Balik Kampung
Balik Kampung
Balik Kampung, organised by iCare Subcommittee Group Stellarnauts, was a kampung-themed engagement programme held at Geylang East Home for the Aged (GEHA). The event brought together 27 elderly residents, 19 volunteers, and 4 planning committee members for an afternoon centred on nostalgia, connection, and community.
Inspired by the warmth of kampung life, the programme aimed to spark joy and meaningful interaction through thoughtfully curated activities. The session opened with Speed Chit Chat, an icebreaker that encouraged conversations and laughter between the elderly and volunteers. This was followed by Kampung Memory Lane, where participants engaged enthusiastically with nostalgic choices related to food, music, and traditional games, supported by visual cues to ensure inclusivity across language differences.
The creative activity Batik Blooms provided a quieter space for expression, with elderly participants painting batik designs while sharing stories of their past. Volunteers offered guidance and companionship, creating moments of patience, care, and connection. Some participants chose to keep their artwork as a memento, while others gifted theirs to volunteers as keepsakes.
The programme concluded with Box of Nostalgia, a kampung-inspired game accompanied by familiar music. The activity encouraged reflection and storytelling through questions, guessing games, and traditional play, fostering smiles, laughter, and emotional connection among participants.
Despite language and physical challenges, the strong teamwork between volunteers and organisers ensured a warm and engaging experience. Balik Kampung successfully revived fond memories of kampung life while creating new moments of joy and connection, reinforcing the importance of community, empathy, and shared experiences.
