More than just pretty stones BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » thesundaypost - New 2 Borneo |
- More than just pretty stones
- Ideal hideaway from hectic city life
- Invasion of diapers and plastics
- How many birds can you see in your garden?
- Kids Speak programme — Where kids speak up
| Posted: 07 Jun 2014 10:51 AM PDT by Antonia Chiam, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 8, 2014, Sunday AS children, some of us had probably enjoyed looking for coloured stones and pebbles and keeping them as a collection. They are certainly pretty to look at even though they may be of no monetary or mystical value. As adults, we get drawn to gemstones and crystals, which we tend to regard highly for their monetary value. In our minds, diamond, ruby, sapphire and the like are only worn by the rich who can afford the valuable jewels. To receive such precious stones as gifts, one must have earned the worth and is truly loved by the giver. Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but all gemstones and crystals are more than just decoratives. Instead, they have a long history of being used for alternative medicinal purpose, specifically in crystal healing, in many cultures of the world. Crystal healing is a gentle and non-invasive form of healing that holistically harmonises the body, mind, emotions and spirit. One method of crystal healing involves the placement of crystals on chakra points of the body. The chakra points are seven energetic systems in the body, which is recognised in alternative healing. They are base, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye and crown chakras. Different crystals are believed to have their own unique structures that resonate at certain frequencies, giving them their healing properties. Applying crystals to different chakra points will lead to the stability and balance of one's body and energy systems as well as to regulate the body's natural healing mechanisms. According to Derry Chin, a crystals collector who works at a local crystals shop known as Silver Point at One Jaya, there are many reasons why people seek crystal healing. "The usage of crystals varies – some go for decorative household items while others go for jewellery. "It's common for people to be drawn to jewellery first before deciding to buy decorative items for their homes. Some people buy crystals for collection. I know female customers who collect pendants and bracelets. "In terms of crystal healing, people will turn to it based on recommendations from friends using crystals for that purpose. However, it's important to know the actual grievance or root cause of the problem in order to use the right kind of crystal as each crystal has its specific benefits. "Usually, those new to crystals will seek recommendations based on their ailments, grievances or preventive measures for certain matters," he told thesundaypost. Derry dismissed the idea that crystal healing went against any religion as a mere misconception, saying it was a positive form of alternative healing that could benefit its users. "It's not a superstition or a negative belief as it is natural and positive. If people are positive about healing, crystals will aid them," he said. He pointed out that there were, of course, users into Fengshui as well who were more particular about crystals, tending to have their own beliefs on how the crystals should be used or worn on the body and thinking other people were not allowed to touch their personal crystals. "Generally, most customers choose to use crystals because they want to improve their health or wealth. "For example, those in business may want to seek crystals that will make them more alert to opportunities or that will improve their temperament to be more patient in dealing with others." Derry noted that the most popular crystals in Kuching are amethyst, citrine, rose quartz, clear quartz and tiger's eye, based on sales or demand. "These crystals are well-known due to regular promotions over the years that have been focusing a lot on these five crystals. "They are popular because of what people believe they can do for them. Each crystal appeals to different demands and needs. "For example, citrine is believed to attract abundance and business wealth while rose quartz is associated with love and emotions. "Effects from crystal healing vary but judging from customers' feedback, they have been proven useful. Feedback from those who have used crystals include feeling more relaxed, sleeping well, having sudden opportunity for extra income and not indulging in unnecessary thoughts or negativity." Derry revealed there are about 50 types of crystals available at his workplace. "We source them from all over the world. Common places include Brazil, Uruguay. South Africa and the US. It really depends on where the crystals are found or originated from. "Some, like amethyst, are available in multiple places. However, different locations may produce the same crystals but they are of different sizes or patterns." He said it was not difficult to bring in the crystals to sell as they were already processed and packed, adding that there was no customs restriction in Malaysia where crystals were concerned. "The most unique crystal available in store is Auralite 23 which contains 23 types of mineral within itself. "Auralite 23 is found in northern Canada, dug from the earth of the Boreal Forest. It's a relatively new crystal as was found in recent years. "Other unique crystals include Moldavite and Tektite which are not so popular yet because they aren't very well known and can be very pricey," he observed. Derry said one of the most expensive and beautiful crystals in the world is known as Alexandriate which he has never seen before. It's touted as a very rare gemstone, which has regenerative powers. On taking care of crystals, he opined it was generally simple and did not involve much fuss. "Those on display at home, especially crystal geodes or crystal clusters, have to be sprayed with water on a daily basis. "Crystal jewellery like bracelets or pendants can be washed but only with water. It's not advisable to wash with soap as crystals are sensitive to chemicals which may cause them to discolour." Crystals are more than just pretty stones but are also no child's play – so it's best to research thoroughly and also to talk to existing users before starting any collection. Beyond that, the beautiful and fascinating world of crystals awaits.   |
| Ideal hideaway from hectic city life Posted: 07 Jun 2014 10:49 AM PDT by Danielle Ringgit, seeds@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 8, 2014, Sunday FOR a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, staying the night at tranquil Santubong might be a good idea for a change of scene. Santubong is well known for untouched natural jungle and sandy beaches, making it a popular tourist spot. With plenty of attractions and activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, touring the Sarawak Cultural Village, sightseeing and enjoying the beach, Santubong offers a variety of choices to explore. The legend of Mount Santubong is the tragic tale of two sisters – Santubong and Sejinjang, princesses believed to have descended from heaven. Santubong was the expert weaver while Sejinjang an excellent rice thresher. When both princesses fell in love with a handsome prince, they began to quarrel over him and exchange blows. To put an end to the quarrel, the King turned both princesses into mountains. It is said both mountains resemble women lying horizontally and the crack on Mount Santubong is said to be the scar on Santubong's cheek left by Sejinjang's fury. Although only 810 metres high, the mountain is rather intimidating due to its steep slope towards the summit. Climbing to the top takes about three to four hours while descending is quicker. So, it is advisable to start very early as the jungle can get dark as early as between 3pm and 4 pm. Scaling the summit, you can enjoy the amazing view of the jungle and listen to the sound of Nature. Along the way, you might get cuts and bruises, a few encounters with insects and bugs and come across slippery and muddy pathways but once at the summit, it's all worth it, knowing you have made it to the top on your own perseverance. Dolphin sighting If you live near the water, you might want the chance to at least swim in the sea or go for a boat ride. Ask any villagers with a boat and they would be happy to take you out on a cruise to catch a glimpse of the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, especially between April and September. Irrawaddy dolphins or snubfin dolphins are mostly found in rivers, estuaries and shallow coastal waters such as at Burman, India, Southern Thailand, Mahakam River in Kalimantan, the Philippines and North-eas-tern Australia. Santubong also happens to be one of the best places to spot them. Due to increased human activities that threaten their existence, the population of these dolphins is slowing declining. In 2004, WWF and TRAFFIC, the world's largest wildlife trade monitoring network, supported a ban on international live trade of Irrawaddy dolphins by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). However, visitors may have to keep a keen eye on these gentle creatures as dolphin sightings are not guaranteed on every boat trip. When you do see them, however, they can be seen swimming and diving around small fishing boats. Fresh seafood Located not far from Kampung Santubong, Kampung Buntal is now a "favourite seafood place" for both local and tourists. With a variety of dining places to choose from, visitors get to enjoy fresh seafood in an airy open restaurant, surrounded by the sea and with a spectacular view of Mount Santubong in the background. Homestay Santubong is nestled in the peaceful and charming Malay fishing village called Kampung Santubong with Mount Santubong as a backdrop. You can take a picture anywhere in the village and will still see Mount Santubong in your picture. With its spectacular view, fresh air and friendly community, it has a lot of attractions and activities to offer. With over 15 houses offering with more than 21 guest rooms as a second home during their stay in the village, visitors get to experience the authentic lifestyle and culture of the local community. Accommodation is reasonably priced and visitors get the opportunity to experience and participate in a traditional cuisine cooking demonstra-tion by their hosts. What better way to learn about a local culture than through spending sometime and engaging in various activities with the local community itself? A short stroll through the village leads to the beautiful beach where you can enjoy the sunset and various beachside activities. If you feel like enjoying the cool breeze during the night, you can always opt for cam-ping at the beach. Visitors not only get to sample the food and culture of the Kampung Santubong community but also experience a Malay wedding ceremony. Owner of Santubong Homstay, Jamilah Shukri, has hosted numerous mock weddings Since she also happens to be the owner of a boutique called Anggun at Jalan Satok, various wedding costumes and bridal makeup packages are provided and you can be sure your mock wedding is in good hands. Historical sites The tomb of Sultan Tengah is one of the more historically significant sites in Sarawak. Originally from Brunei, Sultan Tengah was the second son of Sultan Muhammad Hassan, Brunei's ninth Sultan who reig-ned from 1582 to 1598. He was appointed the first Sultan of Sarawak by his eldest brother, Sultan Abdul Jalilul Akbar circa 1599. Before sailing to Johor, he appointed four state ministers to govern Sarawak upon his absence. His return to Sarawak, Sultan Tengah survived a shipwreck near the coast of Sukadana. There, he met his wife, daughter to the Sukadana ruler. She gave birth to a prince named Radin Sulaiman who was eventually married to the daughter of Ratu Sepuduk and became Sultan Muhammad Saifuddin I in Sambas. Sultan Tengah and the Princess of Sukadan also had two other sons — Pengiran Badaruddin who later became Pengiran Bendahara Seri Maharaja, and a third prince, Pengiran Abdul Wahab, who later became Pengiran Temenggong Jaya Kesuma. In 1630, Sultan Tengah went to Matan where he married one of the princesses who gave birth to Pengiran Mangku Negara who later became the Sultan of Matan. After a few years in Matan, Sultan Tengah went back to Sarawak where he stopped at a place called Batu Buaya in Santubong and was killed by one of his followers. When his state ministers heard the news, they buried him according to royal Brunei tradition at today's Kampung Batu Buaya. With his death came the end of Sarawak's one and only Sultanate. At Santubong Homestay, visitors get to plant their own trees in the yard as a momento of their visit. But don't worry about leaving your trees as they will be taken care of while you are gone. If you do plan on coming back the following year, don't be surprised to see your trees bearing fruits and the whole yard transformed into an orchard. |
| Invasion of diapers and plastics Posted: 07 Jun 2014 10:47 AM PDT by Rintos Mail, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on June 8, 2014, Sunday MOST, if not all, mothers of today wrap their babies in disposable diapers. Diapering is, arguably, the most important decision parents could make for the environment and their young children who are in these nappies around the clock for upward of two years. So far, no studies have indicated the absorbent substance used in these disposables harms babies and no one can say definitively whether cloth or disposable diapers are better for the environment. But these are the facts – the average baby goes through six to eight diapers a day. Unless one practises elimination communication, a baby will use between 5,475–7,300 diapers before potty training around 30 months old. Because 95 per cent of these diaper changes are disposables, most end up in landfills. There are about 420,000 deliveries per year in Malaysia, according to Dr J Ravichandran R Jeganathan, the Health Ministry's national head of Obstetrics and Gynaecological Services and national head of Maternal Fetal Medicine Services. There are no statistics on deliveries per year in Sarawak or the amount of diapers used, but a study by National Resources and Environment Board (NREB) last year showed diapers made up the bulk of the waste disposed in all landfills statewide. The study, aimed establishing a baseline composition of the solid waste generated from residential, commercial, institutional and industrial sectors in Mukah Division, indicated diapers made up 13.7 per cent of the 8,825 tonnes of waste dumped at open dumpsites within six months. Plastics made up 9.7 per cent of the total solid waste. Similar patterns are found in Dalat and probably all landfills throughout the state. So, obviously disposable diapers are one of the largest consumer items disposed of at landfills, representing over 50 per cent of non-biodegradable waste. The other items outnumbering diapers and plastics are organic waste and papers. Although it may seem as if an individual child doesn't contribute much to those numbers, babies wearing disposable diapers create tonnes of garbage over the course of two years. Natural Resources and Environment Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Dr James Dawos Mamit said it took hundreds of years for plastics, including disposable diapers, to decompose when exposed to sunlight and air. Since diapers are dumped at landfills, covered and not exposed to sun or air at all, nobody knows how many hundreds – or even thousands – of years they could be around. Dawos said even so-called 'eco-friendly' diapers, labelled as biodegradable, do not biodegrade in landfills, posing as much a problem as plastic bags. Sadly, in the few minutes it takes you to read this article, another few thousand throwaway diapers will have entered landfills in the state where they will sit for at least 300 years before decomposing. A landfill is not a composting facility. Nothing degrades well in a landfill. Because biodegradable diapers are fairly new, no studies have compared their health benefits to non-degradable disposable diapers. But one thing is clear – diapers are joining plastic bags and bottles in invading and shortening the lifespan of landfills. Like a plastic bag, a typical disposable diaper may take hundreds of years to fully decompose – although nobody really knows – since no disposables have been found at a landfill that long. Modern disposable diapers are usually made with an exterior of plastic such as non-woven polypropylene that is waterproof. NREB controller Peter Sawal said like single-use plastic bags and bottles, diapers were also a huge threat to the environment as probably billions of plastic bags and bottles and diapers are used annually. He said plastics, as a whole, would reduce the lifespan of landfills in Sarawak. As indicated in the two NREB studies in Mukah and Dalat, plastics make up about 10 per cent of waste volume in most of the landfills in the state. Peter noted plastic does not readily degrade at a landfill, hence, plastic bags, containers and bottles disposed at the dumpsite might be there for hundreds of years. "Unlike a paper bag that will biodegrade quickly when exposed to the elements, plastics may take hundreds of years to photodegrade. "This will eventually reduce the lifespan of the landfills," he pointed out. In 2011, a total of 46 landfills with a total area of 369.2 hectares, were actively operating in the state, of which only five were sanitary landfills and 41 open landfills. No studies on usage of plastics or volumes of plastics used in everyday life have been carried out in Sarawak so far but considering the current trend of plastics usage in the state, each household might generate about 0.9 to 1kg per day of plastic waste. And these disposable plastic bags and bottles, and diapers may be left to sit inside the landfills for centuries. Peter said the solid waste generated from both residential and commercial establishments would continue to increase correspondingly with increase in the total population, improvement in living standards and changing lifestyles. He said most of the major urban centres in the state produced large quantities of waste, including plastic-based products. Indeed, plastics are all around us – in bottles, wrappings, tables and chairs, cup lids, cars, computers and cell phones – a glaring example of the unavoidable, non-biodegradable reality of modern existence. News of plastics invading the oceans and poisoning our soil naturally horrify us and rightly so. But the sad truth is our consumption of and need for plastics are continually growing – not shrinking. Several countries, regions and cities have enacted legislations to ban or severely reduce the use of disposable plastic shopping bags. Peter said NREB, in collaboration with the local councils, non-government organisations and individuals, had organised several campaigns to create awareness to minimise the use of plastic bags. He added that Miri City Council and Sibu Municipal Council had introduced No Plastic Bag Day on Sundays and Mondays respectively while some supermarkets have implemented such a day once a week to reduce the use of plastic bags but the volume of plastic bags being used was still very big. "The use of plastics is still very significant in the state while only a small percentage of them and other plastic-based products are recycled each year." Peter said plastic was an extremely common component in pollution today, and the same scenario was observed in Sarawak. He pointed out that the results of studies in Mukah and Dalat were comparable with past wastes composition studies carried out in Sarawak as well as other locations in Malaysia. The high percentage of recyclable waste found indicated relatively low level of recycling activities in the areas. "There is a lack of recycling collection systems and active recycling players due to logistic problems and the fact that it is not economically feasible to transport these recyclable materials to processing plants in other major towns like Sibu and Kuching. "Lack of awareness of and participation in 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) is another possible reason for the high percentage of recyclable wastes at landfills," he added. Peter lamented that utilisation of recycling facilities was not feasible in areas far away from recycling centres. Aside from shortening the landfill's lifespan, plastic litter can be deadly to wildlife in many ways. Findings indicate plastic bags and plastic food containers often carry scents that appeal to animals, attracting them to eat the plastic. The plastic becomes permanently lodged in the animals' digestive tracts, blocking the passage of food and leading to death by starvation or infection. Animals also frequently die from entanglement in plastic fishing lines and plastic six-pack holders, and sometimes by getting trapped inside plastic bottles and containers. Improper disposal of plastic is a major contributor to water pollution. It is common to see styrofoam cups, plastic bags and caps from ballpoint pens being swept down urban storm drains into streams, rivers, and ultimately into the oceans. It has been discovered that marine animals are especially prone to eating bits of plastic because they look kike their natural prey or because they are contaminated with food residues. Plastic can block an animal's digestive tract, causing starvation, infection and death, if ingested. From start to finish, plastics release toxins into the environment. Toxic substances are used to make nearly all types of plastic and thus, as a whole, the plastics industry releases toxins into the environment at every stage of plastic production, its use and disposal. When incinerated, plastics release over 90 different chemicals into the atmosphere. When plastics are thrown away as litter or escape from landfills on wind and water, they leach countless chemicals into our soils, streams, rivers, and oceans. Because so many different types of plastic are burnt and degraded everyday and because they release so many different toxic chemicals into our environment, it is impossible to quantify the level of toxicity that plastics pose to life on Earth. For every known biological system, including the nervous system, reproductive system, immune system, hormonal system, and the regulation of cell reproduction and cancer, research has found a variety of plastic component substances to be toxic. Aside from that, plastic bags litter serves as a floating transportation agent that enables alien species to move to new parts of the world, thus threatening biodiversity. |
| How many birds can you see in your garden? Posted: 07 Jun 2014 10:45 AM PDT by Mary Margaret. Posted on June 8, 2014, Sunday A TINY chestnut brown bird flitted across the garden, landing gracefully on the grass. It flew off, into the bushes, after it devoured grass seeds. It was not alone as a flock of gregarious Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) descended upon the garden gleaning seeds and insects. This small discretely coloured bird, a member of the Passiforme family, takes it name from two Latin words. The first, Passer, means sparrow and the second, montanus, means of mountains. Despite its name, it is not a mountainous species. Jannie Tan in her delightful article on Eurasian Tree Sparrows visiting a school, which was published in this column in March, introduced us to this global bird that inhabits Europe, Asia and Africa. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow has successfully colonised (yes, this chirpy bird that cheers our gardens is an invasive species) many places, for example Borneo, and it is believed that it arrived here on a ship. It was the most frequently sighted bird in the 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 My Garden Bird Watch counts and it is also listed as one of the most common species in Singapore. In Asia it is commonly found in urban gardens and green lungs, however, in Europe it inhabits sparsely treed woodlands. It is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List as being of the least concern even though there is no estimate of global populations. But its global nature, range of habitats and success (as in Malaysia) in adapting to urban settings has contributed to this. Raptors and owls prey upon this chirpy brown garden bird. It also succumbs to a number of bacterial and viral infections, plus bird lice infestations contribute to nestling mortality. However, as a species it is a successful adapter and not considered to be endangered. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow is 12.5 to 14 centimetres long and weighs in at about 24 grams. It is unusual as there is no colour differentiation between genders. Male and female birds have chestnut brown heads and bodies. Both have a startling black patch on their white cheeks. This bird, although predominantly a seed-eater, does consume insects and has been used for biological insect control. The insect eating habit is particularly pronounced when supporting its young. It can nest up to three times a year laying mottled brown eggs in messily built cup-shaped nests that can be tucked into crevices on buildings or bushes. Both the male and female birds incubate the eggs but the female takes the night shift. In addition, our gardens shelter many other species of birds; some have been highlighted in this column for example the Oriental Magpie Robin, Pink-Necked Green Pigeon, Asian Glossy Starling, Chestnut Munia and Yellow-Vented Bubul. I am particularly fond of the Brown-Throated and Olive-Backed Sunbirds. I always smile when I see them flitting between flowers feeding on nectar and insects. A more complete list of birds, which we might see and count today can be downloaded from the My Garden Bird Watch website (www.mygardenbirdwatch.com). The My Garden Bird Watch is an annual event organised by the Bird Conservation Group of the Malaysian Nature Society and Bird Life International. In this event, we can participate in citizen science and help record changes in bird populations across Malaysia. Statistical evidence has to be gathered for five to eight years in order to identify trends and answer questions. Are populations changing? Are the species of birds changing? Have some birds adapted to the cities or have some disappeared? These questions and many more can only be answered with raw data and we as citizen scientists have the opportunity to participate in this project this weekend. This is a great opportunity to contribute. Do you have any questions? For example I want to participate, but am I able to, as I do not know much about birds. The answer is yes. The organisers have prepared an identification chart for the most common birds in Malaysia, however, it is important to note that the species may be common in Peninsular Malaysia, but not Sarawak. All we have to do is allocate 30 minutes to observe and count perching birds from either 7am to 11am or 4pm to 6pm today. We need to watch quietly from a single location and hopefully unseen by the feathered visitors to our gardens. We record the birds we see perching in trees or on the ground on the observation form that can be downloaded from the My Garden Bird Watch website. The data and our personal details must be uploaded before June 22 (the forum is open from June 7-22) to be included in the survey. If we do, then the birds that we see will become part of the database. The health of the bird populations in the cities across Malaysia and the world depend on the availability of food, nesting sites and shelter from the weather and predators. We can 'call' the birds by providing food (flowers, seeds and insects), protection from the weather and predators (bushy trees), and nesting sites. The Eurasian Tree Sparrows were in the garden as they were looking for food, plus there are lots of bushy hibiscus shrubs that can provide shelter and nesting sites. To find out more about the Eurasian Tree Sparrow or other Bornean birds read 'Phillipps' Field Guide to the Birds of Borneo' by Quentin Phillipps and Karen Phillipps. For more information on joining My Garden Bird Watch go to www.mygardenbirdwatch.com, or you can go to the Malaysian Nature Society website at www.mns.my. Join My Garden Bird Watch today and the citizen science bird-watching community. Happy bird-watching. Malaysian Nature Society Established in 1940, the Malaysian Nature Society is the oldest scientific and non-governmental organisation in Malaysia. Our mission is to promote the study, appreciation conservation and protection of Malaysia's nature heritage. Our 5,000-strong membership, spread across 12 branches nationwide, come from all walks of life, bound by a comment interest in nature. For further information on membership or our activities in Kuching contact us at mnskuchinggmail.com. For information on our activities in Miri contact Musa Musbah (sammua@yahoo.com). You can also visit www.mns.org.my, http://mnskuching@blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/mnskb. |
| Kids Speak programme — Where kids speak up Posted: 07 Jun 2014 10:43 AM PDT
As a member of the Toastmasters Organisation, such events are commonplace for me. But what piqued my curiosity was this event – or a showcase, as they called it — was for children. True enough, when I got there, there were more than 20 children humming with excitement and 100 parents in the audience, waiting in anticipation to witness their children's first public speaking event. I talked to Joanne, a 12-year-old girl, and asked how she felt. "Nervous!" was her reply. Then her name was called and she went up to speak. Within minutes, her speech was over and an appreciative applause resounded through the hall as she resumed her seat. All in all, 22 children presented individual prepared speeches while the group presentations consisted of choral speaking and story telling. The event was organised by Kids Speak, a new programme in town. Public speaking takes on many forms. In Kids Speak, the children are guided in preparing speeches to inform, impromptu speeches, story telling and choral speaking. After the show I had a chance to catch up with Rebecca Chieng, the co-ordinator of the Kids Speak programme.
Dunstan Chan (DC): Congratulations, I'm most impressed with the performance of the children. Rebecca Chieng (RC): You should have seen most of them when they first started. Some were practically frozen, their arms were either pinned to their sides or their fingers were constantly fidgeting with their shirts when they were called up to speak. They have worked hard to get to where they are today. DC: I understand you also learned public speaking the hard way – through constant practice. RC: Yes, I strongly believe it is a skill that can be learned. Public speaking didn't come naturally to me. A few years ago, I joined the Toastmasters International, a non-profit educational organisation that operates clubs worldwide for the purpose of helping members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. I followed their programme keenly and in 2013 managed to win a place at semi- finals of the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, Ohio, USA. It was a contest which started with 40,000 contestants and the numbers were eventually whittled down to 90. For someone who hailed from Kapit, which some may consider as a little back-water town of Sarawak and where English is hardly the lingua franca, I am rather pleased with my achievement. All I want to do now is give children a head start in developing their confidence and skills.
DC: How does Kids Speak benefit the children? RC: Kids Speak gives children an avenue to find a voice of their own and to speak up.Ultimately, the aim is to build the child's self-confidence through developing effective public speaking and communication skills. Very often, we have read and come across graduates who may excel academically but are crippled when it comes to conducting a conversation and presenting themselves confidently. As a Toastmaster, I have often met parents who drag their teenagers to our training meetings saying my daughter is going to university in two months, I want her to learn public speaking. While it is never too late to learn, why not give our children an early foundation in developing these skills?" DC: How is the programme conducted? RC: The programme is currently for children aged 7 to 12 years old and classes are held at Eco Lodge Care Centre @ Taman Centurion, Jalan Stutong, once a week. It is conducted in small groups of 10 children or fewer. This enables the facilitator to give the children personalised attention as well as plenty of opportunity for the children to speak. It also allows the children to build rapport with their classmates which makes it easier for them to overcome stage fright and anxiety. DC: How do you keep the parents updated on the children's progress? RC: Parents will get regular updates on their children's progress through constant communication – either through email or on a face to face basis, quarterly video documentation as well as showcases where the children will speak in front of them. DC: And how are the children responding to it so far? RC: Well, the children are enjoying it! The activities are designed to make the speaking experience fun. Children, and even adults for that matter, learn best in moments of enjoyment. Once their creativity is given free rein, it is amazing what the children can come up with, the stories they can create and the opinions they give when they know they are not being judged or graded. In Kids Speak, the children are guided in preparing speeches to inform, impromptu speeches, story telling and choral speaking. I take into consideration the children's individual capability; personality and readiness while I assist them in their presentation skills e.g. appropriate body language and vocal variety. The programme coordinator of Kids Speak can be contacted via phone at 016-8780221 or email <becky78@gmail.com>.For more details of their activities check out https://www.facebook.com/wherekidsspeakup. |
| You are subscribed to email updates from BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News » thesundaypost To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |