The trip was the first time I took a plane ride and it was an enjoyable process. Before I boarded the plane, near the channel which linked the plane to the departure hall, Mr Sim asked me if I was feeling better or not because I was a first-time flyer at that time. I replied with a Yes and that sparked off a mindset that this trip would definitely be a memorable one. With continuous care and concern, it certainly motivated the whole group of iProject.

We arrived late at Vietnam, yet were welcomed warmly by the Vietnamese volunteers from HelloHanoi. Among the Vietnamese volunteers, I met this girl, Linh who was very thoughtful, kind and friendly. She led a group of us around the busy street at Old Quarters and guided us whether the pricing was acceptable or negotiable. She was really nice to us throughout the trip and we could chat anything under the sun. Till now, we still stay in contact via MSN and by E-mail.

At TaVan School, I had seven Vietnam students and I named them my "rainbow students", each a different colour. They were the ones who gave me the determination to carry on with tasks assigned whenever I felt lethargic. Initially, I could not talk things out with them. They would always refuse or ignore my presence, like a stranger. However, things started to change when I got to know them better. We got along well with jokes and stuff. They were a bunch of innocent kids who brought joy to me at Tavan and it was their smiles that I brought along with me back to Singapore to remember with. Not the values or experiences that I learnt. In fact, I believe that it is the memories that will change each and every part of my life. The simplicity of life is what a person ever yearns for. French loaves, an egg and milk yoghurt for lunch everyday, might be what I ask for in the end. They were easily contented with just a piece of origami paper and would value it.

During the teaching session, we had problems trying to get ideas across to the students there. It was never an easy task due to language barrier. We had to find appropriate actions or drawings just to make them understand. We did not succumb to such situation, but persevered to obtain their understanding. Of course, the students also never fail to comprehend our teaching. Now I realised the difficulty a teacher experiences just trying to control 25 students in a class. Compared to us, with merely seven iProject-ians to control 25 students in a class. I must say that the teachers were very noble.

Simple games like dog'n'bone and soccer displayed the TaVan students' sportsmanship and enthusiasm. They were very competitive throughout the games and hold no grudge against each other after every game. It was so disappointing to see them having talents that could hardly able to make use of.

In a nutshell, if given another opportunity to return back to TaVan School to help them, I will second the idea and go back there without much thought. The trip was definitely a fruitful one. Thank you iProject-ians and the teachers-in-charge for the support in such programme because it was a SUCCESS! =). Cheers!

TavaNova!

Labels: Wen Chong