Ariya Seed Workshop

On February 18th, 2023, Ariya hosted a workshop for SEED students, aimed at enhancing their self-confidence, patience, creativity, and self-independence.

The workshop took place from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm at Ariya Vihara and was facilitated by Sis. Vivian, Sis. Pui Se, Sis. Ramsi, and Bro. Chong.

The day’s activities included a range of programs such as Healthy Food and Healthy Mind,

Sharing and Giving,

Moral Video

Save For A Rainy Day

Teamwork Works

Finish What You Started

Speaks Skillfully.

The Healthy Food and Healthy Mind program introduced students to basic cooking skills to prepare simple yet healthy meals. The students learned how to cook rice, prepare vegetables and fruits, fry eggs, make sushi rolls, and stir-fry vegetables. The program was very engaging, and the students enjoyed the cooking process. The food ingredients were contributed by the parents in the spirit of sharing and giving.

During lunch, the children had the opportunity to make merit by offering food dana and receiving blessings from Samaneri Mangala, the only Sangha member available that day. The lunch that students jointly prepared was especially enjoyable for them. Sushi rolls and scrambled eggs were the most popular dishes of the day.

In the “Save For A Rainy Day” program, Sis. Carmen guided the students in decorating coin boxes with tape, stickers, colorful writings, and spray paints. This program enabled students to experience using different tools for creative works, which helped spark their imaginations. The students were given the goal to save money in a small way to fund their tuition classes or any meritorious sharing and giving deeds.

The students were then shown a moral video called “A la Carte Chicken,” and they participated in a question and answer session. The program aimed to instill compassion for the needy and to help students appreciate the food they eat every day.

In the “Teamwork Works” program, students were split into three groups to build the tallest tower possible with equally limited boxes. The objective was to build teamwork and trust within their group. This program also helped students think harder and push their limits. In the “Finish What You Started” program, each student was given a maze to encourage problem-solving skills and patience.

In the final program, “Speaks Skillfully,” students were encouraged to express what they learned by impromptu speaking in front of the class. This helped build confidence and impromptu speaking skills, which will be further developed in tuition classes. Students provided feedback on the impact of the programs during the workshop, allowing for future improvements.

The teachers and assistants facilitating the programs deemed the workshop a great success. The students were engaged in all programs, building teamwork, engaging in hands-on learning of cooking and artwork, taking on challenges, building confidence, and developing new skills.

By the end of the workshop, students exhibited a sense of belonging and joint responsibility as a group, volunteering to sweep and clean the place.

We extend our gratitude to all the teachers and assistants who sacrificed their time and effort to make the workshop a success. We also like to thank Venerable Sumangala for the idea and guidance on the workshop, which benefited the students.

Sadhu sadhu sadhu