Youth Expedition Project

The return of the Youth Expedition Project (YEP) in 2023 was music to my ears. Eager to leave a positive mark on the world, I had been anticipating YEP's comeback since the lockdowns. And as fate would have it, I applied and was accepted!

3 March - 24 March: PLANNING We were a group of 20, brainstorming and devising plans for the educational activities aimed at enriching the lives of underprivileged students. Our initiatives were split into four key areas: Arts & Crafts, Physics, Mathematics, and Life Skills. My forte in Mathematics led me to spearhead this subject. The planning was tricky, given the unknowns about the students' ages and prior knowledge. Eventually, I chose to focus on the Pythagorean theorem and problem-solving—a universally approachable topic within a single lesson.

25 March - 4 April: VOLUNTEER AT VIETNAM We arrived in the village of Nui Tuong on March 25th, ready to start our volunteering. The very next day, I was set to teach Mathematics. With no prior experience to guide me, I felt a mix of fear and excitement. To my amazement, the Vietnamese students didn't rely on calculators for math; they were impressively fast and accurate in their calculations using just their minds. Among the various subjects we taught, one lesson particularly stood out to me: a volunteer taught the students how to utilize every item in a first aid kit, a practical skill not typically covered in school curriculum.

In the following weeks, our days were dedicated to constructing a playground from sunrise to sunset. It was exhausting work that involved digging, painting, designing, and collaborating with local metalworkers. Despite the fatigue, there was something incredibly fulfilling about it. Throughout our time there, despite the mosquito bites, and emotional ups and downs, the experience was profoundly memorable. It was a rare and unique journey that transformed 20 strangers, selected by our school, into a united team with a common goal.

This link will direct you to a video of all the volunteers dancing at the playground we built for Nui Tuong: http://tiny.cc/yepvideo

5 April - 7 April: EXPLORE VIETNAM

After we finished our work, we went to explore Ho Chi Minh City. There were so many motorbikes everywhere, interesting new businesses, places where people get together, good shopping, and really tasty food. It was all very exciting to see.

7 July - 27 July: VOLUNTEER IN SINGAPORE

Back home, our journey of service continued at Fei Yue in Buangkok Green. Engaging with the elderly, we introduced them to our childhood games like Uno, engaged in painting, exercised together, and molded clay. Their warmth and eagerness to share their games, like Rummy, also touched us deeply. In reflection, volunteer work is where my heart lies, be it locally or abroad. YEP was a privilege that taught me gratitude for Singapore's comforts and the importance of appreciating our community. The lessons in planning and communication will be treasured assets as I look forward to more such enriching experiences.