On 1-3 December, our Primary 2 students began the BMC: Boundless Mathematics and Charity program by entering what we call the Realistic Stage. Over three meaningful days, students put their pencils down and opened their hearts, moving beyond the classroom to understand the lives of others in our community.
Students were introduced to the children of Panti Asuhan Hati Tulus, who had travelled far for their education, and the children of Panti Asuhan Gunungan, who shared small rooms with many others. They also virtually visited Panti Wreda Aisyah, where elders spent their days. Through videos and picture stories, students quietly observed daily life, noting sleeping arrangements, daily meals, and moments of joy. They then asked thoughtful, personal questions like, “Do they sleep comfortably?” and “What do they do for fun?”, moving from simple observation to genuine concern.
This close look at real lives shifted how our students saw the world around them. They moved from just hearing about “people in need” to caring about individuals with names, faces, and stories. This foundational step of connection was essential, it meant that later, when solving problems and sharing resources, their thinking would be guided by empathy, not just numbers.
The Realistic Stage was more than an introduction; it was a transformation. Our young learners began their charitable journey not as helpers looking down, but as friends looking in. They learnt that true understanding comes before action, and that the most meaningful solutions start with a simple, heartfelt question. ***
