BIANNUAL SIXTH FORM LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP

THEME : A UNITED WORLD AT PEACE THROUGH EDUCATION

On the 26^th February 2016, a Friday afternoon,23 Sixth Form students and three teachers embarked on a 3-day and 2- night Leadership Training Camp in the Cameron Highlands. We departed at 2 o’clock in the afternoon to Tanah Rata by bus.. 

On the way, we dropped by Tanah Rata Road to visit the Orang Asli Settlement to carry out some Community Service. The Orang Asli welcomed us with open hands.We brought along some assorted biscuits, several packets of rice and other daily needs for them.  We had a great and amazing time with them. We interacted with the folks and played games as well. The Chairman of the Sixth Form, Kenneth Tan Tze Kent, gave the villagers an adequate sum of money which we had collected from the Cohort 13 students.

“We do not believe in spoiling the Orang Asli,” explained Kenneth. “This money is donated to fund the pre-school centre in their village. It is an investment in education.”

After that, we continued on with our journey to Tanah Rata. Upon reaching our hostel, the Barre IJ Centre, we we were given a briefing on the the itinerary and also on suitable attire to be worn when the activities were carried out. After a satisfying buffet dinner, it was time to carry out our first activity listed on the itinerary. There were ice- breaking games and a workshop based on our school’s vision “ A United World At Peace - through Education”. Students were divided into groups. We discussed and shared episodes in our lives which promoted peace. 

Later, we had a barbeque supper at the

gazebo. We were all given an opportunity to interact among ourselves. It was a cold night -  at 15 degree Celcius. However, we managed to warm ourselves when we all sat by the barbeque stove, dancing and singing to cheer the night.

          On the following morning, we had our breakfast at the hostel. We were ushered into the main hall for our next session, entitled “The UN Declaration On Human Rights”. Mr Louis, our trainer, showed us some motivational videos of female activist, Malala Yousofzai, and a Malaysian lawyer, Ambiga, who are fighting for human rights in the world. The purpose of this activity was to educate us on the rights that every human being on this planet is entitled to. We replenished our energy with a quick lunch before the next session started. We were divided into groups again, three by thre

e, to carry out activities based on peace. Each group prepared a presentation on an influential person in the world who campaigned for peace. The posters on our work have been e brought back to the school and are currently on display on the bulletin board in Cohort 13 classroom.

After the session  ended, we had our tea break slightly earlier as the visit to the tea plantation had been postponed  due to the holding of the Tour de Langkawi cycling marathon in Tanah Rata . We walked to Starbucks which was just a stone’s throw away from our hostel. When night came, we had another session on “ Satu Malaysia”. Our trainer, Mr Louis instructed us to do a forum presentation on the ways to overcome polarisation in our country, Malaysia. We all did a great job, emphasizing the positive factors that can unite young Malaysians.

After that session we went for a warm and hearty steamboat dinner in Brinchang. The food was delicious. Later on, we shopped in a popular “pasar malam” in town. The goods were sold at a reasonable and affordable price. There were a variety of snacks such as roasted corn, strawberries and not forgetting fried food.

On our final morning, we had an early breakfast and gathered for our next challenge - hiking up Gunung Jasa. The trail to the mountain is rather close to our hostel, behind the Oly Apartments. Standing tall and mighty at up to 6666ft., the mountain has a very steep uphill track. It was difficult, but not entirely impossible because the students were willing to support and help each other out.

At long last, everyone including Miss Mangales made it up to the top of the hill. The long and exhausting hike was deemed worthwhile when we beheld the panoramaic scenery from the top of the mountain. The scenery was breathtaking and it was really cold and windy up there. The two-hour journey and our hard work had paid off. Our tour guide told us some interesting facts on the flora and fauna along the way to the top.

  

We went back to the hostel and packed our luggage for our journey back to Ipoh. On the way back to Ipoh, we managed to visit the BOH Tea Plantation. Miss Mangales led us to the factory and explained the entire process of packaging the tea leaves in detail while we studied the machines and tools used by the farmers and factory workers. We had our tea break in a cafe at the plantation and took many pictures to cherish the final moments of the amazing trip.

All in all, it was an enjoyable and educational trip which promoted the importance of teamwork, as well as helped us develop our inner strength and confidence. We were also able deepen the bonds of friendship with all our friends and loving teachers.

Written &  designed by:Tan Ee Wei & Tharani (Coho