Organised by Earthlink NTU, EcoVenture 2024 consisted of a trip to Vientiane Laos from 13 to 23 July 2024. Through the trip, participants aimed to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of Laos, in the process picking up new skills and experiences such as cementing and painting. Participants also aimed to learn how sustainable solutions such as water filtration systems could serve to improve the livelihood of the people in Laos. Participants also hoped to see continuity in the project by passing down knowledge and skills to the locals to continue. The learning objectives were met on this trip.
The trip was an enriching experience, giving the team not just an opportunity to contribute to local communities but also a time of personal growth.
Through the service learning portion, the team managed to cement 4 classroom in Phakao School and the painting of a mural on the school wall. The distribution and installation of the water filtration systems was also a success with many households in the village gratefully welcoming the new systems and members of the households were attentive and engaged in learning how to use the filtration system. This experience gave the team and opportunity to see what the Lao Villages were like and how they differed from the accomodation in Singapore. Talking to the locals also opened the team’s eyes to the simple yet joyful lifestyle of the villagers.
The learning journeys were also meaningful and enriching time with the team learning more about the culture, crafts and history of Laos. The interaction with the local university students saw many friendships forged, that continued even after the trip concluded via social media connections.
The project culminated in a games day, organized for the students of the local primary school. The event was well received and a fun-filled experince for both the school students and the organizers despite the language barrier. A unique and unforseen part of the trip was the unexpected connectivity between the different areas of our project as the local university students whom the team made friends with came down to support the games day event as well.
This trip has taught me to adapt to different environments. I have been a pretty blessed kid in Singapore (I’m grateful), and this is the first time I experience sleeping on a cold hard cement floor and also the first time I shower without hot water. While I was put in a situation that I can’t get out of, I have learnt to live with it and enjoy the process. Teo Jia Min, Logistics
About Earthlink NTU
EarthLink is the largest student-led environmental club in NTU that promotes environmental protection and sustainability among students and residents.
The club has dedicated portfolios that are constantly updating its objectives in order to address the ever-changing global climate. A few noteworthy large-scale activities and initiatives are its annual Overseas Community Engagement Programme (OCEP) and its flagship Green For Growth.
It also organises events that fill up niche areas such as nature-guided walks, where a dedicated portfolio leads participants to various locations around Singapore and exposes them to the diverse flora and fauna existing within the nation.
