Minor Community Service: Adopt A Terrapin

On Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd and 24th, 2024, the LEO Club of Wesley Methodist School hosted a trip to Malacca to learn more about terrapins and visit the children at the Kasih Sayang Charity Home. This event is to let the members engage in activities such as terrapin's hole hatchery cleaning and beach cleanings, encouraging their participation in conservation efforts to promote environmental stewardship. Additionally, the event reinforced the importance of helping those in need.

The event was organised by the Organizing Chairperson, LEO Lee Yin Xin, who was assisted by Assisting Organizing Chairpersons, LEO Lee Jia En and LEO Yee Jiu Yeung, along with committee members LEO Tay Jing Wen, LEO Wong Kai Wen, and LEO Tan Earn Qii.

LEO members arrived at school at 6:00 AM for attendance and assembled at the Volleyball Court, where they reported to the LEO President, See Kye Zac. At 6:30 AM, the members, along with their Teacher-Advisor and tour guide, departed for the Turtle Conservation Centre, stopping briefly for breakfast at R&R Seremban Southbound at 7:30 AM. The journey resumed at 8:30 AM.

At approximately 10:30 AM, we arrived near the Turtle Conservation Centre. After a short 5-minute walk, we reached the Centre, passing by a breathtaking beach with palm trees swaying in the breeze, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the sand, under a brilliant, cloudless blue sky. The sun shone brightly, creating a dazzling effect as its rays glinted off the water.

Upon arrival at the Conservation Centre, the staff welcomed us and brought us to the Audio Room for a briefing. We learned about the four types of turtles in Malaysia: Penyu Belimbing, Penyu Lipas, Penyu Karah, and Penyu Agar. Unfortunately, the Penyu Belimbing, the largest turtle, is now extinct. After the briefing, LEO members were guided to the sanctuary to observe the turtles and terrapins.

Following the observation, we were brought to the beach, where each group was assigned tasks such as cleaning the beach, digging up expired turtle eggs, and cleaning the turtle nesting area.

Lunch was provided at McDonald’s from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM, featuring burgers, fries, and Coca-Cola.

After lunch, LEO members checked in at the Hallmark Crown Hotel and rested until 5:30 PM. At 6:30 PM, we returned to the Turtle Conservation Centre to witness the release of terrapin hatchlings, concluding the activity at 7:30 PM.

Next, we visited Jonker Street, a vibrant area in the heart of Malacca known for its lively night market, local delicacies, and unique shopping experiences. Dinner took place from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM, allowing us to explore the bustling market, enjoy snacks, and dine at food stalls or cafes. We returned to the hotel by 10:30 PM, with lights out scheduled for 11:30 PM.

On the second day of the trip, breakfast was available from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM. LEO members had breakfast at their own time. Around 9:45 AM, they returned to their rooms, packed up, and prepared to depart to the Kasih Sayang Angel Charity Home.

At about 10:30 AM, we arrived at the charity home and were warmly welcomed by the person in charge, Isaac, along with members of the LEO Club of Catholic High and the Lions Club of Tanjung Bidara. The children were excited to see us, and after a brief introduction, we organised the LEO members and children into three groups to participate in various games. The children were delighted to join in the activities, which included a group singing and dancing session before lunch. After lunch, we hosted a simple Q&A session for the children, awarding prizes for correct answers and giving all participants a small toy as a gift. Our Organising Chairperson, LEO Lee Yin Xin, then delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the charity home for the opportunity to contribute. Before departing, we took a group photo with everyone. At around 3:10 PM, we left the charity home and began our journey back to school.

Around 4:00 PM, we made a quick stop at R&R Seremban Southbound for a snack. The journey resumed at about 4:30 PM. During the last hour on the bus, we filmed a video to capture memories of the trip. The Organizing Chairperson, Lee Yin Xin, delivered a closing speech to express her appreciation to everyone involved. We arrived back at school at 6:00 PM, marking the end of the event.


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