SMILES and laughter were aplenty among the 40 children who were taken on a trip up Penang Hill organised by Rainbow of Life Forces (ROLF) as part of its launch of the Green Ribbon campaign.
The Green Ribbon campaign, aimed at promoting green living through a practical approach for children, is launched to mark the World No Tobacco Day.
The 40 underprivileged children from Ramakrishna Orphanage, Salvation Army Home, Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya and the Children Protection’s Society were taken on a one-and-a-half-day trip.
Orientation session: Lim briefing the children at Nature’s Lodge grounds before the activities commence.
Arriving there at noon, the children had lunch before undergoing an orientation by the facilitators, comprising Boy Scouts from the Penang Scouts Association and students from INTI University College Nilai, where they were then grouped into sections and assigned captains.
The Scouts then proceeded to demonstrate to the children how to pitch a tent before letting them try it out for themselves.
One of the children, who only wanted to be known as Moon, said that she was excited when she found out that there would be some outdoor skills taught during the trip.
“As we seldom have outdoor activities, I am glad to be able to enjoy this rare opportunity,” she said.
Right after the demonstration by the Scouts, the children were given lessons by members of the Malaysian Red Crescent Penang branch on basic first aid.
The children were ecstatic at the opportunity of learning how to tie an arm sling in case of a bone fracture.
Survival skill: Several Scouts showing he participants how to pitch tent during one of the activities.
Two of the facilitators from INTI University College Nilai, Chin Xin Yin and Vincent Chan, were excited to be part of the team that facilitated the children.
Xin Yin, 20, who is studying Biotechnology, said that she was happy to be able to spread cheer to other people especially the underprivileged.
As for 18-year-old Vincent, who is pursuing Foundation in Engineering, he was inspired to join this campaign because of his previous involvement in the Orange Ribbon campaign which focused on youth social responsibility.
After the lessons, the participants rested at Nature’s Lodge before enjoying a bonfire party on the same night.
Penang Hill Corporation general manager Datuk Lee Kah Choon and Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong were also present at the bonfire party.
The children sang campfire songs and a rendition of Justin Bieber’s Never Say Never with the facilitators.
The Scouts also organised party games for the children where the losers had to imitate animals as a form of penalty.
During the bonfire, the children were also asked to set fire to two giant mock cigarettes in support of World No Tobacco Day.
The next day, the children were guided on a tour to parts of Penang Hill where they were briefed on the history of some locations around the hill as well as the species on various plants that grew there.
Nature walk: The participants taken on a guided tour around Penang Hill.
The trip ended with a lunch for the children before they took the train down the hill and back to their respective homes.
ROLF founder Adelyn Lim said: “I hope the children enjoyed themselves on the trip and would be able to benefit from the knowledge and experience gained.”
ROLF is a non-profit campaigning vehicle that facilitates and supports underprivileged children.
To participate in the Green Ribbon campaign, call 03-4042 1000 or visit www.rolfcommunity.org.
Source: TheStar
