REFLECTION 4

REFLECTION (4)

Written by: Varun Khemaney (Pol Sci, Year 3) 

SUP-C Flag

Firstly, I would like to discuss regarding the making of the team flag. While many of us took the matter lightly with a lot of laughs, it was noticeable that everyone contributed some ideas to the flag, which actually represented our goals and objectives of the whole OCIP experience. It was nice to see everyone contribute to the flag, as some people contributed ideas to the smiles on the flags to represent the SMILE village that we are going to serve, as well as the inverted smiley that represents the smile that we aim to put on the villagers faces when we go there. We also tried to incorporate the words on the goals and objectives into our flag. These actually make our flag very representative of our goals and objectives of heading over to Cambodia, and it served as a good way for us to bond in a very light-hearted, non-deliberate way.

The Haiti video, and the “White Man’s Burden”

Next, I would like to discuss the Haiti video. As I watched the video, it invoked a lot of emotions in me. I watched the 4 people put themselves bravely out of their comfort zone to stay in Haiti for 28 days, to experience the lives of the villagers for themselves. I felt that it would be tough for me to do something like that, given the life that I am used to. Hence, I was full of admiration for the 4 people who did that. I also felt that the video showed us that it is important to find out the needs of the people first, before we head on trying to head a project to assist them. It was also good that the 4 men tried to appreciate the way of life of the Haitians. However, I do not necessarily support their views when they implied that the Haitians way of life is in any way “less superior” to their own (the Americans), just because they live on very few dollars a day, in the conditions that we saw in the show. It shows a “White Man’s Burden” mentality, which is not very healthy for people going down to help, although no one doubts their altruism in wanting to help the Haitians. I think that, while such a mentality is hard to shake off, there is a need to be aware of such a mindset. The Haitians are happy with their way of life in general, and it was wrong to state that they are happy “even though” they are poor.

Service Learning

It was also important that Chee Leong reflected upon the word “Service Learning”. As we saw in the video, while the 4 men showed that they were merely “learning” during the 28 days that they were in Haiti, they followed it up with “service” after the trip, and that should be the way that things work. In my opinion, both factors are equally important, and one should not be given more weight than the other. Applying this to our OCIP trip, I understand that YEP projects are important learning projects, as they work on helping us understand the needs of the people better in overseas countries by actually letting us go there. I feel that such projects are incorporated to inspire us to learn, and possibly go on to do future projects, as our scope in doing much sustainable service is limited in the mere 14 days that we are there. (Hence they focus more on learning rather than service). Hence, I feel that while our discussion on “Service Learning” was important, we should also keep in mind our limitations as a YEP-initiated-project.

The need to be aware of such videos

Lastly, I would like to discuss the difficulty in ascertaining the full truth behind such videos, as Chee Leong pointed out. While such videos are obviously the truth, we must also be aware that it only represents parts of the truth, as with all documentaries. However, while it is important to be discerning about such videos, I also felt that, by thinking too much about such videos, we might end up being too cynical of them, or even numb about the happenings overseas, which is equally unhealthy as compared to believing everything they say at face value – Just some thoughts as I considered this point.

REFLECTION 3

REFLECTION (3)

Written by: Zheng Xiao Han (Life Sciences, Year 1)

The video screened “4 Guys Live on $1 per day for 28 days in Haiti - 1

Dollar Poverty” was rather thought provoking. The most immediate response I

had was the feelings evoked upon seeing the appalling state and condition of

living in Haiti post-earthquake. However, the fact was that a large proportion

of Haitians were already living in absolute poverty before the earthquake-58%

live on less than a dollar a day and 78% live on less than two dollars a day.

I definitely found the four guys’ intention admirable and inspiring, they

were willing to place themselves in the shoes of Haitians to better understand

their plight, needs, and how they can be helped. Poverty cannot be solved

overnight and is an evil cycle, which many in under-developed countries

are trapped within. The guys went there with the intention of learning how

to help the Haitians, and came back with a better idea of how they can

help by understanding that a lack of jobs, money, and infrastructure were

problems pervading the Haitians’ lives and preventing upward social mobility.

They converted what they have learnt into practical plans to help by setting

up Poverty Resolutions to promote sustainable help for the Haitians via

campaigning efforts, and raise awareness about global poverty. Sustainability

and global education are two extremely crucial ideas that can and will bring

about the up lifting of the poor from poverty.

Bringing these ideas back to our community involvement project to be

held in Cambodia, there were several concepts, which are applicable such as

steps leading to the implementation of their expedition. They set ground rules

and managed their expectations and fears, while keeping in mind their own

limitations and needs. Similarly, we need to set goals and objectives for our

project, and be aware of the limitations of our efforts when we set off to

Cambodia.

The video reflection was followed by a discussion on two questions

“Is it self-centered to only learn?” and “We can’t serve the community with our

efforts. Discuss.” I believe both questions are highly contextual so my stand for

the first is maybe. Though it depends on the context, I feel that it is more selfish

for an individual to think that he is helping when he is actually benefitting more

from his so-called “help”. However, it is difficult to justify and define what “help”

and benefits can mean. While for the second question, I simply feel that any

effort at all can be considered service to the community, as long as it is carried

out with good will.

With slightly less than three months to our Cambodia trip, I hope the

phase leading up to our trip will adequately prepare us for what is in store.

REFLECTION 2

REFLECTION (2)

Written by: Melanie Liang (Psychology, Year 2)

It's been 2 weeks since I've been a part of this team and I'm rather thankful that everyone is really nice, friendly and open to one another. I feel a really good vibe. I like the fact that we started off sharing our weekend instead of just diving into discussion about the trip, because it helps to build friendships, more than a work relationship. Honestly I am rather nervous because it takes time for me to open up to people, and I am afraid that I can't click with most people in this team because over the years I've realised that there are only a few people who can truly understand me see things from my point of view. (And I realised many people are from USP and already know each other, which makes me feel even more nervous) But I really do want to feel comfortable in this team so I guess I'll have to learn to trust and open up to everyone! What I hope for the group dynamics of this team is for everyone to be open to each other and frank with one another with minimal judging so that we can truly build strong friendships. 

As for the discussion about the trip, it was rather chill, probably because it was only week 2 (: But it got really confusing with the whole setting of objectives and goals thing, probably because we had different definitions of learning and personal growth, but I'm glad we sorted that out together as a team. I honestly still think that personal growth is something subjective and something that we can only discover on our own! One of the worries I have about future discussions is that we will have more disagreements and it might make the planning less efficient if everyone keeps sticking to their own views? I am generally someone who is very open to other opinions and perspectives, and I hope everyone would be as well. Disagreements would probably occur more often during the later course of this planning but as long as we get together as one team at the end of the day, it's fine and we'll all move forward together. As for my own perspective of personal growth, I must say it's really just to learn how to look beyond myself, see the happenings of a place outside of my comfort zone, and to learn something that I can never learn while I'm studying. And knowing that I am doing a part in making the lives of the Cambodians better (no matter how small my role is) is a form of emotional growth for me. So that really sums up how excited I am for this trip and how ready my heart is!

I think our team consists of people of different lifestyles, character and perceptions, which is a good thing because we can learn from each other and contribute in so many different ways. I'm really looking forward to what we can achieve as a group and I hope everyone can achieve their own personal growth at the end of everything. And of course I hope we can provide real meaningful and sustainable help to the Cambodians. :D

Good job to week 2, cheers to more weeks ahead!

REFLECTION 1

Reflection (1)  

Written by: Mas'Izzati Liyana Mas'At (Chemistry, Year 1)

On 8th October, we met up to list out our objectives of the entire YEP. Firstly we had a sign in game that we have to play each time we have a meeting. Its is not particularly a game that requires you move and run around but its a game to get to know others better through interesting questions about the past week. I think this is good to effectively make use to the time constraint to get to know the team mates better.

Following that, we had a round robin sharing session of our own expectations and objectives for this trip. Each and everyone of us surely have different view and expectations of themselves for this trip. Although we might go through the same event together, personally we will have different take away that will change us differently. However, to function together as one effective and efficiency team towards this project we must come up with team Goal and Objectives. This goal and objective must be what we are willing to achieve and strive for.

Thus, after a long discussion, we as a team come out with two main goal and objectives:

1. To achieve personal growth, 
2. To serve and support the beneficiaries of PSE and leave a sustainable impact.

Personally, i think its better to have two achievable and objective goals rather than having many redundant goals. These goals are a holistic wrap up of our personal expectations of the trip therefore i think these goals can be achieve as each and everyone in the team have their own voice being heard in the these two goals. There are many personal goals that team have like "to have a personal experience on OCIP and community service" and "to be a better person for the society". 

The second goal is about the actual involvement in the OCIP itself. This OCIP requires negotiation and communication between us and the NGOs. We have the aim of serving the Cambodian community so that they can live a better live even after we left to continue on with our usual life. This is the main idea of community service and not just doing what we think might help them but in actual fact we are not really serving their needs. We are just merely doing what we feel is beneficial to make ourselves feel good. Thus this second aim would consistently keep us on track that we are not just helping, we are serving.

All in all, the second meeting is effective because it is a need to mold a cohesive ideology and direction for the team. With this, we hope to make this project a great success! (:

Sign Ups Are Up - What are you waiting for?

We hereby announce that sign ups for STEP UP PROJECT - Cambodia (2013) are up! The link to the sign-up page is HERE.

So ... what are you waiting for? Sign Up Now! =D

Signing ...

We look forward to having you on our team!

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Answered Questions (FAQs)

Interested in joining? But your head is buzzing with many doubts and questions? You are in the right place! Lo, and behold -- responses to ten FAQs about our project ...

Question?

1. Who may apply?

We welcome all students from the National University of Singapore (NUS), regardless of your course or your year of study. 

2. What is the actual date for the expedition, and how long is its duration?

The expedition will be a two-week one, which commences shortly after the end of examination week in NUS (i.e., 2nd week of December). Actual dates are yet to be confirmed. 

3. What can I expect from this Project?

Contrary to popular misconception, the expedition project does not involve only the two week-long expedition. Participants are expected to attend weekly meetings across the semester, with the exception of the examination weeks, each meeting taking approximately two to three hours. These meetings will be held on a weekday evening (i.e., 7pm onwards). These weekly meetings, also known as facilitation sessions, are organised so as to prepare the team mentally for the expedition project, and provide an avenue for all members (participants and leaders alike) to further reflect on issues regarding community service, development work, service learning and the myriad complexities involved. And yes, these sessions are compulsory.

There are altogether three phases in this project:

1. EXPLORE Phase

2. EXPERIENCE Phase

3. EXPRESS Phase

a. EXPLORE Phase (Aug - Nov 2013):

At this stage, we will also work on a LOCAL PROJECT involving a local school, focusing on the theme of service learning. Through working on this project, we invite our participants to reflect on what service learning entails as well. Also, we will be conducting FUNDRAISING activities as well, to acquire more funds for our project.

b. EXPERIENCE Phase (Dec 2013; 2 weeks):

This phase refers to the 2 week-long EXPEDITION @ CAMBODIA, where we will be working closely with our partner NGOs on two projects (see who our NGOs are over here.) These projects have to do with a sustainable living environment and its attendant practices. To some degree, our participants will be involved in the planning of these activities prior to the expedition - and that means, you will NOT be simply doing manual labour during the expedition.

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Additionally, we will also be planning activities that facilitate cultural exchange between our team and the locals over there, to further enhance the relationship between Singapore (from which our main working partner, STEP, is based) and the local community.

c. EXPRESS Phase:

Upon completing the expedition, we will return to Singapore and conduct one final LOCAL PROJECT with the school we have worked with during the EXPLORE phase.

4. How many participants do we expect in the team?  
We are looking at a number between 20 to 24.

5. When are the interviews going to be held?

In the first two weeks of AY2013/14 Semester 1 (12th August - 23rd August 2013)

6. When can we start signing up for SUP-C?

Now! Click here to sign up! Deadline for application ends on the 13th August!

7. Who are you looking for to be part of the team?

No one in particular. We are looking for a diverse range of people. So long as you have the interest, we strongly encourage you to apply!

However, you do need to be committed to this project, and can work in teams well. After all, our programme requires our participants to work on quite a number of projects. The intensity of the projects will be pretty manageable, despite their quantity, so long as participants cooperate well. In fact, we assure you it will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience!

8. How are the living conditions at the place that we are residing in?

We will be staying in hostels that provide decent services (even wifi). You won't be having many trouble adapting to the conditions of living over there.

9. How much do we need to pay to participate in this project?

We are still in the midst of confirming the actual cost each participant should pay. The range should be between $700 and $800. 

This amount includes airfare, transport within Cambodia, and food.

10. What does this project offer me? How is it different from other YEPs?

In this project, you get to work very intimately alongside established NGOs in their grand masterplan to rebuild sustainable communities for evicted slum-dwellers in Cambodia. We believe that this will provide you an avenue to appreciate and reflect on the complexities of community service and developmental efforts. 

An opportunity to explore the less-visible underbelly of urban Cambodia – not just the touristic sides – and understand more keenly the issues surrounding them.It is not true that you have to enter the countryside to experience a different side of life.

And many more ….

If you still have any questions left un-answered, please forward them to:

stepupproject.cambodia@gmail.com

Ask, and rest assured: your queries shalt be answered.

We hope to see you in SUP-C 2013! 

What are you waiting for? Come join us now!