Recently for TFC we have been talking about how to spread awareness on this serious issue, across the island (engaged in issues of global importance), and we agreed on starting in local schools, both national and international, as we thought young adults was an appropriate place to start, especially since they are the future of our world, yet we are still deciding on a fixed age group to discuss this issue (consideration of ethical implications).
To aid of mission of spreading awareness, we developed a video, where our members and I discussed about the issues of child sex tourism, how everyone is effected by it, what happens to the children, and the significant facts, both on a international and national scale, to help people understand the country we live in. We plan to present this video to certain schools in Colombo (or even outside Colombo),to help our audience get a clear vision on our group (our aims and goals), and understand more about the frightening issue itself.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Football
For the last few weeks for football, we have been focusing mainly on our in-game skills, and how to apply them into an actual game, as we've realized our match skills require a lot more improvement, (increased awareness for my own strength and ares for growth), therefore we have played a lot of skirmishes for the last few weeks (planned and initiated activities).
There is definitely more improvement in each of us, therefore the skirmishes are becoming more and more physically challenging, for everyone, especially since more of my peers joined the activity, yet I continue to try my best and not let my team down, and encourage my teammates, especially those who are younger than me or are having a tougher time, even if we are losing (showing perseverance and commitment in my activities) (worked collaboratively with others).
During the training sessions (trying to improve our in-game skills) (developing new skills) and a skirmish afterwards to try and apply learnt skills into an actual match.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Art First Few Pieces
For the last few weeks of art, I have worked tirelessly on two pieces of art. It took longer than I had thought it would have, mainly because it had been a long time since my last piece, and I was a bit nervous starting art again, due to the break I had taken from art, yet I continued with my art (showed perseverance and commitment in the activities).
My skills were a bit shaky, and I had to start over countless times, but overtime I started to regain my skills, and soon I was learning new skills to incorporate in my artwork, and slowly started developing these new skills. Especially in my second piece (the strawberries), I learned to transform, something more realistic; such as strawberries, into something more cartooony; which is a transformation skill which I hope to develop throughout the course of my artwork (undertaking new challenges). Rather than merely coping a piece of work, like the first piece, which was merely to regain my skills back.
When trying out this new technique with the strawberries in water colours, I encountered some problems, especially since it's hard to achieve a thick consistency with water colours, the cartoony effect required a lot of concentration, focus, and time to get it right, at sometimes I messed up, but I believe through more practice with this new style, I will be able to perfect this as my own style, and achieve in significant less amount of time. Also another problem with the cartoony effect, is due to the thick water colour consistency it mixes with any not dried water colours (since this paint is mixed with a lot of water), and messes the strawberries up. Therefore I have to wait till all my water colour paints are dried, until I can apply the thick consistency, which is really time-consuming, but hopefully overtime I can improve this style (considering the ethical implications of my actions).
The first piece (the grapefruit), was done also in watercolours and pencil colours, as my supervisor suggested, so I could regain my skills back (since my most comfortable media is pencil crayons), and prepare for the actual work to develop my own style (the strawberries), so I would be more comfortable with starting my own new style.
My first piece of artwork, done in watercolours and pencil colours
The original piece of the grapefruit piece (above)
My strawberry piece, with my first attempt at the cartoony effect
The original piece for my strawberries photgraphed by my supervisor
My skills were a bit shaky, and I had to start over countless times, but overtime I started to regain my skills, and soon I was learning new skills to incorporate in my artwork, and slowly started developing these new skills. Especially in my second piece (the strawberries), I learned to transform, something more realistic; such as strawberries, into something more cartooony; which is a transformation skill which I hope to develop throughout the course of my artwork (undertaking new challenges). Rather than merely coping a piece of work, like the first piece, which was merely to regain my skills back.
When trying out this new technique with the strawberries in water colours, I encountered some problems, especially since it's hard to achieve a thick consistency with water colours, the cartoony effect required a lot of concentration, focus, and time to get it right, at sometimes I messed up, but I believe through more practice with this new style, I will be able to perfect this as my own style, and achieve in significant less amount of time. Also another problem with the cartoony effect, is due to the thick water colour consistency it mixes with any not dried water colours (since this paint is mixed with a lot of water), and messes the strawberries up. Therefore I have to wait till all my water colour paints are dried, until I can apply the thick consistency, which is really time-consuming, but hopefully overtime I can improve this style (considering the ethical implications of my actions).
The first piece (the grapefruit), was done also in watercolours and pencil colours, as my supervisor suggested, so I could regain my skills back (since my most comfortable media is pencil crayons), and prepare for the actual work to develop my own style (the strawberries), so I would be more comfortable with starting my own new style.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
TFC (The Forgotten Children) Movie Night
On the week before Halloween (the 24th of October), my service and I started our first planned and initiated activities to raise money to reach our current semester goal; to raise awareness of the global issue and the organization (engaged in issues of global importance).
We decided to have a movie night for the junior school kids (as I stated in one my earlier posts). Firstly we had to choose the movie, and in order to achieve that we sent out slips in prior of the movie night for a vote on the movie, and Brave ended winning. A few days later we had created our permission forms for the kids, and asking for an entrance fee of Rs. 300. However there were some complaints from the parents, as since our service is based on "child sex tourism," some parents thought we were talking and explaining about the particularly sensitive topic, but no such thing was going to happen or happened as our service realizes that the topic is a bit inappropriate and have aimed discussions on this topic for senior grades.
Although we faced an obstacle and had to think about the ethical implications of our actions we continued with the movie night. At the event 30-40 kids had showed up, which more than we expecting, especially with the complaints we had received. Also the movie night was much harder than we had thought, as I think most of us had forgotten the fact we were dealing with younger kids, so we were quite unprepared as controlling and being responsible for 30-40 kids was a lot tougher than we thought.
In the end it was a great experience/movie night for the us and the kids. Also in total we had raised Rs. 23,000, which was more than enough to get started on our goal for the semester; to raise awareness of the issue, and to purchase supplies for when we meet some of the kids we work to help.
To raise awareness, besides the representatives across Colombo, we decided to create a video we could publish, so it would be easier for us and the representatives to achieve a way of introducing the organizations and its objectives to the public.
Me selling food and drinks at the movie night
The kids
The goodies at the bake sale
Me
Us at the movie night
We decided to have a movie night for the junior school kids (as I stated in one my earlier posts). Firstly we had to choose the movie, and in order to achieve that we sent out slips in prior of the movie night for a vote on the movie, and Brave ended winning. A few days later we had created our permission forms for the kids, and asking for an entrance fee of Rs. 300. However there were some complaints from the parents, as since our service is based on "child sex tourism," some parents thought we were talking and explaining about the particularly sensitive topic, but no such thing was going to happen or happened as our service realizes that the topic is a bit inappropriate and have aimed discussions on this topic for senior grades.
Although we faced an obstacle and had to think about the ethical implications of our actions we continued with the movie night. At the event 30-40 kids had showed up, which more than we expecting, especially with the complaints we had received. Also the movie night was much harder than we had thought, as I think most of us had forgotten the fact we were dealing with younger kids, so we were quite unprepared as controlling and being responsible for 30-40 kids was a lot tougher than we thought.
In the end it was a great experience/movie night for the us and the kids. Also in total we had raised Rs. 23,000, which was more than enough to get started on our goal for the semester; to raise awareness of the issue, and to purchase supplies for when we meet some of the kids we work to help.
To raise awareness, besides the representatives across Colombo, we decided to create a video we could publish, so it would be easier for us and the representatives to achieve a way of introducing the organizations and its objectives to the public.
Us at the movie night
Sunday, November 3, 2013
First Week of Football
On the last week of October was the first week of football for me. Personally it was a new experience for me as it was kids younger than me, as usually I take part in planned and initiated activities with peers or kids older than me, where I could learn from them, but now I have to teach to others and undertake new challenges (developing new leadership skills). For warm up we had to partner up with each other and practice on our passes (work collaboratively with others), and I partnered up with a colleague younger than me named Virat. I helped him practice his passes and teach him the right method for passes and improve his skills. We worked very collaboratively with each other, and improved each others skills in different ways, and not only that, towards the end I had made a new friend!
Me and Virat practicing passes during warm-up
Towards the end we played a skirmish, which gave me a opportunity to really increase my awareness on my own strengths and areas for growth, such as I realized that throughout the game, my aim when taking shots at goal, as most often I missed the goal by shooting too high. Also it gave me a chance to get to know every bodies strengths and weaknesses so I can help them improve on their football skills by working collaboratively with others. It also gave me a chance to show my perseverance and commitment to the activity, as no matter how many times we missed or lost possession of the ball, me and my team never gave up and kept trying and that way we managed to end the game in a tie!
Me and Virat practicing passes during warm-up
Towards the end we played a skirmish, which gave me a opportunity to really increase my awareness on my own strengths and areas for growth, such as I realized that throughout the game, my aim when taking shots at goal, as most often I missed the goal by shooting too high. Also it gave me a chance to get to know every bodies strengths and weaknesses so I can help them improve on their football skills by working collaboratively with others. It also gave me a chance to show my perseverance and commitment to the activity, as no matter how many times we missed or lost possession of the ball, me and my team never gave up and kept trying and that way we managed to end the game in a tie!
Friday, November 1, 2013
Swimming
This week for swimming, I attended the Austisa Sports Club for practices on Monday and Friday from 6:00 to 8:30 (pm).
For this week me and my coach (Mr. Perera) mainly focused on improving my 25m sprints, most importantly on my freestyle and breaststroke. In the start of the training session, we first started stretching. I lead the stretch session (developing leadership skills), it was my first time leading activities in swimming, so I was a bit nervous, yet excited, as I had to lead a big group of people. It was tougher than I thought, it was hard to keep everyone on track with me, most people got confused as to which stretch we were doing. Overall, it was a new experience for me.
When we got to the swimming we carried off planned and initiated activities, we started off by a 1000m freestyle swim, which was tough, as I've only done swimming this long a couple times before, so I was still developing my endurance in swimming (developing new skills), and since it was still a relatively new experience I was undertaking new challenges, which were out of comfort zone. This will help improve my skills in swimming, and in day to day life, as I will be more comfortable and enthusiastic to take on new challenges in life.
Later we moved on to 50m freestyle and 2nd stroke kicks. It was particularly difficult, especially for me as my kick for freestyle is very weak and my endurance in swimming is even weaker, but it was a good opportunity for me to improve my kick, for both my freestyle and breaststroke (which I am more comfortable with).
During the last half an hour of swimming, I suggested we carried out some 25m sprints, just to check our overall improvement at the end of the activities (planning and initiating activities). We did three 25m sprints; two freestyle, and one second stroke (any stroke besides freestyle). For the freestyle sprints; I achieved a timing of 14.95 seconds, for the first one and 16.23seconds for the second time. The 14.95 seconds timing was quite an improvement for, from my usual 15 seconds for freestyle, especially since freestyle is not my strongest stroke For the second stroke (I did breaststroke), I achieved a timing of 20. 4 seconds, which wasn't an improvement, but still a decent timing. Although I was not developing skills, I was developing existing skills, which I believe is also very important, not only in sports and activities, but in life too.
For this week me and my coach (Mr. Perera) mainly focused on improving my 25m sprints, most importantly on my freestyle and breaststroke. In the start of the training session, we first started stretching. I lead the stretch session (developing leadership skills), it was my first time leading activities in swimming, so I was a bit nervous, yet excited, as I had to lead a big group of people. It was tougher than I thought, it was hard to keep everyone on track with me, most people got confused as to which stretch we were doing. Overall, it was a new experience for me.
When we got to the swimming we carried off planned and initiated activities, we started off by a 1000m freestyle swim, which was tough, as I've only done swimming this long a couple times before, so I was still developing my endurance in swimming (developing new skills), and since it was still a relatively new experience I was undertaking new challenges, which were out of comfort zone. This will help improve my skills in swimming, and in day to day life, as I will be more comfortable and enthusiastic to take on new challenges in life.
Later we moved on to 50m freestyle and 2nd stroke kicks. It was particularly difficult, especially for me as my kick for freestyle is very weak and my endurance in swimming is even weaker, but it was a good opportunity for me to improve my kick, for both my freestyle and breaststroke (which I am more comfortable with).
During the last half an hour of swimming, I suggested we carried out some 25m sprints, just to check our overall improvement at the end of the activities (planning and initiating activities). We did three 25m sprints; two freestyle, and one second stroke (any stroke besides freestyle). For the freestyle sprints; I achieved a timing of 14.95 seconds, for the first one and 16.23seconds for the second time. The 14.95 seconds timing was quite an improvement for, from my usual 15 seconds for freestyle, especially since freestyle is not my strongest stroke For the second stroke (I did breaststroke), I achieved a timing of 20. 4 seconds, which wasn't an improvement, but still a decent timing. Although I was not developing skills, I was developing existing skills, which I believe is also very important, not only in sports and activities, but in life too.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The Forgotten Children
The Forgotten Children is a program that aid and help children across the country who have been raped and used as sex slaves. Our eventual target it is to build a rehabilitation center for the forgotten children, so they can move past on their brutal stage of their life.
This week for service we discussed ideas for fundraiser, as we came to notice we didn't possess the required materials to plan and initiate activities with the forgotten children and materials for their day to day school life. As our main objective is to help those in need (the forgotten children), we realized it will be difficult for us to aid them with their problems, without their trust and personal bond with us, as they have been scarred in inhuman manners. They will still tremble in fear even in front of their own family, therefore we believe with the use of the use of the materials we can gain their trust slowly and create a personal bond. Equipment such as: writing books, basic stationery (pencils, pens, erasers, etc.), colour pencils, paints, etc. This way, with the aid of the fundraiser, we will able to produce enough money to purchase the minimum or, even better, above the required materials.
For the fundraiser, we had came up with a couple of ideas (worked collaboratively with others), which we believed would be helpful to start us off with our mission. We particularly aimed our fundraisers at the primary students, as this was a better potential market.
Another main goal for our service, is to raise awareness on the brutal topic, as this way we can, not only stop such activities across the island, but also ensure that it will be less likely to rise and occur again anywhere across the island. This way, not only we, but others across the island are engaged in issues of global importance. Since it would be tiring and time-consuming to travel across the country to the majority of the island to spread awareness, we agreed it would be easier for us and the schools, to have a "forgotten children representative" in each school we've targeted.
The representative's duty is basically to raise and awareness on the subject throughout their school or even other schools in the nearby region. He might even have to take action and organize events based on and to aid the forgotten children, but our group have not decided to give them such a big responsibility so soon, we might give or not give this immense responsibility depending on the success of the "representative" and how willing they are. The "representative" will constantly be in contact with us, informing us about their actions and initiation on the program, and this way we will be able to give them certain tasks if necessary. If the "representative" doesn't meet their job's requirements and does not carry out their duties, we will ask the school to change the representative.
At the moment we produced and developed a letter to send to various school's principals across the country, informing them on the topic of the "representative," asking whether they are willing to take part in the program of the forgotten children, the minimum requirements for the "representative," and asking to initiate the program upon their school, if agreed upon.
This week for service we discussed ideas for fundraiser, as we came to notice we didn't possess the required materials to plan and initiate activities with the forgotten children and materials for their day to day school life. As our main objective is to help those in need (the forgotten children), we realized it will be difficult for us to aid them with their problems, without their trust and personal bond with us, as they have been scarred in inhuman manners. They will still tremble in fear even in front of their own family, therefore we believe with the use of the use of the materials we can gain their trust slowly and create a personal bond. Equipment such as: writing books, basic stationery (pencils, pens, erasers, etc.), colour pencils, paints, etc. This way, with the aid of the fundraiser, we will able to produce enough money to purchase the minimum or, even better, above the required materials.
For the fundraiser, we had came up with a couple of ideas (worked collaboratively with others), which we believed would be helpful to start us off with our mission. We particularly aimed our fundraisers at the primary students, as this was a better potential market.
- A movie night. According to other members in the service, they had done this last year, and it was a good turnout. They also had raised enough and more money for their goal. We thought, based on these facts, we would definitely be able to achieve our target money goal. Also with a bake sale within the movie night, we thought it would ensure us the budget, even if the turnout was not as expected.
- A small beauty pageant. A fashion show kind of event, but only less serious. This way we thought it would appropriate for the primary school, and it gives a chance for students and parents to enjoy themselves within their age-able events. Also due to the young kids taking part in the show, we believed the turnout might be better than if it was held for the seniors.
Another main goal for our service, is to raise awareness on the brutal topic, as this way we can, not only stop such activities across the island, but also ensure that it will be less likely to rise and occur again anywhere across the island. This way, not only we, but others across the island are engaged in issues of global importance. Since it would be tiring and time-consuming to travel across the country to the majority of the island to spread awareness, we agreed it would be easier for us and the schools, to have a "forgotten children representative" in each school we've targeted.
The representative's duty is basically to raise and awareness on the subject throughout their school or even other schools in the nearby region. He might even have to take action and organize events based on and to aid the forgotten children, but our group have not decided to give them such a big responsibility so soon, we might give or not give this immense responsibility depending on the success of the "representative" and how willing they are. The "representative" will constantly be in contact with us, informing us about their actions and initiation on the program, and this way we will be able to give them certain tasks if necessary. If the "representative" doesn't meet their job's requirements and does not carry out their duties, we will ask the school to change the representative.
At the moment we produced and developed a letter to send to various school's principals across the country, informing them on the topic of the "representative," asking whether they are willing to take part in the program of the forgotten children, the minimum requirements for the "representative," and asking to initiate the program upon their school, if agreed upon.
Monday, September 30, 2013
IB Orientation Trip
About three weeks age, my class and I went to Borderlands (Kithugala) for IB Orientation. The trip lasted three days long, and throughout the trip CAS was a continuous and necessary involvement.
Creativity continuously appeared throughout the trip no matter the activity, such as in the cave, we were given a TOK activity where we partnered up and had to describe a picture to our partner, who was blindfolded, without their most used sense, sight. In this manner we had to find imaginative, but productive ways in order to create a successful drawing. For example: a cylinder of a certain shape and size would be difficult to describe through measurements, so we had to describe it by using object we see and use daily, such as a tuna can for the cylinder. Through this we had to work collaboratively with each other for us to succeed in the activity. Even in activity such as canyoning, instead of just jumping the canyon for the experience, we took a creative approach and took risks, by doing flips and twists for the jumps, undertaking new challenges and overcoming common fears in life. Creating, not just an experience in life, but a memorable one. Even at camp, in the "Longhouse" we were constantly coming with new ideas for conversations and games; such as new card games, to keep ourselves entertained.
Action was a major part of the trip, as every activity we took part in; canyoning, rafting, abseiling, etc. each contributed to action. Most of us were new to the activities and had fears to build a strong barrier between us and the activity, but everyone overcame their fear, broke their barrier and undertook new challenges. Even if they couldn't by themselves, their friends and classmates helped out, collaborated with each other, encouraged them, and aided them push themselves out of their comfort zone. But with shown perseverance and commitment by everybody taking part, everyone was able to enjoy themselves, have fun, and develop new skills, not only for the activity, but for life.
Service was an immense part of the trip, but was still connected. On the last and second last day we were put into groups and asked to create questions for local workers; such as tea pickers, principals, justice of peace, etc. We had to communicate with each other, listen to everyone's ideas, plan and collaborate with each other, in order to make the activity successful. After planning the questions and activities, we initiated the activity. At first everyone was confused by how this was service, but through time and in the interviews we slowly began to realize that we helping these people by showing interest in their job, letting them share their pride in their work, their experiences, their life. Helping them realize their value in life, how well they've done, and helping them bring joy into their life. It helped me realize that you don't need money, or a good home for joy, but confidence in yourself and in your life.
The pictures below show various activities done throughout the trip.
Rafting down the Kelani River
Creativity continuously appeared throughout the trip no matter the activity, such as in the cave, we were given a TOK activity where we partnered up and had to describe a picture to our partner, who was blindfolded, without their most used sense, sight. In this manner we had to find imaginative, but productive ways in order to create a successful drawing. For example: a cylinder of a certain shape and size would be difficult to describe through measurements, so we had to describe it by using object we see and use daily, such as a tuna can for the cylinder. Through this we had to work collaboratively with each other for us to succeed in the activity. Even in activity such as canyoning, instead of just jumping the canyon for the experience, we took a creative approach and took risks, by doing flips and twists for the jumps, undertaking new challenges and overcoming common fears in life. Creating, not just an experience in life, but a memorable one. Even at camp, in the "Longhouse" we were constantly coming with new ideas for conversations and games; such as new card games, to keep ourselves entertained.
Action was a major part of the trip, as every activity we took part in; canyoning, rafting, abseiling, etc. each contributed to action. Most of us were new to the activities and had fears to build a strong barrier between us and the activity, but everyone overcame their fear, broke their barrier and undertook new challenges. Even if they couldn't by themselves, their friends and classmates helped out, collaborated with each other, encouraged them, and aided them push themselves out of their comfort zone. But with shown perseverance and commitment by everybody taking part, everyone was able to enjoy themselves, have fun, and develop new skills, not only for the activity, but for life.
Service was an immense part of the trip, but was still connected. On the last and second last day we were put into groups and asked to create questions for local workers; such as tea pickers, principals, justice of peace, etc. We had to communicate with each other, listen to everyone's ideas, plan and collaborate with each other, in order to make the activity successful. After planning the questions and activities, we initiated the activity. At first everyone was confused by how this was service, but through time and in the interviews we slowly began to realize that we helping these people by showing interest in their job, letting them share their pride in their work, their experiences, their life. Helping them realize their value in life, how well they've done, and helping them bring joy into their life. It helped me realize that you don't need money, or a good home for joy, but confidence in yourself and in your life.
The pictures below show various activities done throughout the trip.
Us doing canyoning, taking risks, and overcoming fears
Us doing abseiling, personally one of the most scariest activities for me, but everyone cooperated and encouraged each other, and finished the activity
Rafting down the Kelani River
CAS Goals
Creativity: Every week, I will draw up a sketch or a full final piece of artwork, created, purely by me. As I believe this way I will, not only greatly improve on my art skills, but open up my imagination to a world of creativity and knowing. It will also help me look at each situation, problem, artwork, and the world around us differently and more creatively to receive an optimal understanding of the world surrounding us.
Action: Every week, I will attend swimming practices (outside of school) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, each day for 2 hours. To help contribute to my healthy lifestyle and body. Also to help me push me out of my comfort zone, and undertake new challenges and experiences, not only in swimming training, but in life too.
Service: Every week, on Thursday and other extra meetings, I will attend "The Forgotten Children," where I will help those children who have been scarred or suffered in life, overcome their fear and help them realize their value in life. This will engage me more with issues of global importance and concerned of uprising issues worldwide such as "The Forgotten Children", and gain the confidence necessary to strive and help resolve the issues for those who are less fortunate than us. Also I have to work collaboratively with others; such as the member of the service and the children them selves, in order to make a difference and make the service a success.
Action: Every week, I will attend swimming practices (outside of school) on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, each day for 2 hours. To help contribute to my healthy lifestyle and body. Also to help me push me out of my comfort zone, and undertake new challenges and experiences, not only in swimming training, but in life too.
Service: Every week, on Thursday and other extra meetings, I will attend "The Forgotten Children," where I will help those children who have been scarred or suffered in life, overcome their fear and help them realize their value in life. This will engage me more with issues of global importance and concerned of uprising issues worldwide such as "The Forgotten Children", and gain the confidence necessary to strive and help resolve the issues for those who are less fortunate than us. Also I have to work collaboratively with others; such as the member of the service and the children them selves, in order to make a difference and make the service a success.
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