When I first heard about iProject 8 months back, I was determined to join the group and be a part of this family. Knowing this could be once-in-a-lifetime experience, I volunteered and soon become a part of the group, planning and preparing for the Vietnam trip.

Looking back, it had been really tough juggling both our academics and iProject preparation, especially when our promotional exams were around the corner, but we did it, and our hard work paid off. The smiles on the Vietnamese kids were the best reward for all the hardship and preparation we went through.

I have learnt many valuable lessons from the people in Vietnam. Sometimes I felt that I have learnt even more than what I have taught them.

When I first stepped foot on Vietnam, I was "welcomed" by the non-stop horning of the vehicles. Coming from a country that horning was generally regarded as rude, I was irritated by the constant horning and could not appreciate this culture of theirs. However as days go by, I began to have a change in attitude. I learnt to appreciate their culture and soon began to LOVE the culture of theirs. Unlike Singapore, horning is used as a form of warning and not as a rude way of expressing unhappiness. Now thinking back, I miss the sound of the horns, which would always be heard at every turn.

The first and last days in Tavan Secondary School were the most unforgettable time. On the first day, we marched into the school with two rows of children neatly lined up clapping and cheering for us, welcoming us into their school. We were then given a flower each and invited to see their performance. Although their performance were simple and I could not understand their language, I could feel the warmth in their welcome for us. It was heart-warming to see their delighted face. However being unable to understand their language, I was unable to know if our presence were being appreciated. On the last day at TaVan, the children cried and hugged us. we spend very long a time before picking our courage to leave the school. That was when I realised, we were really being appreciated. I was touched.

During the full 6 days, we did construction work every morning and conducted lessons in the afternoon. I found that I have learnt a lot through the lessons conducted. Looking at the children’ actions, it made me reflect on my own actions back in Singapore. I remember one of the encounter brought up by the team members that when a box of colour pencil was given to one girl as a prize. Instead of keeping it for her own, she open up the box of pencils and distributed them to the whole class. This little girl had taught me that only when you are willing to share your happiness, will you be able to experience true happiness. =)

Labels: Yee Ling