Reliving the memorable learning spirit in university

I like the overall community spirit of people coming from different backgrounds to learn together.

 

Despite dreading school at times, it was a place where good memories were created. For 57-year-old Mdm Alka Prakash, an unforgettable memory would be a watercolour painting class during her university days. This enjoyable experience inspired the adjunct lecturer to attend an Intergenerational Learning Programme (ILP) on Acrylic Painting, which aims to pair youths and seniors to learn on various topics.

 

Broadening horizons through new perspectives

 

Just like her watercolour painting class many years back, the Acrylic Painting programme was meaningful for Mdm Prakash. Having taught for 35 years, Mdm Prakash found herself being able to interact and connect well with the younger generation. She feels that ILP serves as a good platform to meet and learn from people from all walks of life. To her, understanding the perspectives of various individuals has helped broaden her horizons.

 

"I like the overall community spirit of people coming from different backgrounds to learn together," she shares.

 

Supplementing her Knowledge

 

Mdm Prakash highlights the importance in being open to learning and having the right learning attitude regardless of one’s age. As a human body and anatomy lecturer, Mdm Prakash is well aware of the different medical conditions and diseases. Due to the nature of her job, Mdm Prakash has enrolled herself in TCM related courses to supplement her knowledge. She is curious to know how TCM can be used when diagnosing different conditions. Through better understanding of TCM concepts, she hopes to incorporate her new learnings to share with her students in the future.

 

She also recognises the importance in keeping our brain and body active. Therefore, she practices yoga daily without fail. Moreover, she volunteers twice a week in yoga at her nearby RC and conducts health-related talks for the residents.

 

"Keeping ourselves engaged in activities is definitely very useful in keeping ourselves physically and mentally healthy," she says.

 

**Special thanks to Mdm Alka Prakash who accepted our interview, we wish her all the very best in her lifelong learning journey.

 

For a full list of short courses, click here.

 

For a full list of exam-free modules, click here.

 

For a list of ad hoc learning opportunities, click here.