They gave me more then they'll ever know

"I've seen and met angels wearing the disguise of ordinary people living ordinary lives."                                                                                                   -Tracy Chapman

To be really honest, I signed up for this trip for the CIP points. I had originally thought that I would just be helping the citizens in Cambodia to build houses or to teach them some stuff but boy oh boy was I wrong.

The very first day had us all waking up in the early morning just to arrive in the airport in time. Some of us didn't even sleep. Needless to say we were all very tired but the excitement of the trip in front of us kept us awake. But our excitement only managed to keep us awake till the flight took off. Or at least, for me. Hours later, our plane had officially arrived in Siem Reap. Our journey had only just begun.

In my own opinion, I felt that we had not helped the people of Cambodia enough. So many of them were still suffering from poverty, and yet they still welcomed us so warmly and were so eager to learn from us. It's a trait that is sadly lacking in us Singaporeans. On our very first visit to the orphanage there, we were greeted by all kids who call the orphanage their home, they said warm hellos or 'O-kun' to us and we replied in the same way. Their smiles a far cry from their living conditions. We taught them some english songs and they in turn taught us theirs. Later, we had time to interact with them and many of us made friends with the locals there.

My trip to Cambodia was also a much need wake up call, to remind me to wake up and look at the things I have around me, to look and appreciate everything I have. The Cambodians don't have much, yet they're so optimistic towards life, so eager to study and yet us Singaporeans whine about everything. We're constantly rushing to meet deadlines, comparing what we have to others, complaining about the littlest things. I feel that in that way, they are more fortunate than us.


Also, I'm thankful for the teachers who came with us, coupled with our tour guides, they made my trip a truly unforgettable one. To everyone who came on this trip, Okun!

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love."                                                                                          - Mother Teresa

-Germaine.

Dare To Dream

a little love + action

I believe just 6D5N of having the opportunity to interact with the Cambodians is a blessing to all of us, especially me. This feeling is indescribable. Only when i'd witnessed and experienced what was least expected  in this highly-developed world, then will i learn to appreciate what i have. This trip is definitely an impactful moment in my life journey, i'll never forget how my presence could bring smiles to their faces and heaven in their hearts. After this trip, i am really inspired to be a tour guide. -someone to open the eyes of others to the things unseen in this world-. Not just bringing people to share the joy of the world to less-developed countries, but also to change the perspective of their views. I want the world to know, of these Little Cambodians that so long for our care and concern:

To end off, would like to thank the 5 teachers for creating such opportunity and privilege for me to have a life-changing experience. Leihai, i'll be back to Cambodia one day! ^^

My feelings about what I have experienced during the trip and what I have learnt

The feelings about our experience during the trip are hard to describe. I even have trouble trying to tell my friends about the trip. All I could say was "it was great/meaningful/fun". During the trip, I had mixed feelings. Until you experience it yourself, then can you understand those feelings. But, I’ll try to write it out here.

Well, during some of the lessons where we had to teach them English, i wanted to quit and rest. But really it was the students' eagerness to learn that kept me going. As mere students ourselves, i felt unfit to teach the kids there. When every lesson ends, I will think to myself whether it was good enough but at the same time happy to be able to provide some help to them. During the activities we did, I felt a need to give my best. Like when playing outdoor games with the kids, I couldn’t just sit there and look at the sky. I felt as though the kids carried high hopes on me, every time I daze off, they'd be disappointed. My feelings were mostly dependent on the kids, "They happy, I happy".

I learned how to say many Khmer sentences during the trip. I learned how to communicate with them and at the same be mindful of their feelings. After the trip, I have definitely learned to appreciate the things I have in Singapore. Like: a family, a house, homework given, sufficient food and even proper flushing system. I would love to go for another trip like this if given the chance.

To end off, I would like to thank our 5 teachers who supported and encouraged us.

Peace out,
Harriet :)

A learning experience I won't forget.

This C.I.P trip to Cambodia really taught me many things that I could never have learnt here in Singapore. Over there, the peoples' living conditions were extremely bad and impoverished unlike Singapore where the majority of people get to enjoy their lives in luxurious conditions, e.g air conditioners, beds to sleep on, proper toilets etc. and get to have nutritious meals three times a day. Majority of the Cambodians were poor and left hungry as seen from their small frames. I feel that most Singaporeans are priviledged to actually have a place to live, food to eat, chance to study etc. These things do not come easy for most Cambodians as they simply cannot afford it. So I think that Singaporeans should treasure and cherish what they have instead of complaining and grumbling on things that are superficial, taking things for granted. ( no offence ). Life in Cambodia were very simple and yet the people were contented, going about their daily lives. I really admire them for their simplicity, as simplicity, to them is an attribute, and they would make full use of what they have to survive. No complaints came from them at all. As most of the children in Cambodia are weak in the command of English, communicating with them was a tough job. Fortunately, they were humble. I believe that they would succeed in mastering the English language and a better life would be ensured for them as English is an international language. Though I have only taught them for a while, but I could see that they were putting in the effort to improve their English language, and if they continue with this positive attitude consistantly, I'm confident that they would be successful in the future.
I was also very touched by one thing about the Cambodian children, and that is their sincerity. They were very sincere and appreciative in everything they do. E.g. they would welcome every visitor to their school by waiting at the entrance and saying 'hello', also giving thanks to everything they receive. Though this is a simple word, it can brighten up someones day. The smile from their faces did have an impact on me as they were not arrogant/stuck up, at all. I have taken away so many things from this trip and all these are experiences that would help change me to become a better person. Jia you and good luck to all the children/people in Cambodia in achieving their excellence in life.

Low Chuwen Fu

Adventure and Experience .

Before I went on this trip, some of my friends were telling me how bad Cambodia was, that there were a lot of insects and lizards. But I still wanted to go as I felt that I needed to be adventurous and also to help those who are less fortunate than we are. I was a little afraid that I would regret going on this trip. But I saw a quote, and I agree with it.

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience." -Victoria Holt

Just before the trip, I did not know what I expected. Maybe I just expected too much, because when I visited the villages, I was quite shocked by what I saw. Their living conditions were worse than I what I expected. For the first two days of the trip, we went to Baray Kompong Thom Province for our homestay. This allowed us to experience the living conditions of the people there. This made me really miss my home, and this allowed me to realize how fortunate I really am, that I have a fully-structured house and a comfortable bed, unlike most of the Cambodians living there.

We also visited an orphanage and helped out there. The orphans lived life to the fullest, and had a positive outlook on life. And I felt that that was something we could learn from them. Many times, we complain about what we have. When someone gives us a gift, no matter how big or small, we do not know how to truly appreciate it. However, the Cambodians there, really know how to appreciate things. When we give them something as little and as small as a piece of sweet, they will say "Thank you" and they appreciate it. From what I have experienced in Singapore, whenever someone gives us a sweet, most of the time, we consume it immediately, and most of the time, we ask that person for another piece.

Through this trip, it has taught me to appreciate everything we have, and not take things for granted. For example, in the classroom. We have fans in the classroom, and yet many of us complain that it is very hot, and that we want air-conditioners installed. However, classrooms in the schools in Cambodia do not have fans. Let alone air-conditioners. Yes, I agree that Singapore is a very developed country. However, just because of that, we still should not take things for granted. There are many people who are less fortunate than we are. Maybe we should think of others more, and be less self-centered. And this trip can really help us do that, to be a better person.

I did not regret going on this trip. Actually, I felt blessed, grateful and thankful that I could go on this trip, as this is not something that we can experience that easily. I feel that more trips like this should be organized as it really teaches people the values in life.


Be appreciative. Be grateful and thankful for what you have, as there are much more people who are less fortunate than us.

-Jazreel

If There's A Will, There's A Way

I was looking forward to this trip after I've got the news that I'd been selected to represent the school to go to Cambodia for CIP. However, there was a whole string of worries struck me. Where am I going to sleep? Is the food there suitable for me? Must I dig my own toilet? Can I get use to the environment there? These questions came into my head till the day we went to Cambodia.

I couldn't sleep that night as it was my first time travelling overseas (other than Malaysia) and sitting on a plane. Long before that I had already thought of in what ways can I bring myself closer to the people there. The people there are friendly and of course, our tour guide, Mr Moni was kind of a humorous man so I did not felt bored for the entire trip. I was reluctant to eat the crickets and grasshoppers as they seemed, 'unpleasant' to me. But seeing all my friends eating it with courage, I ate it too...well, It taste like prawn crackers! Well its the Cambodian version of potato chips! Eating insects can never be found in Singapore. Therefore, it will be a memorable experience for me to remember it for a life time!

We went to the local orphanage to familiarise with the children there and I found out that when we gave them gits like cakes and pencils, they will always placed their hands together and say thank you (alkun). I was touched. In Singapore, cakes and pencils were easy to find and we just need to pay a few dollars to get them. But in Cambodia, giving the kids the presents that we brought from Singapore its like they had struck lottery! The children in the orhanage were not as fortunate as us. They lived in a run down building with spider webs dangling above their ceilings. For me to be honest, I couldn't stand living in such condition. The children gained my respect as no matter how hard their lives could be, they did not complain. In fact, they live in dignity. They want to strive for a better living. Unlike Singaporeans, we had high technology schools for us to studied in and wonderful meals for us to eat until we're full, we still complain. "Why must we do homework?" "I hate test!" "The canteen food was pathetic!" But when we're complaining, we did not think of the Cambodians were having a harder time then us. Most of them did not have the chance to study and they could eat plain rice with a plate of vegetables for their dinner without complaining.

The Cambodians slept in the condition of not having a air conditioned room. All they have was a fan. They slept on hard wooden floors and what about us? We slept on our comfortable bed with an air conditioner blowing at us every night! We should really reflect. This trip really left an grest impact in my life and I will change myself for the better by not complaining.

Another thing I've found out after this trip was (the teachers might be happy to hear this) teaching was not an easy job. We had a hard time communicating with the children there due to our languages. But the children there never fails to give us their full attention and waited patiently for me to explain to them. I can sense that their will to learn, to learn more about the world, to increase their knowledge.

My mother asked me this morning that whether if I would go back again to Cambodia to help the children there, and I replied immediately, "YES." I will never ever regret that I went to Cambodia. In fact, I would like to go again, maybe next year? After 'O' levels. I will recommend my friends to go with me to experience the KINGDOM OF WONDERS.

By: Christina Lee

A small change can make a big difference in someone's life

 I strongly feel that this trip to Cambodia has changed me. My thoughts, my feelings and my actions. I have matured. I am more appreciative of things. I am thankful for the things around me. I learn to make use of every moment that I have to do something meaningful. Helping people has turned out to be a pleasure and not a chore.



During the trip in Cambodia, I've experienced what it is like to be in a less-developed country. This trip has caused a great impact in my life. I am inspired by the optimistic view of the Cambodians. They are eager and willing to learn new things. They are positive towards life and don't let obstacles block stop them from learning. They do not think of their poverty as an end to their learning. They use each and every obstacle to keep walking on - To keep on learning, growing and blooming. I am amazed by them and their courage to face everything.


They treasure what they have. What about us Singaporeans? How often is it that we start grumbling and moaning to our parents. 'I want a new camera!', 'Why can't I have an Iphone?','I want new clothes!'. Why can't we just learn to appreciate what we have? Be grateful for what you have. Be reminded that there are more who are not as blessed as you.

Enjoy your own life without comparing it with that of another. -Marquis de Condorcet 

Love goes a long way..
Let us do whatever we can for other people.

Audrey