Binjai Goes Laos

Our first task of service learning was to remove the water tank to reconstruct its support structure.

Constructing brick and cement structures around the trees at BanPhonXay Primary School, to ensure better growth of the greenery.

Our team members (in their green shirts), local university students and the primary school students are working together, to create a memorable Day Market event.

Here at XonPhao, our team learns the art of making sticky rice.

Participating in a ‘Baci’ ceremony. It was a heartfelt moment that symbolized the bonds of friendship and the blessings received from the local community.

Binjai Goes Laos! is an Overseas Community Engagement Program (OCEP) aimed at fostering volunteerism, community building, and cultural appreciation among students through immersive service learning in underserved communities. This initiative seeks to instill gratitude for Singapore’s privileges, underscore the importance of leadership, and demonstrate how education can uplift lives. Beyond community service, our project emphasises cultural exchange and understanding, providing participants with a comprehensive experience.

During our time in Laos, we visited XonPhao, a social enterprise empowering locals with disabilities through handmade crafts and textiles. Here, we engaged in a sticky rice workshop and shared meals with the community, gaining insights into their entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. This initial encounter set the tone for our service learning, where our team quickly immersed themselves in the local culture, forging meaningful connections with those we aimed to support.

At BanPhonXay Primary School, our activities ranged from constructing a water tank support structure and tree shelters over several mornings, to teaching subjects like Mathematics, Business, Science, and Art in English during the afternoons. We kept lessons dynamic with outdoor activities and games, so as to ensure that we engage and provide meaningful learning experiences. Additionally, we enjoyed a vibrant cultural exchange with University students from the Teaching College, enriching our understanding of Laos’s cultural richness.

In addition to our school activities, we explored local industries such as MyBanLao, founded by a Singaporean entrepreneur, and Aqua de Bamboo, which upcycles bamboo into eco-friendly products. These visits provided valuable insights into sustainable practices and community-focused entrepreneurship in Laos, enhancing our appreciation for local efforts towards sustainability and ethical practices.

Seeing how the school operated, gave insight into how the villagers can be happy with much less than us and made me grateful for what I have. Teo Zhen Hui Derrick, Participant and Business Manager

About Binjai Goes Laos