Once again, the Psychology students have fulfilled their commitment in reaching out to the community through volunteer work at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH). With the help of the Achievers group, a senior volunteer organization in IMH, they were able to take part in feeding and making the ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ at the long stay ward, happy.

A brief orientation was given to them by the Achievers group. Its purpose was to remind the volunteers on proper decorum inside the ward. The students were actually very excited to meet their new friends.

Inside the ward, all volunteers organized games to entertain their ‘special friends’. Most of the ‘uncles’ are very cooperative, that when they were asked to render a song, they complied. Some danced and were given a prize. The student volunteers were indeed encouraged to entertain them more. They went around and looked for some shy ones to talk to, and even played mahjong with them. One way to show one’s commitment is when one makes oneself available, not once, but for the subsequent times.

The students observed that the ‘aunties’ are happier than their counterparts. These made the students feel more comfortable toward them. And just like their first visit, they entertained their new special friends.

At the end of the day, the students surely felt the joy of giving. The activity benefited not only the recipients but also the student volunteers. The Achievers group was indeed very grateful for the assistance of our students during these visits…and their commitment will not stop there.

(Due to the confidentiality policy of the profiles of the institution, the patients’ photos were not taken to protect their identity)