Back to page

MtWellington—Homeschool

  • It's hard to play with Lego when you're blindfolded

      5 August 2016
    Main image

    Master WEJ did the blindfold challenge for one hour today. He spent a lot of time walking around memorizing where everything was. Stairs were particularly tricky but he found it most frustrating that he could not play with his Lego as per normal. He found that he could do some of his piano practice OK, but otherwise struggled to figure out what he could actually do with his time.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Nina walking with a stick

      1 August 2016
    Main image

    Nina tried walking with a stick, but it wasn't easy.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Nina did the Blindfold Challenge

      1 August 2016
    Main image

    Nina did the Blindfold Challenge for one hour today and she really loved being challenged. It was tricky to keep her balance though. She was bored being blind by about half an hour after starting the challenge. She tried moving around relying on her sister's help, feeling around with a stick, and just by herself. It was easiest when there was somebody to help her.

    She was very happy to be able to see again but it felt quite strange.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Alana did her first Blindfold Challenge today

      1 August 2016
    Main image

    My name is Alana, I'm 11, and today I did the blindfold challenge from 11:11am - 12:12pm.

    Every day I make my own lunch but today my Mum has helped me. When I went into the kitchen I hurt my toe on the door frame because I couldn't see. I helped with drying the dishes. I went outside on the porch to take a photo of me wearing the blindfold, but I got scared because I couldn't see where the stairs were, so I came back inside to do some pastel drawings.

    I feel lucky that I can see because I didn't like being blindfolded. It was a bit scary sometimes and I couldn't see anything so I had to use my hands to feel for things and get around.

    I'm going to do another blindfold challenge this week on my birthday.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 01/08/2016 by Cheryl

      Hello Alana,

      So proud of your effort.

      Well done.

  • Zachariah did the Blindfold Challenge today!

      31 July 2016
    Main image

    Zachariah says:

    Today I did the blindfold challenge and it was really tough. It stung my eyes a bit and my eyes got itchy at times.

    We had breakfast and my shower without my blindfold on, which was a relief to me!

    I went to church with my blindfold on. Mum helped me around the house and getting into the car. I noticed that it was not easy to be blind. It was a little bit scary so it was nice sitting on her knee at church.

    I did a couple of wooden puzzles and managed to feel my way to put things in the right holes. I drew 1 lovely picture for Mum and a whole lot of lovely writing with my blindfold on.

    The worst part of the challenge was getting caught in a big rainstorm. I had to rush and take big steps over over-flowing gutters and it was scary, tiring and cold.

    After the first hour and a half, I was getting really bored so it was good to play some games in 'Kids Church'. This photo is of me in 'Kid's church' playing 'Simon Says'. It was the only time I was happy to not be able to see, because I couldn't get tricked by the actions, and just focus carefully on what was being said, so I did quite well at that!

    I felt so relieved when I got to take my blindfold off after 2 & 1/2 hours. I sung a song when I was finished " I love my life, I love my Mum, I love the Lord, but most of all I love to see!"

    It felt soooo good to look around. I hope what I did helps many people in Jerusalem see (Zachariah).

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 31/07/2016 by Chris

      Hey Zachariah, this is such a great piece of writing, I loved it and as always you explain stuff so well. You are such a bright young fella, keep on the track you are on, it's a great one.

      Blessings, Chris.

  • Itchy blindfold - Alex and Isabella

      30 July 2016
    Main image

    Today I did the blind fold challenge. I had to do it for one hour. My eyes were so itchy from the blind fold I am amazed that I didn't give up. I had to eat my breakfast, get dressed, go to the bathroom and go downstairs. I tried to draw a picture but it was very awkward. It turned out pretty good but it didn't have any colours. The blindfold challenge was easier than I expected. The worst part about not being able to see was that I couldn't play Lego properly. By Alex.

    Today my mum got me to do the blind fold challenge. It was fun and hard. The first thing I did was try to get dressed. I found it pretty easy. I also did my maths. I couldn't see what I was doing so my mum read it to me. I tried my best to do pointe with a blindfold on but I got so dizzy trying to dance I had to stop. My eyes were so itchy from the blindfold I had to keep taking it off with my eyes closed and put my cold fingers over my eyes to stop them from itching. I'm so sad that some people can't see and I wish that all people could see like me :-). By Isabella.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Shayara and Nevaeh Dobbs reflect on the Blindfold Challenge

      27 July 2016
    Main image

    Photo: Nevaeh Dobbs being led by her little sister.

    Shayarah and Nevaeh Dobbs said they found this challenge fun in the beginning but as the time went on they found it fustrating and hard and feel sorry for those that are blind and have eye problems and said they are so thankful they have sight, but really feel for those now who don't.

    It was a good challenge and a reality check that we are very blessed.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Keziah, Keneti, and Mikayla went blind on Wednesday

      27 July 2016
    Main image

    Keziah, Keneti, and Mikayla Vai did the challenge on Wednesday, one after the other. Here are their reports.

    Keneti (challenge started 9am Wednesday)...

    I was very excited about the challenge but once I started I became very frustrated and very bored! I wanted to draw so badly and really missed it. It was really hard! I missed playing, climbing the tree and doing cartwheels. It was very hard when my family would watch a video and I wanted to really see what was happening. I did listen to audio stories which was hard but still fun. I was so happy when it finished but it is sad that people have to live like this all the time. (Keneti)

    Keziah started the challenge once Keneti had finished...

    I had been very nervous and anxious about this challenge so was not looking forward to it at all. I admit I did try and do lots of things before it was my turn to be blindfolded so that I did not have to worry about it which I now know was not really fair to the challenge but that was how scared I was to do it. It was really difficult for me and I found it hard to ask for help. When my siblings would watch a video I found it frustrating not being able to see what was going on. My sister wanted to help me a lot but I did not want her to so would just do things on my own like listen to audio stories or stay in my room. When it was time for me to take my blindfold off I was so happy and so grateful for my sight. The challenge has really made me appreciate my sight (Keziah)

    Mikayla...

    I was very excited at first but found it very boring when I was blindfolded. I did have fun going on the guitar and playing with Keneti. Keneti played a lot of games with me to make me happy. It was hard when Keziah and Keneti were watching a program but even harder when I had to eat noodles because of the hot water. I am grateful that I can see (Mikayla).

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Shayara and Nevaeh Dobbs

      27 July 2016
    Main image

    Shayara and Nevaeh Dobbs were blindfolded for an hour yesterday.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Shayara and Nevaeh Dobbs are Blindfolded Now!

      26 July 2016

    Shayara and Nevaeh Dobbs are blindfolded now. They are doing the Blindfold Challenge from 1pm - 2pm today.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Isabella, Alex, and Elliot are doing the Challenge!

      26 July 2016

    Isabella, Alex, and Elliot are doing the Blindfold Challenge for an hour each this week. :)

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • "Look at that!" - Kalasia's reflections

      26 July 2016

    I was very excited about going blindfolded for the afternoon. But when I put the blindfold on it felt like it was night time. I now know what it is like to be blind. Being blind is very difficult because you don’t know if you are going to bump into anything. You miss out on what is happening around you and what other people are doing, like if somebody says, “Look at that!” you can’t see what they are pointing at. While I was guiding Selau and Peia in the morning it looked fun being blindfolded, but it wasn’t very fun at all. When I took my blindfold off my eyes were blurry but I was very pleased to see everything again. I hope the money we raised will be helpful to the blind people at the Eye Hospital in Jerusalem.

    Kalasia Ifopo

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Dependent upon my Stick and my Sister - Peia's reflections

      26 July 2016

    During my six hours blindfolded, I experienced how it feels to be blind. When I first put on the blindfold I was excited but after a few hours I began to get tired and wanted to take off the blindfold and see the warm sunshine (according to Mum). It was awful since I could not read or play with my Lego. I had to be dependent upon my stick and my sister Kalasia while walking around the neighbourhood to get sponsors. When it was finally time to take my blindfold off I was very relieved to have my sight back again. But I was glad I was able to help fundraise money for the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem. Peia Ifopo

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Lucy Creak Has Fun Being Blind

      26 July 2016

    At 10:30 am on the 23rd of July, I became blind. I went over to my friend Isabella's house so we could have fun being blind together. At first it was really fun, but we soon realized how difficult it was for a blind person to move around everyday (especially if the floor is messy). We stubbed our toes a lot of times but on the whole it was really enjoyable and fun. But I think if I was blind for my whole life, I would be very bored.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Master WEJ will go blind this week

      26 July 2016

    Master WEJ will go blind for an hour this week.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Hlelo and Akhona went blind yesterday

      26 July 2016
    Main image

    Hlelo and Akhona experienced going blind for an hour yesterday. They had their dinner with eyes closed, taking turns to help each other dish food and pour water to drink. They also climbed up and down the stairs in their blindfolds in the picture, guiding each other orally.

    They had fun doing it, but also did acknowledge that it's hard being blind.

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 26/07/2016 by Mt Wellington Homeschoolers, St John Youth

      Great photo - well done Hlelo and Akhona !

  • A little bit of fun and giggles, but mostly not so fun

      25 July 2016

    Before they started, Sara-Louise and Scarlett were keen to get rolling. They had no idea how frustrating and difficult it would be for them.

    A little bit of fun and giggles here and there, but mostly very challenging and not so enjoyable. The girls are very appreciative of their sight now and hope to never experience blindness again - ever.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Sara-Louise and Scarlett made it... just!

      25 July 2016

    Well! We made it! Just. Scarlett had a little freak out halfway through, so she had a half hour break to enjoy her dinner, but put the blindfold back on and completed her 3 hours with a spectacular hula walk/dance (with only a couple of seconds of sneaky peaks itching her eyes).

    Having dad home helped spur Scarlett on for part 2 - someone else giving her encouragement.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Hard work for Sara-Louise and Scarlett and mum

      25 July 2016

    Oh wow! What a day. Hard work looking after blind children when you're sick! They're both well over it now, and Scarlett has 1.5 hours to go. Finally my husband is home.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Vai family

      25 July 2016

    Keziah, Keneti, and Mikayla are going blind for one hour on Wednesday.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Going blind was a hard challenge for Selau Ifopo

      25 July 2016

    Going blind was a hard challenge for me. At the beginning I felt very excited at the thought of going blind for the whole day. But soon I realized that being blind was making everything so difficult. Everyday things like brushing your teeth, making your bed, getting cornflakes and many other things that I wouldn’t even give a thought to do, I couldn’t do, or needed help doing. I had never realized that it was so hard being blind! Later on I watched (actually heard) a movie. Someone had to describe what was happening. Even that was still frustrating. I wanted to know what was happening and what everything looked like. At the end of the day I was so glad to pull off my blindfold. During the day I had experienced what it was like being blind and I found out that it is not easy. Being blind is a lot more than being in a dark world. Blindness losses the ability to look at things, to watch things, and to marvel at things; and after experiencing being blind I shall never take my sight for granted. And I hope that many people’s sight will be restored through the hospital in Jerusalem. - Selau Ifopo

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 26/07/2016 by Mt Wellington Homeschoolers, St John Youth

      WOW - a whole day! Well done Selau

  • Sara-Louise is blind!

      25 July 2016
    Main image

    Sara-Lou got off to a frustrating start as her guide Scarlett stood on her feet, forgot about her a while as she got distracted with some toys, then ran over her fingers with her scooter:-s. They've had some fun finding their way around. Sara-Louise managed to put on her own socks and jumper and eat and drink reasonably well with some guidance. The blind fold was irritating so we've made a change. Scarlett is now giving Sara-Lou a Taste Test!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Isabella Aitkenhead reflects on the Blindfold Challenge

      25 July 2016

    At 10:30 am on the 23rd of July, I became Blind. My friend Lucy came over so we could be blind together. At first it was fun but soon we realized how difficult it was for a blind person in everyday life. We stubbed our toes multiple times but in the whole it was really enjoyable and I recommend it to anyone who wants to help people and experience blindness for a day.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Anna & Isabella Aitkenhead with Lucy Creak

      23 July 2016
    Main image

    Anna, Isabella, and Lucy wearing their blindfolds

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • Anna, Elise & Isabella Aitkenhead with Lucy Creak

      23 July 2016

    Lots of screaming and excitement and bumping around at first. Now after two hours, they are very short of things to do, and are extremely bored!

      1 comment  |  Login to leave a comment

    • 25/07/2016 by Mt Wellington Homeschoolers, St John Youth

      It's a very hard challenge! Well done Anna, Elise, Isabella & Lucy. I'm expecting Sara-Louise & Scarlett to get very frustrated and bored today. I think a good audio book may help pass some time, perhaps its an idea for your girls to help them through the day. We loved The Chronicles of Narnia, Lion, Witch & The Wardrobe (BBC radio collection 4 full cast) which is a good 2 hrs:-) GOOD LUCK GIRLS

  • Ifopo family

      23 July 2016

    “I have been blindfolded for four hours already! The time has gone so slow, as if the clocks aren’t working! Being blind is very hard, because you can’t see where you’re going or what’s in front of you or who you bump in to. So far, I think the two main senses you need are touch and hearing.” Peia

    “I have eight more hours of blindness to go! Everything is so restricted. Every day activities that you wouldn’t normally think twice about doing are difficult to perform. Walking around is another challenge as you know you could crash into a wall at any minute! Knowing that being blind is so difficult I won’t ever take my eyesight for granted! I look forward to the end of the day!” Selau

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • AITKENHEAD FAMILY

      22 July 2016

    Isabella, Elise, and Anna Aitkenhead would like to participate in the blindfold challenge by doing six hours being 'blind' on Saturday, 23rd of July. Yesterday they made eye covers.

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • SARA-LOUISE & SCARLETT'S CHALLENGE:

      22 July 2016

    Sara-Louise & Scarlett will be buddies for The Blindfold Challenge. They will partake on Monday 25th July, when Sara-Louise will be blindfolded for 6 hours and Scarlett will be blind folded for a following 3 hours. They will guides, supporting each other with everyday activities. Sara-Louise will complete a challenging confidence course (guided only by oral instructions) and Scarlett will perform her 'Hula-Walk' blindfolded.

    Please support us!

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment

  • IFOPO FAMILY

      20 July 2016

    "Peia and Kalasia will do half a day, and Selau is keen to do a whole day (12 hours!). We plan to do it on the actual day, Sat 23rd July”

      0 comments  |  Login to leave a comment