For many years, I had lived a pampered life. I did not have to
worry about myself because everything was prepared for me. Come to think of it,
I was always taking things for granted, not appreciating what I had in my
possession. In fact, I did not see myself as being fortunate. However, things changed
after my first overseas community involvement programme (OCIP) in Batam. It was
truly an unbelievable experience for me.
My OCIP mission was to build fence for a primary school. When
I first heard about the project, I was shocked as I could not imagine a school
without this basic protection. I thought fence was the least schools should have. However, this was not the case for the schools in Batam
as many of them could not afford the high cost. It was then that I felt really privileged to
be living in Singapore.
You may think that not having fence is bad but it is definitely not the worst. I had to prepare myself for more shocks. I was stunned when I first set foot in the school. Everything looked so old and run-down. I had expected things
to be bad but not to that extent. Many of the students did not even have the proper
stationery to use. It was unbelievable. At that point in time, I felt really
ashamed. I knew I was so much fortunate than the kids in Batam. From then on, I
started to become more conscious and appreciative of the people and things around me.
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Thank you very much, Alvin, for sharing this rich experience with us. You focus on your visit and the building of the fence at the primary school in Batam to illustrate not just your own privilege but also the transformation in your awareness. This is a powerful reflection!
ReplyDeleteHi Alvin! I went to Batam for my OCIP too and yes the living conditions in some of the slums there were harsh. I wished the state could do something to help those people.
ReplyDeleteAnyway i feel that your post is very well-written! Could not find anything that is irregular except for "I had lived a pampered life". Maybe it should be "I lived a pampered life"?
Hello Alvin! Unlike you, I did not have an opportunity to go for an OCIP trip. I really hope I can go for one during my course of study in NUS.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is really a blessing and a privilege to study in Singapore, without having to worry about many things. I just saw a picture on twitter about "Where in the world you can find the best schools and the happiest kids" and Singapore was ranked as FIRST! Even though I feel that as Singaporeans, we might be quick to disagree with that and find faults with the system. However, after going for a CIP to help in a reading programme for children in Singapore with financial difficulties, I really feel very fortunate that I do not have to worry about financial issues and can study comfortably. Upon reading your blog post and my reflecting on my own experiences, I think it is true that Singapore do have the best schools with good facilities and we should not take these things for granted!:)
cheers! sili