Project Love Across Boundaries saw a team of 20 Materials Science and Engineering Undergraduates engaging in a community project at Kayin Su Village – Basic Education School in the outskirts of Yangon, Myanmar. With a focus on the importance of education, there were three categories of activities – Education, Innovation and Life Skills – and the programmes were designed such that the students would be able to practice their newly acquired knowledge even after the team leaves. Topics included problem-solving, starting a business, and sustaining a livelihood.
The team also worked on improving the physical school environment to facilitate improved teaching and learning processes. Hence, a one storey building was built and painted.
Even though language posed a barrier to deeper interactions, simple gestures of the locals such as welcoming the team into their homes and providing home-made snacks were universally understood. Always welcoming and with ready smiles, it was quite a stark difference from interactions in urbanised Singapore. It was a memorable experience for the team and the hospitality of the locals left an indelible impression.
“One sentence struck me hard during this trip: “How did we get so lucky to be born in Singapore?”. Comparing the landscape of Yangon and Singapore, both cities and capitals, we as Singaporeans are really blessed to be able to enjoy the physical comforts of home that we take for granted. I am now determined to lead a life where I am able to impact lives.” Chew Min Yi, Head Business Manager
About Materials Science and Engineering Club
Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) Club represents the interest of more than 800 undergraduate students in NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering.
Founded in 2000, MSE Club is actively contributing in providing welfare, academic and social support to its members in their undergraduate studies.
MSE Overseas Community Involvement Programme Committee is one of the event committees of the Club with the aim of providing MSE students with the opportunity to participate in overseas service learning projects.
