Yunnan Jun 07

This Youth Expedition Project to Xiangbi Middle school has been the most transformational experience since my ORD days last November. It challenges me on not only administrative planning, organizational skills and leadership abilities but allowed me to realize these are but the least exciting aspects of the trip itself. The overwhelming experience that dawned upon me was the spirit of the students there.

Never in my life had I felt such genuine enthusiasm, eagerness, energy, robustness and most of all - appreciation for some tiny contributions made by our presence there. Indeed I must say that these kids dwarfed their Singaporean counterparts by mountains, in respect of their earnestness and warmth. They put us all to shame. And I may arguably say that perhaps this could be the most heartstring tugging teaching experience - until the next visit there again.

Joshua Lai, 21

Team Leader

This experience has prompted me to review my priorities and values in life. Apart from striving for personal aspiration and career development, we need to also play our part towards the community and helping the disadvantaged among us.

I was very impressed by the simplicity, discipline and enthusiasm of the students there. It made for a very meaningful expedition which allowed me to understand their struggles and challenges, and bond with the rest of the team.

That they have overcome the odds has inspired me to continue to continue to contribute actively to society and even embark on other similar overseas projects in the future.

Judy Seow, 28

Team Facilitator

Simply awesome! The students in Xiangbi Middle school enjoyed so much from the programs and activities that our team has planned for them. The laughter, the smile and the tears (on the day of departure from the school) that the students and the YEP team has shed definitely make it worthwhile for all the hard works that the team has put in. This is definitely a service-learning project that I would encourage all youth and young working adults to go for...

Abraham Tan, 30

The trip is an eye-opener and escape from my routine back here in Singapore. We always complain about life, studies, work, not having enough money, and etc. Yet, the people over in Xiangbi are just so satisfied with whatever they have. They are eager to learn and puts in extra effort for whatever they do.

It is a wonderful experience and I have fostered friendships with the people that I have met on the trip. This project is something that I will not forget in the couple of years to come.

Grace Chan, 22

Being on the YEP team has shown me how people of varying age groups and from different walks of life, with different backgrounds, can come together for a common cause. Friendships were forged, memories were created and experiences were gained. It is a pity I had to pull out of the trip and could not complete the entire journey with them. But, even so, after hearing them share about their experiences, I can sense that it was an eye-opening and enriching experience and that the friendships forged are the best takeaway. We started as strangers and finished as buddies.

Hui Ting Yap, 19

The trip to Yunnan Xiangbi,

I’ve seen the innocence of people;

I’ve forged true friendships;

I’ve experienced the beauty of simplicity;

I’ve realized that giving leads to greater happiness than taking.

“Few of us can do great things, but ALL of us can do small things with great love.”

-Mother Teresa-

Irene Ling, 20

“A small action can make a big difference.” This statement is a true testament of my experience during this trip. To be frank, I was in doubt before I set off as to how I will be able to contribute to the trip and students. I always felt that I did not have much to offer and would be more of a hindrance. Little did I expect that my words and actions would have such a big impact on my students.

Students have written back to me telling me they feel much more positive about life and they have developed a strong passion for learning English. The very success and failures I once tasted and shared with them inspired them. The trip has also bonded the team very well as each member got to know each other on a more personal level.

I feel extremely privileged and honoured to be able to contribute towards this trip and I feel that a domino effect has been set in place. Students whom I interacted with told me they will share what they learned and pass on the experience to their friends, thus benefiting others as well. A spark has been ignited by us and I believe the flame will be passed on to many.

Kelvin Chin, 21

This has been an eye-opening experience for me since the start, when we knew little of what to expect and do. Planning from scratch helped forge beautiful and wonderful friendships. Times spent planning for the trip helped bond the team and definitely gave me a chance to do things that we don’t usually do.

During the trip, it was an eye-opener to see such good character among the team members. The selflessness of the guys who willingly carried the heavy loads was very admirable and totally shocking - certainly way better than many guys I know.

Teaching and interacting with the kids there is really different from doing the same in Singapore. Their enthusiasm – they would be most willing to attend lessons late into the evening – was simply beyond my comprehension.

Li Pei Koh, 19

This trip has made me realise how fortunate I am to be Singaporean and how starkly different living standards across the world can be. I have decided to devote more effort, attention and time to helping the less fortunate locally because I now have a better understanding of their problems and want to be there to support them.

Singaporean youth can and should learn from the Chinese students by slowing down their pace of life and taking stock of how blessed they are, from having whole families to everyday facilities and an impeccable national utilities and transport infrastructure.

Minty Cai, 22

They study 14 hours a day, 6 days a week and go home once a week. Yet a game of basketball or a climb up the mountain can keep these little souls happy for a day. They will not complain about the lack of opportunities or be discouraged by facts that they cannot change. Instead, they face life with hope and strive hard in every attempt.

I have learned to prioritise so that 'time is not enough' is not an excuse, and how to manage my expectations and refrain from complaining. I now persevere in the face of obstacles because I know these are nothing like the challenges encountered by the 13-year-olds in Yunnan.

Rachel Lam, 29

Project Learn, Experience, Grow was, by any measure, an overwhelming success simply because it lived up to its name for both the students at Xiangbi and for my team.

It was an awakening experience, both figuratively and literally (when the mosquitoes continued to declare their love for our foreign blood even in the dead of night). The distinct Chinese culture – a refreshing one for me, given that this was my first visit to the country – was a palpable one. From the relentless thirst for knowledge of the students to the unprecedented pace of development even in the countryside, I had witnessed first-hand the rise of the Dragon.

I left brimming with confidence in the future of the children. They were bright and inspired sparks who had the potential to achieve wonders if given the opportunity. I take immense pride in knowing that my team members and I tirelessly spent two weeks planting seeds of progress and inspiration in the children, and we left fervently hoping that given the attention they deserve in the coming years, their efforts will bear fruits of unheralded success.

Sanjay Nanwani, 20

"No one has yet realised the wealth of sympathy, the kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." --Emma Goldman.

Bearing Goldman's wise words in mind, I set off for Xiangbi Middle School, with fluffy ideals of educating the youth who hold the hope of a better tomorrow. What I experienced impacted me far more than I could ever imagine. The expedition taught me the value of simplicity - the ability to appreciate life's nuances and nature's gifts. I learned a tremendous lot from my team mates, who collectively exhibited immense strength of character, resilience, and comradeship. 2500 kilometres away from Singapore, I couldn't feel closer to home. My time in Xiangbi will be remembered fondly, rooted by delightful memories of interaction with the students of the Rising Red Dragon.

Sanjiv Nanwani, 20

Words cannot express this whole YEP experience. The children showed us so much warmth and I was impressed by the simplicity of their lives. I am very glad to have been there to widen their English vocabulary.

Throughout the 17 days in Xiangbi, I have learned the importance of being contented by the things that I'm blessed with. Together with my wonderful, fun-loving & passionate teammates, this expedition has truly an awesome experience for me.

Wanxin Koo, 22

Far, far away from my homeland, we decided to carry our heavy backpacks and
explore the place. We overcame all obstacles and finally reached our destination. Along the journey, we conquered the high mountains, deep valleys and the harsh cold weather. We challenged the different terrain and modes of China's transport system. We were greeted warmly by the Chinese people and enjoyed every second spent interacting with them. Tears showered upon everybody's faces on our last day we and were very reluctant to go. I hope that they have benefited from us and will find true happiness, just like we did.

Yee Chwan Ong, 20

I joined this YEP trip with the simple aim of wanting to teach English to
the students in Yunnan. Initially, I thought two weeks would be too short for us
to make any difference. I never expected that I would bond so strongly with
the students at the end of the trip. It prompted me to make a return trip
back to the school again just to see the students again. I was very touched
by the friendship and love from the students, and I know I will never forget
them. I am also extremely grateful to my team members, who had given me so
much motivation and encouragement over the past few months. Together with
the students, they have made a difference in my life.

Yun Zhi Chew, 23

Video presentation

Yunnan June 2007

Teach basic English in a fun and relaxed environment.

Contribute to the school library and cultivate a love for reading and learning.

Broaden the students’ world view and perspective through cultural exchange and deep sharing