24th-27th October 2023
By ~ Rajani Vidyasagar

Wellness at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil, Ladang Bukit Jalil on the 24th-27th October 2023

A project at Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Ladang Bukit Jalil had been in the pipeline for nearly 3 years. Then covid struck and everything was put on hold. ‘With Shine a light’ being the theme for the term 2023 – 2024, the club decided to approach the school again and moot the idea of a Wellness Week for the students. Several children at this particular school come from economically challenged families and a break in the school routine with some fun activities was a welcome change. But the activities designed by IWCSS over the 4 days had the well-being of the students in mind. Kindness and Happiness, two important aspects of emotional well-being took centre stage in the planning. A beautifully designed Kindness tree was placed on the wall on the stage in the school, and the students were encouraged to write kind and affirming messages to anyone they thought deserved it. By the end of the week, the bare tree branches were covered with colourful leaves filled with kind messages and looked stunning. The launch of the Wellness week saw children all excited and happy jiving to Indian music. Apples were given out for them to snack on their way home.

Day 2 kick started with members blowing over hundred balloons for a game in the sun. A healthy dose of Vitamin D was certain on that day. It looked like everything was under control with the children paying close attention to instructions given. But once they got on the field, pandemonium broke out and club members watched as the kids ran all over the field doing what they liked, breaking every rule. Laughing was all that the teachers and members could do. Hot and chaotic it was, but the happy look on the children’s faces was what was important. They still got prizes and yummy snacks and went home with a smile on their faces.

Day 3 was a day for Zumba. The coach was relaxed and led them through some great moves to music which the kids enjoyed tremendously. Movement, laughter and cheeriness was the highlight of the day.

The final day was all about ‘happiness.’ Starting with a hearty laugh and grinning from ear to ear, the kids got their endorphins going. Games like Chinese whispers had them in full focus followed by an exercise routine to music. The day ended with a sumptuous lunch of nasi lemak, chicken and kesari. Four days filled with laughter, movement, kindness and a break from routine. These kids deserve the best and the club wants to wish them all the happiness and a good life. With the week completed, members fatigued, and everyone looked forward to a day of rest on Saturday. The two wellness objectives were realized and only made possible with the full support of the Headmaster and his team at SJKT Ladang Bukit Jalil. A big shout out to them.