Medan voyage
Lim Kai Yang, 26, research student

This Christmas, Kai Yang will most likely be celebrating the spirit of sharing and giving in Medan with 25 other youths. They won't be partying but working with a non-governmental organization there to improve the quality of life of the women and children of Medan.

This is the second time he's leading a Youth Expedition Project (YEP), barely 10 months after his last expedition to Batam, a six-month long project wrapped up in February this year. His YEP involvement began two years ago when he enrolled as a participant in a 21-day expedition to China to upgrade the host village's drainage system. Upon his return, inspired by his experience, Kai Yang wanted to contribute more to the community. Between school assignments and exams, he took part in ad-hoc fund-raising projects for the Singapore Red Cross and Mercy Relief.

Why does he do it? He has the time he says modestly, and he believes that no matter how successful people are; they won't be whole unless they give back to society. Not wealthy enough to donate money, he offers something more precious, his time and commitment. What he gets in return is a more colourful and fulfilling life as he learns about foreign issues right at the source.

If you share his passion for making a social difference and wish to join his effort to improve the lives of those in Medan, email lky78@yahoo.com

Kai Yang plougs the land in a day of farm visits in China

Mentor exercise
Veron Koo Huiqin, 22, schoolteacher

As a poly student, Veron set aside two hours every Saturday to be a volunteer tutor, mentor and friend to a few EM2 primary five and six students.  It gave her so much fulfillment that she became a teacher. And she still rings her former students regularly to find out how they are.

Her stint in the mentoring scheme led to more things. This sunshine girl went on to join the Bukit Ho Swee Youth Executive Committee (YEC) where she has been organising events for youths for the past three years. Such activities are for widening their social circle. Due to her commitment as a full-time teacher, Veron can only devote more time to YEC during the school holidays.

"Volunteering is very meaningful. It has also contributed to my personal development. Up to my secondary school days, I was very quiet. Volunteering has helped boost my self-confidence. During discussions, I had to speak up to express my ideas. I've learnt to better manage my time as well as develop my interpersonal and social skills." This is because, on occasion, Veron has to hobnob with the VIPs at events, eg MPs and grassroots leaders.

With youth on her side, Veron has a lot more to contribute.

Row holding banner: Veron is third from the left.

Indian summer
Jerine Teh Meijie, 22, schoolteacher

Just weeks before Jerine started her first day of work as a teacher, she returned from an invigorating 20-day overseas community service expedition to Mysore, India where her team built a playground for the village children. Jerine, who can't sit still, likes to push herself out of her comfort zone.

Indeed, her volunteer experiences have been so immensely rewarding that she can't say no to community work. Even now, she vividly recalls her early days as a student volunteer at the Singapore Cheshire Home and Assisi Home and Hospice. The strength and spirit of both residents and volunteers, and their "never-say-die" attitude taught her to look at the bright side of life.

There is no mistaking the fervour in her voice as she shares her experiences. She said, "I have learnt a lot from working with different people. The dynamic individuals I met in Singapore and India in the course of my work have been truly inspiring. My time management and project management skills have also vastly improved. I hope to pass on to my students, the attitudes and values I have gained from volunteering. I would like them to see the things I've seen and experience the teamwork and camaraderie that develop from such events."

Jerine gets down and dirty in Mysore, India

Hainan, not for chicken rice
Heratnor Bin Kassanuri, 25, commercial aircraft trainee technician

He made his way to China alone to join his teammates who had arrived on Hainan Island four days earlier. After a harrowing three-hour transfer with some local Chinese and lots of sign language, it was close to midnight when he finally made it to the rural village. No Amazing Race, but for a non-Chinese speaking Malay, that's definitely no mean feat either. The prospect of arriving on foreign soil by himself did little to deter him from embarking on the community service project. If anything, the language and cultural differences posed a challenge rather than a barrier.

The expedition left an indelible impression on him as the experience encompassed training and development of both body and mind. Ratnor said, It was not just all physical labour. The expedition's many sessions of discussions tackled social issues and helped trigger a reflection of my personal goals. It made me take stock of the situation and contemplate my life experiences to date.

And to think he almost did not join the expedition as his exam dates clashed with the expedition schedule. But as a clear example of anything's possible, he left Singapore after completing his last paper, and arrived in China to a rousing welcome from his teammates.

Some 14 months after his return, Ratnor joined another expedition. Only this time, he assumed the role of the project co-leader. He said that coming together with people of different races, cultures and mentalities has changed his mindset from one that had previously seemed resigned to treading the same pragmatic paths as many others, i.e. school, career and family, to making him look more positively at the big picture. He is keen to actively volunteer once again when he fulfils his company bond in five years' time.

Ratnor ditches all: Back row, second from the right

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