A team of 15 passionate students from NTU Uni-Y embarked on an Overseas Community Engagement Project (OCEP) in Laos, from 1-13 June 2024. Our mission was to make a meaningful impact on the lives of underprivileged children in the rural area of Oudomxay by enhancing their educational environment and fostering cross-cultural understanding. This project, aptly named Project Chee-Wit Chee-Waa, was more than just a volunteer trip—it was an opportunity for us to step out of our comfort zones, learn from a different culture, and contribute positively to a community in need.
The core objectives of our project were centered around improving access to quality education, promoting physical activity, and nurturing an appreciation for the arts among the students at Phuanmit School. We achieved this by conducting interactive lessons in English and Science, constructing infrastructure that would benefit the students, and organising cultural exchange activities that would foster mutual understanding between the Singaporean volunteers and the Laotian students.
Throughout the 13 days we spent in Laos, we engaged in a variety of activities that were both challenging and rewarding. From teaching science through hands-on experiments to building a garden wall in the face of unpredictable weather, our team was constantly learning and adapting. We also had the privilege to experience Laos beyond its rural landscapes – visiting local social enterprises, interacting with community members, and exploring the country’s natural beauty. These experiences not only enriched our understanding of Laos but also strengthened our bonds as a team.
One of the social enterprises that we visited was Laos Buffalo Dairy (LBD). They collaborate with local villagers in Luang Prabang by renting female buffalos from them, to produce dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese, and ice cream, for sale. With this initiative, LBD ensures that the buffalos are well cared for, creates jobs for locals, and supports educational opportunities, while focusing on improving animal health and sustainability. Visiting LBD was a very fun and eye-opening experience for the entire team.
Another social enterprise we visited was Xon Phao, a space where people with disabilities create handcrafted souvenirs and sell it to earn a living. After interacting with individuals with disabilities and learning arts and crafts in their workshops, we felt deeply inspired and humbled by their creativity and resilience. The experience reinforced the importance of inclusivity and the potential for everyone to contribute meaningfully to their communities.
This project was a true blend of service and learning, where we not only shared our knowledge and skills with the local community but also gained invaluable insights into their way of life. The memories we made, the challenges we overcame, and the relationships we built will stay with us long after the trip has ended, inspiring us to continue making a difference in the world.
Before this YEP trip, I saw volunteering as simply providing direct aid to those in need. Through engaging with the Lao community, I realised that service learning is also about mutual understanding and cultural exchange, fostering bonds across diverse backgrounds. This exchange broadened my perspective, making me more open-minded and empathetic. I also learned the importance of capacity building, as empowering local communities can lead to long-term development and resilience. Tai Qi Xuan, Participant
About Project Chee-Wit Chee-Waa
University-YMCA (Uni-Y) Singapore is the university service club of YMCA of Singapore. Currently, Uni-Y Singapore has student chapters in Nanyang Technological University (NTU), National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). At Uni-Y, we go beyond being a volunteering platform, and becoming a community that emphasises on developing and empowering youths to be servant leaders who would impact the local and international communities.
