When the dynamic forces of SUSS’ Community Service-Learning (CSL) projects, WILDSMarines and The More We Get Together (TMWGT), converged to do good for seniors, the natural best outcome was: a series of nature walk adventure for the elderly!
Blending their knowledge of nature and connections with eldercare services, both teams launched this series of outings for seniors from the Care Corner Active Ageing Centres (AAC) in Woodlands and Marsiling under their inaugural "Let’s Go Jalan-Jalan" initiative which fosters intergenerational bonds through visits to Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (SBWR), Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. (Jalan-Jalan is a Malay phrase which means “let’s go take a walk together”.)
Seniors enjoying the sharing session and listening intently to the sharing by NParks staff at the Visitor Centre gallery.
During the guided nature tours led by the SUSS students, the seniors were encouraged to keep an eye out for certain animals, structures and plants. Through exciting activities such as a photo bingo game designed by the students, the seniors not only explored the rare and beautiful sights of SBWR, but also learnt about the unique animals and plants that call the wetland reserve home.
Seniors with two WILDSMarines facilitators, Matthew Ong, SUSS Year 2 Public Safety & Security student, and Aloysius Soh, SUSS Year 2 Business Analytics student, at the scenic Eagle Point.
Additionally, the seniors took part in interactive games that put their knowledge and skills to the test! These included jigsaw puzzles and guessing games where participants identified animals based on their sounds.
A group of seniors trying to solve the custom-made jigsaw puzzles with a variety of methods.
To end the day, the seniors were brought to indoor galleries such as Api Api lab and the Mangrove Gallery to explore and learn more about Sungei Buloh’s rich biodiversity. Finally, to top it off, the group even got to visit the special exhibition commemorating SBWR’s 30th Anniversary.
From the peals of laughter to broad smiles seen through the visits, “Let’s Go Jalan Jalan” proved to be a hit with the seniors! Mdm Ang from the Care Corner Active Ageing Centre (AAC) Woodlands exclaimed, “Today was so fun! Let’s hold this event more often so that we can come back here and meet you all again.”
Joash Teh, SUSS Year 2 Business Analytics student, also shared of his fruitful experience, “Seeing the participants enjoying themselves and having fun with the games that we have prepared brings me joy. I am glad that not only did they manage to learn new things through this event, but they also had fun as well!”
See you again! Seniors, WILDSMarines and TMWGT members at the entrance of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.
Looking ahead, both WILDSMarines and TMWGT teams hope to bring more joy and love for nature to more in the community to join them on this meaningful journey.
These two powerhouse community service learning (CSL) projects are curated by SUSS Service-Learning (SL).
Learn more about our SL projects!