The one where I went to an orphanage.

Okay this is an assignment, I just feel more when i write here! Enjoy.

If I were to go into my room and take out the old photo stash in my cupboard and look through each and every photo, those memories in la-la land would definitely put a smile on my face. Seeing myself as a child in those nostalgic photographs would make me think back of what happened during the days where there was no stress and burden, only fun, love and colours.

That was MY childhood. Not the 8 boys I visited today. 8 boys that maybe one day could change the world.

To fit the criteria for my course work for Law and Society, I and my group members visited Calvary orphanage house to see what is it like being an orphan, living as an orphan, strive as an orphan. The other objective is to understand and maybe apprehend their current situation by asking them what can the government and law change their life for the better. The two hours I spend with them, are those that I would cherish and remember even to the afterlife. Being with them for such a short period made me realize. It snapped me out from the usual impression I have for orphans.

The orphanage itself is an old building. Old, but the children inside it makes it glow. The moment I walked in, something caught me. The children were sitting down, in a very polite manner, whispering to one another at their sight of us. "It's not everyday we have guests." said John who was one of the orphans living here. They were rather well mannered, outspoken and able to mix and interact with us. According to Mr. Albert, the founder of Calvary, this place has been in existence for nearly 10 years and it has nurtured a young child from a curious toddler into a grown young adult. Trying our best to be as friendly as possible, we approached them and introduced ourselves one by one.

8 faces were staring at us, while we were telling them why and what we were there for. They of course do not really understood what our main intention is being there. However, I put my aim for the coursework a side, and started talking to them as friends.

John and Luke were sitting down, very timidly and rather oddly for a boy, quiet. I approached them and started making some usual conversations with them. It seems, most of them had been here for life. They were brought in during their toddler years. Most of the children are receiving education from government secondary schools (SMK Ayer Keroh) and they go to school like all other children do. However, they do not come home welcomed by their parents, but a family consisting of brothers. A band of brothers. While talking to them, I sensed that they were very excited that we came because for one main reason, us being there, made a difference.

These boys have practically live their life here and when I asked them what do you think of their life, they answered with a look, and then came the word, "bored". They were bored of their life because all they do here is what they have been doing for the past few years since they were young. Without a single difference. Our presence enlightened them. Although they may seem happy and cheerful while we were there, one thing never fails to lie. The eyes. Even though they were being friendly and positive, they had that look in the eye that actually shows that they are not fully happy. If they were to give up anything to change their life, I think they would not think twice on taking the offer.

So then, I asked them how would the government play their role in making these 8 boys' life different, perhaps a much better one. John and Matthew were rather quiet, while little Daniel answered "allowance" over and over again. Calvary is a private owned orphanage that Mr. Albert takes care of during his free time working as a teacher, and when we asked him how can the government help these children, his answer was simple.

"Funding."

With fundings, the children would definitely lead a better life and make a difference in life. These boys cannot be in the orphanage for life, they would have to leave the premises when they reach 18. What could a boy do being an 18 year old without proper education? Without a proper education, I'm afraid that they could be a liability towards the country one day. Our visit came to a close at 11.30am, as the boys had tuition later on in the day. We took some pictures and left the house.

Looking back at my own childhood, what I see today is totally in contrast from what I have. I have a family, they do not. I have a warm house, they do not. I can have all I want, they do not. However, there is something that we have in common, we have love.