NUS BP Mentoring

NUS BP Mentoring's 11th Anniversary 2009

2009-11-06T18:59:00.003+08:00

29th August, 2009 was a significant day for NUS BP Mentoring as it marked our 11th Anniversary and Annual Installation. It was a day where both Mentors and Mentees were given recognition for their contributions, and also the day for the installation of the 11th NUS Bp-Mentoring Board.

Long-serving mentors were recognised with a certificate endorsed by NUS, the mentee's school and BP. Outstanding mentees also received special awards presented during the award ceremony. We also presented a token of appreciation to our mentees' schools, Bukit Merah Secondary School, and Geylang Methodist Primary School. Of course, a special token of appreciation was also presented to our distinguished Guest of Honour!

The anniversary also marks the official installment of our Board, where duties are officially passed down from the out-going President and Board to the respective in-coming members!

It was a joyous occasion that was significant to all parties, and everyone gamely posed for a rare chance for a group shot of the entire NUS-BP Mentoring family! See whether you can spot yourself if you were there!
The rest of the photos can be found on our Facebook Fan Page. If you have not checked it out, do so now and be a Fan! We will continue to update that space with photos and videos of our events. Mentors (and even Mentees!) are welcome to tag their friends in the photos if you spot them! Have fun!
Up next: Mentor's Orientation Post

2009-08-18T15:08:00.002+08:00

Ford Factory Visit

2009-08-16T23:22:00.002+08:00

GMPS went to the Ford Factory on 4th April 2009. Here are some of the highlights!

Getting ready to go!

Bus ride

Mentors seems to be more excited than the mentees...

Walking into the Factory...

Point point here

and point point there...

Outdoor tour...

2009-08-16T16:37:00.001+08:00

List of Upcoming Events

2009-08-07T23:41:00.004+08:00

These are the must-go events in 2009 this year for all fellow new mentors/ those who wish to know more about NUS BP Mentoring before joining us:

- Rotaract Welcome Tea - 13th August 2009 (Thursday) 6pm @ LT 29
- NUS BP Mentoring Welcome Tea - 20th August 2009 (Thursday) 6:30pm @ LT28
- NUS BP Mentoring Anniversary - 29th August 2009 (Saturday) 9am @ Munchie Monkeys*
- NUS BP Mentoring Orientation - 5th September 2009 (Saturday) 9am @ GMPS *

*Venues to be confirmed

2009-07-25T18:56:00.005+08:00

River Crossing Game @ NUS Mentoring Games Day 2009!

2009-06-30T13:32:00.003+08:00

These are part one of the videos for NUS Mentoring Games Day 2009, so do look out for more in the future!

NUS Mentoring Games Day 2009

2009-06-29T15:37:00.005+08:00

NUS Mentoring launched its very own Games Day on 14th Feb 2009. Here is the step by step picture illustration of what's going on at the event itself:

In this photo:
MC for the day - Chen Wen
First Aider of the day - Min Jun
2 of the Games Masters

Opening Speech by Eleanor (President of NUS Mentoring)

Welcome Speech by GMPS Vice-Principal!

Gifts awarding by Eleanor...

(From left to right) Ice-breakers, group planning and off they go!

There were a total of 10 stations that test both their solving ability and team work. Each active station is guarded by one Game Master (GM) and they are:

Chen Wen and his River Crossing station

Yuan Meng and her deadly Memory Game

Yu Yang and his dangerous 'Lord of the Rings'!

Joseph trying to get people to 'Hit on him'...

The rest of the GMs were busy with this 'kissing game'...

'Auntie' Lilian - Our most important person of the day who deliver our freshly packed food on time.

Drink tasters are also important. Their job is to test the drinks (whether the drinks are poisoned or not) to ensure the refreshingness of them before releasing to the mass for lunch...

Videos will be posted up later, so watch out for this space for more updates...

Games Day 2009 Solutions

2009-02-16T12:51:00.002+08:00

Here are the solutions to your burning desires to the answers for Games Day stations:

Station 5 - Drama Class

Solutions:

Fox, goose and bag

The story
Once upon a time a farmer went to market and purchased a fox, a goose, and a bag of beans. On his way home, the farmer came to the bank of a river and hired a boat. But in crossing the river by boat, the farmer could carry only himself and a single one of his purchases - the fox, the goose, or the bag of the beans.

If left alone, the fox would eat the goose, and the goose would eat the beans.
The farmer's challenge was to carry himself and his purchases to the far bank of the river, leaving each purchase intact. How did he do it?

Solution
The first step must be to bring the goose across the river, as any other will result in the goose or the beans being eaten. When the farmer returns to the original side, he has the choice of bringing either the fox or the beans across. If he brings the fox across, he must then return to bring the beans over, resulting in the fox eating the goose. If he brings the beans across, he will need to return to get the fox, resulting in the beans being eaten.

Here he has a dilemma, solved by bringing the fox (or the beans) over and bringing the goose back. Now he can bring the beans (or the fox) over, leaving the goose, and finally return to fetch the goose.

His actions in the solution are summarised in the following steps:
1. Bring goose over
2. Return
3. Bring fox or beans over
4. Bring goose back
5. Bring beans or fox over
6. Return
7. Bring goose over
Thus there are seven crossings, four forward and three back.

Wife and husband’s problem.

The story
In the jealous husband’s problem, the missionaries and cannibals become three married couples, with the constraint that no woman can be in the presence of another man unless her husband is also present. Under this constraint, there cannot be both women and men present on a bank with women outnumbering men, since if there were, some woman would be husbandless.

Therefore, upon changing women to cannibals and men to missionaries, any solution to the jealous husband’s problem will also become a solution to the missionaries and cannibals problem.

Solution
Using 11 one-way trips is as follows. The married couples are represented as A (male) and a (female), B and b, and C and c.

Aa Bb CcThis is a shortest solution to the problem, but is not the only shortest solution.

Station 6 - Money Problem

Question:
Three friends take a room for three in a hotel. Each one pays ten dollars. Since, it is a non-peak day, the cost of a room is only $25. So later, the owner realises it and decides to make a rebate of five dollars to these people. He calls an assistant and hand over to him a five dollars note to return back to the men who had rented the room. The three men decided to tip the assistant 2 dollars for his kind service. Thus each man only received a dollar, and therefore, each man paid only nine dollars for the room.

If 3 men paid $9 each one to rent a room ($9 X 3 = $27) because of the fact that they each got $1 back and the assistant keeps $2 as a tip ($27 + $2 = $29)

Where does the final dollar went?

Answer:
The amount of the room is $30
the rebate is $5
Real amount paid: 30 - 5 = $25
If we add $1 of rebate for each character and the $2 recieved by the assistant, we will find our $30.

The 3 men actually paid $25 +$2 =$27 in total, so each pay $9 each and gotten $1 back. The trick in the question is that the tip the assistant received was counted twice.

Station 7 - The Flags with no name

Questions:

Answers:

All flags except one are country flags:
France, Egypt, Australia
Greece, Mongolia, Singapore
Cambodia, East Timor, United Nations

Station 8 - Riddle me Not!

Questions:

1.)
I'm a lever that you ride with a friend:
When he goes up, you go down.
When he goes down, you go up,
And until you both stop,
The fun won't end.

2.)
I look like a "Y" when I'm closed,
I look like an “X” when I'm open.
I'm made of two levers with wedges inside.
You use me for cuttin' and snippin'.

3.)
When you're on the first floor,
You need an inclined plane like me,
To ride upon, to reach the floor
Where you want to be.

Answers:

1.) Seesaw
2.) Scissor
3.) Plank used as a slope.

Station 10 - English Riddles

Questions:
1. What part of the body has the most rhythm?

2. A farmer combined 2 compost heaps with 3 others. How many compost heaps does he have?

3. Who succeeded the first Prime Minister of Singapore?

4. Why was Karl Marx buried at Highgate Cemetery in London?

5. What odd number becomes even when beheaded?

6. Why is the letter E like London?

7. What lives on its own substance and dies when it devours itself?

8. "The beginning of eternity

The end of time and space

The beginning of every end,

And the end of every place."

9. "I never was, am always to be,

No one ever saw me,

nor ever will

And yet I am the confidence of all

To live and breathe on this terrestrial ball."

10. "At night they come without being fetched,

And by day they are lost without being stolen."

Answers:

1. Eardrums
2. One
3. The Second
4. Because he was dead
5. Seven à S/ even
6. Because E is the Capital of England
7. A candle
8. The letter ‘e’
9. Tomorrow
10. Stars

2009-02-15T13:21:00.002+08:00

We had our first mentoring session 2009 in GMPS on February 14th 2009. Here are some of the 'moments':

GPMS Outing at the Singapore Science Centre!

2009-01-12T12:58:00.003+08:00

We had tons of fun at the Singapore Science Centre, even though our job was mainly to tag(chase) around the mentees wherever they went.

Arrival at the SSC!

Boys playing at the table soccer

Everyone explored the mini 'Science exhibits' after the Omni Threatre movie

Mentee Certificate Giving Ceremony

Mentors busy cake-cutting

Lunch at Mac for everyone

I guess they were more into the car than the science behind it

First Play with Lightning...

...next would be thunder

Huey Li hypnotising the boys : "Be Good."

Photo taking before heading home

Just another normal mentoring session

2008-10-04T21:51:00.004+08:00

Credits should always go to the school co-ordinators to plan and manage these mentoring events. The co-ordinators distributed Children's Day present to everyone (including the mentors). To some mentees (Primary 6), this is their last Children Day.

September photo of the month!

2008-10-02T11:46:00.003+08:00

NUS BP Mentoring 13th Anniversary 2008

2008-09-22T21:42:00.010+08:00

NUS BP Mentoring 13th Anniversary was an special event for both the mentors and the mentees as it was the day of recognitions of everyone's efforts. In short, everyone enjoyed the day's event.

Ms Mabel Wee, Principal of GMPS gave a welcome speech and how our mentors improved the mentees studies results and character buildings.

Lynda gave a speech about the relationship between NUS, BP Mentoring and Tutoring Scheme and the various mentees school.

Our most important stars of the day - the MCs!!!

Karen organised a game that involved everybody to participate. (to download: Right click -> save picture as)

Mentees prize receivers

BMSS Outing to Sentosa!

2008-09-21T22:27:00.027+08:00

The day started at 8.30am with the coordinators going to school to fetch the mentees and the game and food ICs heading straight to Sentosa to “hunt” for the territory of the day.

food and volley ball.

From left: Yuan Meng and Cheng Wen
Person missing in this picture : me (Fong Chi)

Our territory of the day!

A spot along Palawan Beach with great scenery.

The mentors and mentees reached destination at about 10am and the kickoff of the day of interaction, fun and laughter followed.

Mentors and mentees are divided into teams as the games for the day are aimed to cultivate team building spirit and foster relationship between one another. Proudly present to you -- our team A!

From Left : Kwok Wei, Aien, Hai Tao, Divya, Suhaida and Yuan Meng.

Person missing in this picture: camera-shy Huang Wei (who is hiding behind Hai Tao) who is also the leader for this team.

And Team B!

From left: Christina, Jing Ting, Fasiha, Atika, Hui Fang (BMSS coordinator), Nahim(BMSS coordinator) and Douglas (the leader for team B)

Person missing in this picture : James Wijaya(who joined us slightly later)

A short ice breaking session kicked in first for the team members to know one another and also the members of the other group. Not long after that, we started off with our first game of the day – Captain’s Ball by sea side! ^.^

Round 1 -- FIGHT!

Where is the ball?

After the non-stop running and catching, everyone was asked to take a short break.

Proceeding on, our second game -- “squeeze me ” started shortly. Each team was asked to fill in the water bottle given until the water overflows the brim in the shortest time.

The embedded water bottle

We RUN!

We PASS!

We SQUEEZE and we SUPPORT each other!

The team bonding, the interaction, the support from one another led the teams on to their further challenge – “Our Grand Castle”

Our Castles?!

Building castle out from scratch, with only a pathetic water bottle and two seemingly useless sponges? No problem! =)

Just DO it!

After half an hour of hard work and sweat, the teams proudly presented their end products.

“Castle by the Seaside” by team A

“High Class Waterfront Residence” by team B

The winning team and their sand castle! ^.^

The laughter and fun didn’t end here. The fun climaxed in the next game that followed – “Hit my General Knowledge”.

“Answer correctly? Safe! Else, down you go into the Sea! ^.^”

Tired? But, it’s just not enough! Finally, all of us ended up in the sea for another round of Captain’s Ball in the SEA.

Finally, it’s time to wash up and time to fill our groaning stomach.

the girls after washing up.

again

After hours of playing and running, we finally settled down in the shed for picnic. We made sandwiches, we talked, we ate, we cracked jokes. Isn’t that simply FUN?

The day finally ended with the mentors dragging their exhausted bodies back.

However, we carried on the outing by heading to KFC in Harbourfront for a very last round of gathering and chit-chatting.

That , at last, marked the end of our wonderful moment in Sentosa.

~ INTERACTION! BONDING! FUN! LAUGHTER! ~

About NUS BP Mentoring Scheme

2008-09-18T14:41:00.026+08:00

What is the NUS-BP Mentoring and Tutoring Scheme?
The NUS-BP Mentoring and Tutoring Scheme is a unique community service project for NUS undergraduates (and alumni) to become Mentors to younger peers. A Mentor becomes someone special in a child's life over a period of time as a big brother or sister. We nurture and develop our mentees' potential through two-hour weekly sessions over a period of six to twelve months of sustained mentoring.

NUS-BP Mentoring is a project under NUS Rotaract Club. We have the autonomy to organize our own activities and hold internal elections. Representatives of NUS-BP Mentoring sit on the Rotaract Board, and all mentors are considered as members of Rotaract Club.

How are the activities being carried out?
School-Based Sessions are conducted every Saturday from 10am-12 noon over a period of at least nine months. Mentors spend the first hour supervising mentees in their school work.

For the remaining time, mentors engage mentees through a combination of games and experiential learning. These activities help mentees learn the importance of teamwork and discipline, and in the process, obtain greater self-esteem and confidence.

During the school holidays, mentors organize excursions to places such as Bukit Timah Hill, the Singapore Science Centre and Pulau Ubin. Such excursions enable mentors and mentees to forge closer bonds and build stronger friendships.

Mentoring session at BMSS

Who are the mentees and where are the schools located?
The mentees are EM3 pupils (Primary 5 and 6) from Geylang Methodist Primary School, Normal (Academic/ Technical) Secondary 1 and 2 students from Bukit Merah Secondary School.

Geylang Methodist Primary School is directly beside the Aljunied MRT station. Bukit Merah School is near Redhill MRT station.

Support for Mentors
BP organizes regular training sessions and retreats. These events also provide excellent opportunities for the mentors from the various mentoring institutions (such as NUS, SMU, NTU, Ngee-Ann Polytechnic and Singapore Polytechnic) to come together and network.

Are the Mentors being Recognised?
Long-serving mentors are awarded a certificate endorsed by NUS, the mentees' school and BP. Outstanding mentors also receive special awards presented during the Annual BP Mentoring Anniversary and Award Ceremony. In addition, CCA (RHAPS) points are awarded to mentors who serve a minimum of six months.

What is Commitment that I will have to make?
NUS BP Mentoring needs you to commit to a timeframe of at least nine months, for two hours every Saturday from 10am to 12 noon. It would be the best if you would be able to make your Satuday free for the whole day for other activities such as courses and outings.

GMPS Mentees outing to Sentosa

Why should I be a mentor?
Mentors put in significant time and effort to plan and organize the mentoring sessions. They regularly review and evaluate the effectiveness of sessions. In this way, they develop leadership qualities and become more efficient in their own lives.
More importantly, personal mentoring yields great personal satisfaction and hones invaluable people skills. You will forge an unforgettable friendship with your mentee, and build close bonds with people who share your compassion and desire to help others. We all need a helping hand once in a while. For a child, that helping hand can mean the difference between success or failure. Be an Inspiration. Be an NUS-BP Mentor.

I am interest. How do I become a mentor?
If you are interested in joining or would like to find out more, please email us at : nusbpmentoring@gmail.com

Members of the 10th Management Committee

2008-09-18T14:41:00.024+08:00

30th August 2008 was the day for NUS BP Mentoring Society as everyone was gathered together for an annual celebration for both Mentors and Mentees alike. New management committee was also installed that day while the old committee(9th management) passed down the torch of flame.

From left to right: Justin (IPP), Huey Li (GMPS School Co-ordinator), Fong Chi (Publicity Director), James (Publicity Director), Lan(Welfare Director), Li Lian (Treasurer), Shweta (Secretary), Karen (Vice- President for internal affairs), Charlene (Vice- President for external affairs), Eleanor (President), Wei Qing (GMPS School Co-ordinator)

Not Shown in Picture: Min Jun(GESS School Co-ordinator), Ngoc (GESS School Co-ordinator), Nahim (BMSS School Co-ordinator), Hui Fang(BMSS School Co-ordinator)

Who and what is a Mentor?

2008-09-18T14:41:00.022+08:00

The Origin of the Word "Mentor"
The origin of the word "Mentor" can be traced to Homer's The Odyssey. In his epic poem, Homer describes the character Mentor as a "wise and trusted friend." When Odysseus (or Ulysses) leaves Ithaca to fight the Trojan War, he asks his good friend Mentor to guard the household. Mentor, who is actually the goddess Athena in disguise, watches over the kingdom, and becomes guardian and teacher to Odysseus' son, Telemachus.

What Is Not a Mentor?
A mentor is not a hero. A mentor is not a social worker, a moneylender or a disciplinarian.

What Is a Mentor?
A mentor is a caring peer. A mentor is an advocate for the needs of a young person. A mentor is a listener and a guide.

Mentors

Welcome to the NUS-BP Mentoring

2008-09-18T14:41:00.020+08:00

Welcome to the NUS-BP Mentoring Official Site. BP Mentoring , started in Singapore in 1995, is a nation-wide community service project sponsored by BP (British Petroleum). Under this programme, mentors—from NUS, NTU, and SMU as well as various Polytechnics and Junior Colleges—are matched with young, disadvantaged children (the mentees) to help them raise their personal development and academic standards.

Study Skills courses

At NUS, the Mentors guide students in their studies and in their character developments. These students(Mentees) come from the various schools in Singapore and they will spend two hours weekly with the mentors. BP also help to conduct study skills courses for the Mentees once every year. Mentees not only benefits from having improved examination results but also making new friends with NUS Mentors.

Mentors attending meeting by the committee members

Mentors also go through various courses and workshop organised by BP. These skills are beneficals in guiding the mentees and future job prospects. There are also skills being picked up by the mentors along this journey as NUS BP Mentors. These skills includes leadership skills, planning and hosting events, organising workshops and conduct meetings for mentors.

Courses by BP for both Mentors and Mentees

GMPS Mentoring Orientation day

2008-09-17T19:51:00.000+08:00

Fierce GMPS School Co-ordinators of the 10th Management Committee started the day with some announcements.

Various new mentors.

That me(the guy) on the right!

Mentees ready for the session.

New mentors introduces themselves to everyone, both to the existing mentors and mentees.

Another peaceful mentoring session begins as the mentees were eager to learn from the mentors.

Contact Us

2008-09-16T23:43:00.001+08:00

Site is under construction :(