YEP Yunnan March 2017

Youth Expedition Project (YEP) to

Yunnan, China in March 2017

Accompanied by Mr Chua Tji Leng, Ms Annie Ong and Mr Ng Shek Kim, 28 students/volunteers from the School of Engineering (SOE), School of InfoComm Technology (ICT) and School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HMS), embarked on a 14-days Youth Expedition Project (YEP) to Yunnan, China. This trip, funded by both the National Youth Council (NYC) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic, took place from 9^th March to 23^rd March 2017.

From strangers, the two-weeks adventure in Yunnan provided numerous opportunities for everyone to bond and forge stronger friendships. All of us were immersed in a variety of activities, which included teaching primary school students from Yaonan Village Primary School, assisting in fence building, cooking meals as well as participating in home visits to gain first-hand experience of the villagers’ daily lives. Despite facing obstacles along the way, we managed to support each other and worked together with little hassle to attain our shared goal for this trip – to serve the overseas community and learn from one another. All things considered, majority of the team members would agree that this trip has been an enriching and fulfilling experience, being able to benefit and learn so much from the service learning. Now, let’s hear what some of the members have to share about their experience.

After this YEP trip, it enlightened me and I learnt many things from it. One example would be from the two home visits that we went. Both families are living in a mud house and their living conditions aren’t very good, yet neither families complain about their situations and instead carry on with life with a positive outlook. From this, I learnt that we should stay positive no matter how difficult things get, and continue to persevere on. We should also be grateful for what we have and should learn to appreciate them. This trip had also changed some of my bad habits like complaining and giving up easily when I meet an obstacle and thanks to this YEP trip, I can change all these bad habits. All in all, if i were given another opportunity to go for another YEP trip, I will not hesitate to sign up.

Jordan Jin (Year 2, Biomedical Engineering)

This trip has taught me to cherish all the little things in life and to be more appreciative of what we already have, like having a roof over my head and a proper bed to sleep on.

Additionally, it has given me the opportunity to hone my leadership and people skills, and I’ve also learnt the true meaning of service learning.

The students we taught - not all of them come from happy backgrounds and most of them aren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouths and yet, if you simply look at them smiling and running around all day you’d never guess the hardships they have went through already at such a young age. We went there to teach them English, but they taught us the true meaning of life.

Farah Adilah (Year 3, Biomedical Engineering)

I've learnt that sometimes, we have to take a step out of our comfort zone to learn something new. Through all the house visits, mountain walks, teaching sessions, and meal plannings, I was able to see things from a new perspective and  I feel like I came out of the journey as a more knowledgeable person. - Katelyn Phua (Year 3, Early Childhood)

We embarked on this trip with the objectives of learning the cultures there, helping and understand the community needs and of course teaching them some basic English language through different themes. However, what amazes me most is the amount of little things I learnt through these trips! That includes how the children can find happiness in tons of simple things with their simple life! They strongly value their family kinship and always want to help the family in any possible way. In additional, through this trip, I was given a chance to see how great leaders lead the team. Things that simply can't be taught, but you have to experience it to learn it. Lastly, YEP required us to portray a strong sense of teamwork and being able to work as a team definitely made things a lot better. It's definitely a value added experience to better myself as a person! -  Tan Guan Wei (Year 2, Biomedical Engineering)

This being my second YEP trip to Yunnan, I have a greater urge and motivation to do everything to the best of my ability to help the villagers here. This trip was way more heart-aching as compared to the previous trip, as we got to interact with the even poorer families this time. They lived a simple life, yet they have the greatest and wealthiest heart which everyone in the cities lack.

Every single time I go back, it motivates me even more to want to keep on serving and giving back to my community and help these less fortunate people. I am thankful for yet another opportunity.  - Peggy Yeo(Year 3, Biomedical Engineering)

The trip made me reflect about my own living conditions and I now truly appreciate what I have back at home.

The trip has made me more enthusiastic and more willing to serve others who are less fortunate. I found true meaning in service to others.

I have also become more sensitive to the plight of certain communities both locally and overseas. - Terrence Goh(Year 3, Multimedia & Animation)

One thing I've learnt from YEP is perspective. The ability to look at things from other perspectives other than my own. The ability to accept people despite their flaws and still look at them as people. That is the most important thing I've learned. - Matthew Philip (Year 3, Biomedical Engineering)

This trip has taught me many things. Firstly, to always find the light in the darkness. Secondly, is to be emotionally strong. Last and most importantly, is to always be grateful for what you have. - Richmond Choo (Year 1, Biomedical Engineering)

Being my third trip to Yaonan, I was more or less familiar with most details of the trip, and that inevitably made me take on the role as a leader. I wasn't confident that I can take good care of my members, and I am guilty of not being as hardworking or caring as the other leaders, but I did my best. As I walked down the roads and conquered the difficult terrains, I recalled how each trip/lesson in the past actually helped me grow as an individual. Despite all the hardships, it was through the lecturers' guidance and the teamwork between all of us that we managed to forge so many beautiful memories and enrich ourselves through this experience. I wish to thank each and every participant who have made a positive change to my life, and for brightening up my days during this trip. - Neo Hui Qi (Year 3, Chinese Media)