Started in 2016, WeeTrip is an annual overseas service project organised by WeeVolunteer, offering students an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact. With a mission to sustain long-term efforts in Laos, we aim to provide unwavering support to our target communities. This year, our WeeTrip program saw 25 passionate volunteers embark on a journey to Laos for 18 unforgettable days.
Our adventure began with eight days of dedicated volunteering at Phuanmit School in Nabo Noi, Oudomxay Province, followed by seven enriching days in the vibrant city centre of Luang Prabang. The remaining four days were devoted to travelling, where we got to immerse ourselves in the scenic beauty of Laos.
In line with WeeVo’s vision of sustainable, long-term volunteering, we returned to Phuanmit School for the second time. Our team collaborated closely with the school, enhancing facilities and engaging in heartfelt cultural exchanges with teachers, staff, and students. After months of meticulous planning, we finally brought our lessons to life, teaching subjects like English, Music, Physical Education, and Communication skills workshops, including poster making and basic photography. By the end of our week at Phuanmit School, we had fostered strong ties with the locals and students. The tearful goodbyes and promises to stay connected solidified our friendship with the school, aptly named Phuanmit, meaning “friend” in Lao.
Our journey continued with a week in the enchanting city of Luang Prabang, where we immersed ourselves in the local community through various media projects, ranging from captivating articles to compelling documentaries. We collaborated with a diverse array of organisations, including local businesses like Moon Love Batik, social enterprises like Xon Phao, and public organisations like the Luang Prabang Library. Working alongside students from Souphanouvong University for the second time, we enjoyed a rich cultural exchange, forming cherished friendships that will last a lifetime.
Throughout the trip, our volunteers forged close bonds with the locals, creating connections that transcended surface-level interactions and blossomed into potentially lifelong friendships. Many expressed a heartfelt desire to return to the school in the future, underscoring their commitment to sustained engagement. The experience ignited a passion for volunteering within Singapore, as participants became more aware of the impact they could make both locally and globally. Through their interactions and activities, members gained invaluable new perspectives, engaging in deep, meaningful conversations about the local community’s challenges and strengths. This introspection led to a greater appreciation of the cultural exchange, reinforcing their dedication to service and community building.
WeeTrip is more than just a volunteer project; it’s a heartfelt journey that builds bridges between cultures and showcases the enduring spirit of friendship and service. We return home with enriched experiences, broadened perspectives, and a renewed commitment to making a positive impact on the world, one community at a time.
Interacting with the students of Phuanmit and being enveloped in their infectious energy brought me much joy amidst the difficulties I faced during the trip. I loved being in the same classroom as the students and getting to know them, even though the language barrier made it difficult for us to communicate efficiently. This forced us to interact through other means, like games and drawings, which created unexpected bonds. Seeing the students’ bright smiles and hearing them yell “teacher!” so enthusiastically reignited my passion for volunteering and I understand why some of my seniors return to Phuanmit multiple times. The bonds we have made there may be simple and fleeting, but I will cherish them in my heart for a long time. Hong Jeng Jee, Member
About WeeTrip
WeeTrip is organised by WeeVolunteer – a student-led organisation from Wee Kim Wee School of Communication & Information, passionately committed to making a difference both locally and overseas. Guided by a dedicated Executive Committee that spearheads new initiatives, and an 18-member Main Committee that meticulously plans and executes volunteering activities, our mission is clear and heartfelt. We strive to inspire a generation of WeeKids to give back to society through meaningful and sustainable volunteer opportunities, all with a unique focus on communication. Our vision is to serve as a shining beacon for volunteer organisations within NTU, fostering a spirit of service and community that resonates far and wide.
