Unit Instructor Programme (UIP) was held on the 13th of December-14th December 2008 for a span of 2 Days 1 Night. Alongside with three contact sessions previously, the aim of this programme is to develop and inculcate the values our present batch of cadets can provide and to seek out potential merits as unit instructors to be. For the three contact sessions which lasted for every alternate three weeks, they were undeniably an eye-opener for many cadets as they were split into the three main specialisations, namely 'Footdrill Specialisation' , 'Casualty Evacuation' specialisation and last but not least 'Outdoor Activities' specialisation.

Within these three contact sessions, cadets mustered the knowledge of proficiency in lesson presentations, abilities to tackle lesson plans and not to forget, recap their basics on each specialisation and also to keep track with excessive expertise. Beyond any doubt, Huayi Secondary School's nine secondary two cadets were also actively involved in this programme with motivation and stimulation. Originally, we were rattled by the difference for learning in terms of the method of instructions and our operandi in bringing our lessons across to populous cadets, instructors and mentors alike.

However, the accomodating and cordial instructors genially guided us along and were unhesitant to recapitualate and revised the syllabus we covered. After a thorough introduction into the basics and the means of lesson plans, the ingenuity was imparted. Lesson presentations were preposterously intimidating for first-timers as many of us may not have the opportunity to rehash our speech clarities or to impose upon our fellow juniors reinforced deliveries back in the unit. Given the chance to practice and present fundamentally, cadets likewise improved expeditiously and got into the routine; unwavered.

The contact sessions were the stepping stone as a firm platform for cadets to excel and shine as future unit instructors. On the first day of camp, cadets readied themselves over the campfire preparation which took us almost the entire day. Anticipatedly required, cadets of each specialisation were supposed to bond and plan their individual campfire items to present to the mass cohort of UIP. 'Footdrill' specialisation came up with a fancydrill item, 'Casualty Evacualtion' with a mass dance while the 'Outdoor Activities' were the organisers of the campfire. After familiarisation, cadets were ardent for the vetting. Finally, the moment of grandstand. Campfire was a major success and one and all were unequivocally engaged and in soaring spirits. On the second day, it was factually a fervid one. In line with the hectic schedule were two massive events, the 'Disaster Preparedness Exercise' and the 'Pass Out Parade'.

In the former exercise planned by the 'Casualty Rvacuation' specialisation, cadets from all specialisations were enmeshed either as casualties, rescue team I/Cs, traige I/C, base I/C ;etc. The aim of the exercise was to prepare cadets to have the basic foundation in an emergency which in this case was a bombing attack. Armed with the fervent passion as a first-aider to evacuate and provide immediate first aid treatment with a placate and contemplative attitude, the exercise brought jitters as we were not habitually predisposed in such dire states and forebore was not quenched. With hollers and moans of pain in absurdity, casualties swarmed into the base in a fleet. Cadets were literally assessed on their agility,quick-wittedness and their tackles amidst such predicament. Eventually when the operation was said to be ceased, cadets were shaken but their stagnant perseverance was undeterred. Good job!

For the 'Pass Out Parade', the 'Footdrill' specialisation was the chaperon to lead the rest for a smooth-sailing parade. With a rapid equivalence, cadets soon got accustomed to the rationale and started performing to their best potential. Though it was arduous standing under the hot sun, cadets did not utter grievance and proceeded with the procedures swiftly. When the end product was overseen, it was a morally immaculate shot to be reckoned with. With not a hinge of flamboyance, cadets were offically declared to be certified unit instructors. It was a moment of recognition for past efforts.

Huayi Secondary School's cadets were brought forth with exemplary conduct and overwhelmingly satisfying performance as out of the nine cadets that attended this programme, six were conferred the certificate of participation and only 3 attained the certificate of attendance. That makes it 67% out of 100% in participation rate. The results were indeed impressively pleasurable. Way to go! In spite of the laudable results, Huayi's cadets will always be down-to-earth and humble, awaiting for more challenges ahead to overcome. UIP 2008 was the pioneer programme for budding unit instructors that left a wondrous imprint for future cadets to follow. All in all, it was an inexorable success and Huayi Secondary School was definitely honoured to be involved. :)

On the fourth of November, an otherwise bleary morning was further invigorated when Hua Yi Secondary School's cadets treaded onto the awe-inspiring path of ' The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum' located in the prestigiously revered Chinese Garden. Upon admission, we were gripped with shock to come upon the knowledge that the museum has attained the 'Guinness World Records' for withholding the largest collection of 3,456 tortoises and turtles in the world, comprising of 1,000 live specimens and innumerable ornaments, tablewares, furnitures and even the presence of toys in the aura of these shelled creatures. What a whooping figure!

Affable and friendly, Mr. Danny Tan, one of the collectors, was all ready to conduct a guided tour upon witnessing the bewitchment found on our astonished faces. We were exposed to the mystic jungle river, the harnessing charm and majestic beauty of the 'Radiated turtle' to begin with! The tanks were overwhelmed with turtles and tortoise you will dread missing! Now, i will have the shattering honour to introduce the sedative little ones!

The ultimate rarity: the 'Golden Temple turtle' , 'Golden Terrapin turtle' and the 'Golden soft-shell turtle'! For the flattest tortoise in history, the well-acclaimed 'Pancake tortoise' is renowned! The acritical 6-legged tortoise is none other than the 'Asian Brown tortoise', not to forget the 'Sulcata' ; world's third largest tortoise! Definitely spellbounded, the most dangerous turtle is the 'Alligator Snapping turtle'. Mr. Danny Tan elaborated on its menace, this very turtle can bite off your entire hand if you ever enter its mirthless jaw! Talk about a shielding facade of an enemy! Last but not least, the 'Snake necked turtle' is also our inhibited longest neck turtle!

Our cadets really had an unforgettable experience befriending the tortoises by feeding them cucumbers. Witnessing the bliss that was evidently seen, it was nonetheless a memorable trip. However, all things had to come to a conclusion. After taking pictures with the widely-acclaimed owner, we purchased souvenirs (yes, tortoises and turtles' ornaments of course!) and baded goodbye.

Our next destination is the 'Ren Ci Wan Qing Lodge' , a centre for the old folks to segregate and rehabilitate. Mounted with the recyclable materials like tissue boxes, toilet rolls and cardboards; for instance that we had readied ourselves with, all decorated and conscientiously designed. We were all prepared to set off. At the centre, we immediately got down to work without a hinge of time wasted on dilly-dallying. We were not oblivious of the fact that Christmas is dawning and it was very crucial to provide the old folks with a cheery atmosphere for happiness to sink in. Allocating and delegating the various tasks, the centre was soonafter transformed into a gleeful haven. Through implementation of arduous long hours and hard work, the sweat that lingered ensured our determination to succeed and to accomplish our 'mission'. The christmas tree created out of cotton balls, the glittery 'merry christmas' evolved, the star-shaped cards filled with our heartwarming greetings and the warm ambience we morphed were our dedications.


Glancing at the old folks' pleasurable looks, we were really delighted. After taking a group photo, we left with a lifting spirit. Fourth of November had knitted into joy and enrichment. Not only had we boosted our intrapersonal skills but also touched on the mundane lives of others! We will definitely be indulged in the self-awareness of aiding others in need and look forward to another fun-filled momentum! (: