It is education out of the classroom, it is learning out of the textbook.

Intellectual

- learnt about the organisational system of community work (committees required, manpower allocation, physical & mental preparations)
I have personally participated in quite a few overseas school trips, but this is the first of its kind. One which has the aspect of community work. Through this trip, I have learnt how a community project functions, and what is expected of us as participants. Although our team face many constraints in the planning and execution part of the project, and much was possible only through assistance of our local guide, this trip showed us what was required of us. Willingness, effort, focus and initiative were certain qualities that were tested in the course of the trip. We also had to be flexible and make relevant and necessary changes to certain unexpected problems, and much did not work out as planned, so we basically had to work on the spot. This was really a recce trip, one which would be of great help if we consider to do more of such projects in the future

- exposed to culture and lifestyle of various minority groups
Vietnam is home to many different minority groups. This fact about the country actually appealed very much to me, as I have only seen these unique groups of people on television. Visits and homestay with the Giay, Hmong, Dao and Tay people were really enriching and fruitful. We got to see how they live, learn about their livelihood, eat what they eat and sleep in their settings. Their life is really simple, all they needed were basic facilities like beds and blankets, a bonfire, and a kitchen. There were no television, computers or elaborate furniture. Yet we could see they were satisfied and living a simple life. We also got to see how tourism has impacted these groups over the years. Due to donations of clothes by tourists, many of them stopped wearing their traditional clothing, a trend which could lead to loss of culture and heritage. Many children also drop out of school to sell souvenirs to tourists, as these were means of learning English, perhaps more effectively. The women also resort to persistent selling in order to earn a livelihood. Such alarming trends really set us thinking whether we are doing the country a favour or not as tourists.

- appreciated and understood part of the culture & heritage of Vietnam
What so interesting about Vietnam is their rich history. Thanks to the company of a history teacher, we received brief insights about the Vietnam War, how it started, its impact on the country and people, and how it finally ended. The visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum which kept the body of the prominent political figure also taught us why was the man was so respected by the entire population

Deliverables

- helped in basic needs of poorer Vietnamese families in villages within our means
I would say this aspect was successful only at a small scale. With our means and size (9 people) our impact was actually minimal. During our trekking, we distributed biscuits, stationery, medical supplies to schools and families in Ta Van, Giang Ta Chai, Xeo Trung Ho, Ban Ho and Su Pan. Such a small approach was greatly received by the locals, and we truly shared their joy.

- improved the schooling environment of a village school which did not have the means to
Our initial plan was to help the Sapa Town Primary School. But according to the guide, the school was actually quite well-to-do already, and another school in the Cat Cat village would deserve this help much more. Hence, we went down to the school he recommended. It was a pity we only spent 4 days in the school, or we could actually do much more. However, I personally was still quite pleased that we managed to repaint two classrooms and the external walls of the building, set up a mini English library and help clean up the school. Our actions were met with much gratitude from the school and students who kept treating us to tea and gave us many gifts despite the fact that they were not wealthy to begin with. I thought the 9 of us received much more than we gave.

- donated stationery, books and teaching materials to poorer schools
Prior to the trip, we have gathered numerous donations from friends, teachers and family. This included english books which were below primary 3 standard, simple stationery such as pencils, pens, erasers, chalks and sharpeners, and certain puzzles and card games. These were spread out and distributed to 6 schools: namely San Sa Ho 1 Primary and Secondary School (Cat Cat), Xeo Trung Ho Primary School, Ban Ho Primary School, Su Pan Primary School, Ban Tru Hoang Lien Primary School

- organised an activity day at a school for the children
This idea emerged during the course of the residential project, which is to organise a fun-filled event for the children in which we could share performances, play games with them, and distribute sweets to them

Emotional

- appreciated how fortunate we are to live with ample basic necessities
During the time we stayed overnight in Xeo Trung Ho, I was really surprised by how simple the house was. There was only a single light bulb in the living and bedroom, and this is probably powered by a self-constructed hydro generator. It dawn on me how rich (in material sense) we actually are, and yet we can demand for more. I felt that i had neglected a lot of things around me and had taken them for granted. Simple things like light, electricity, and the comfort of the sofa, i didnt realise their importance before, and a thought of regret and foolishness surfaced. Hopefully this experience has straightened my thoughts and i will change from now on

- realised how lucky we were to undergo such a programme
The entire experience was priceless. There were too many first times experienced here: biking overseas, trekking overseas, doing an overseas community project, riding motorcycles, etc etc etc! It was really something that simple touring or vacations cannot get us. It is education out of the classroom, it is learning out of the textbook. I would think such an opportunity is rare, especially at our level, and many people agree that we are so fortunate to be able to experience this at a young age. Thanks to mr khoo for making this possible and our parents for so willing allowing us to immerse into this learning experience.

Adversities

- language barriers
This was a major adversity faced by us in the course of the trip. This was because little Vietnamese people received English education and could only speak Vietnamese or their native language. Communication was a hard task, and this became evident especially when we are buying things and when we were in the school. We couldnt understand what the shopkeepers were trying to say and neither did they, so we had to use hand signs or write on a piece of paper. At the school, we could not interact with the children as they did not learn English in primary level. It was a pity as we rarely talked to the children. Fortunately, due to our English-Vietnamese speaking guide and teacher-in-charge played our translator and helped us to overcome the adversity

- cultural differences
Although we are both Asians, we already display great differences in culture. This is overcome by an open mind to receive differences. We cannot go there expecting them to behave or react like Singaporeans as these people have their own way of living. We should accept and learn to adapt to their lifestyle, what the chinese call ru xiang sui su (to learn their culture when you are in a foreign land)

- working in a foreign land, away from comfort zone
Many uncertainties about actual situation and background complexes and complicates the planning process. We had not personally been there prior to the trip, and have little idea of what the school there looks like, and what can be done. Yet planning had to continue. We just tried our best to do as much preparations as we could, bearing in mind all could change when we really got there. In Vietnam, we had to be dependent on our guide for the purchasing of painting materials and food, as we had no knowledge on or transport to where to get them. Thanks to our resourceful and self-initiated guide, the project was still able to run smoothly. We do owe it to him for the completion of our project.

Learnability

I took on this trip with the perception that we are just going there to help them, to teach them, not thinking that actually it can be a two-way thing. However, after being at the school, after trekking for 3 days, after meeting and getting to know the locals, I realise that there is actually more to learn from them than what we have to offer. I had been so myopic to think that we are superior to be the ones who are helping, yet this is not the case. Going to vietnam as widened my perceptions and taught me many things about life that i did not use to ponder upon. The trip has expanded my capacity for learning, and I learnt to approach everything I do with an open mind to receive knowledge, and to stand by humility as that is the only policy for wider learning

Posted by yk_han at 3:25 PM |