Participants taking turns to cook for the whole team. Making Keropok for dinner

                   For the NUS science undergraduate who participated in this programme, Ms Naadhirah, 21 years, this programme had taught her how to be independent through experiences such as having to cook her own meals, and living outside of her home for an extended period of time.

                   The participants had been given a golden opportunity to experience the lives of children in parts of the world which are less fortunate than Singapore’s.

                   Ms Sakinah from Temasek Junior College, 17 years, reflected “I have grown after this trip as it made me push my limits and created an awareness in me of how fortunate I am to be living in Singapore with good facilities and a comprehensive education system.”

                   Working as a team, for an extended duration including living together had taught Ms Cheryl Giam from Victoria Junior College, 17 years, to put others before self. “By doing so you can gain the trust of your peers and feel a great sense of accomplishment in whatever you are committed to,” said Cheryl.

                   Debrief sessions were conducted on a daily basis in both group and individual settings by the SE CDC staff, to harness the learning experience into key deliverables for these youth participants. Participants were encouraged to be honest and reflected on each day’s activities and observable behaviours. Participants also kept a journal with daily entries.

                   At the closing ceremony, the team handed over the completed project to the local community. The closing ceremony was graced by the vice-Mayor of Tj Pinang, the head of education of Tj Pinang, Dr Fatimah Lateef (Board member of the Marine Parade Leadership Foundation), and attended by the entire village.

                   It was a joyful occasion, with plenty of food cooked by the villagers in a gotong-royong effort.