one side when they need us the most.

By Muhd Nuradam Shah (22)