International Volunteerism

Imagine corrugated iron slabs over tiny huts dotting the muddy narrow lane. Boys half-naked running and shouting in glee as they kick a rusty Pepsi can in a modified game of soccer. Girls no taller than your waist balancing buckets of water on their heads. Then, as if superimposed, a group of youths bearing similar T-shirts come equipped with cameras and video cameras and snap away, capturing the sights and sounds of a typical day in a remote village in Cambodia.

This is only a small part of a new way to immerse oneself in a cultural exchange of sorts – by traveling in groups of organized expeditions. The number of Singaporeans getting involved in service expeditions overseas has been growing and this trend is anticipated to expand further. Through partnering with communities, volunteers gain an insight into the lives and values of people in the region, and in the process help shape societies that are compassionate and driven to make a difference.

Also known as International Volunteerism, many organizations (non-governmental or affiliated) have been conceived to act as a vehicle for these expeditions. There are organizations that come up with a pre-planned program and then recruit volunteers; and then there are others that encourage youths to initiate their own expeditions by coming up with a proposal before getting endorsed by the funding organization. Depending on the nature of the organization, some receive grants from the government, hence are able to subsidise their volunteers. Whether it is taking a break from the corporate world or a community service school trip overseas, volunteers are given a myriad of choices to render their services.

Most of us are truly blessed to have a permanent shelter over our heads, food on the table and are able to enjoy a bit of luxury at the same time. However, many in our neighbouring countries are not as fortunate. Problems plague their lives on a daily basis. From unemployment to lack of food to domestic violence – these are all inter-related. Therefore some projects aim to provide income-generation skills while others focus on healthcare and education. Sadly, these longstanding chronic ills of impoverished societies are further compounded by natural disasters. Natural disasters that have ravaged communities, broken down families, and destroyed infrastructure. There is indeed so much that can, and should be done.

One of the organizations established in the last decade is Raleigh Society. What Raleigh Society hopes to achieve is found in its tagline – ‘Dedicated to Youth Development through Adventure Learning’. Youths from all backgrounds are challenged to discover their full potential by committing their time and efforts in community projects globally. Since its inception, Raleigh Society has been involved in numerous projects overseas. Countries touched by Raleigh include Indonesia, Mongolia, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Many of the projects initiated by Raleigh are community-based development. However when
the tsunami tragedy of 2004 occurred, some of Raleigh’s focus shifted to reconstruction. In January 2005, Raleigh inaugurated its ‘Tsunami Reconstruction Effort’ in Nias. In line with the rehabilitation effort, Raleigh Society volunteers engaged ‘Child’s Play’ under ‘Operasi Ya’ahowu’ – a project to help the affected children overcome trauma and restore normality in their lives. In operation since April 2005, Operasi Ya’ahowu is a project intended for long-term sustainability. Every year since, Raleigh Society has been sending teams up to further support the existing program, which also serves as a monitoring and evaluation process.

Raleigh Society endeavours to constantly update themselves on the latest happenings and progress of Operasi Ya’ahowu. Now in the third year, the focus has shifted to health in the post-emergency phase. Aptly called the ‘Doktor Kecil’ or ‘Little Doctor’ program, this project targets a healthy environment for the children in the community by raising awareness in school. The ‘Doctor Kecil’ program serves this purpose by selecting capable students in the appointed primary school to be health and hygiene ‘prefects’. Their roles are to monitor the adherence to hygiene standards by setting a model example and also through a reporting process. They have the responsibility of ensuring that health and cleanliness is an integral part of every student’s lives and report misbehaviours to the relevant teacher.

Teachers from the school are also trained by Raleigh’s volunteers to include health topics in the curriculum. The trainings come equipped with a health guidebook to facilitate understanding of the subject. Besides that, teachers also serve as mentors to the Doctor Kecil and inform them of their roles and responsibilities.

Doktor Kecil is currently an ongoing project started in November 2007. Future expedition dates are set for May, September and November 2008. They are currently recruiting volunteers for the upcoming expeditions, and volunteers with no specific skill set are most welcome to apply. If you have been itching to venture out and need a bit of extra push, here is your chance. For a wealth of information on Raleigh Society and their projects to make the world a better place, log on to www.raleigh.org.sg

Now imagine yourself in a Raleigh t-shirt, together with 13 other volunteers. Mere acquaintances for now, but once you board that plane to Aceh, you can be sure of a trip back full of fond memories and precious lessons, still smiling from remembering the smiles of the children.

"12 days in Pulau Nias was a good experience for me. Our strong team spirit spurred the team to work hard, boosted our spirits and helped motivate each other. I enjoyed myself every single day I was there. I really loved playing with the children at the schools, and always looked forward to the time I spent with them. I am very grateful to have this opportunity to go on this trip as not many people are as lucky as me. I think that the whole team has done a great job and I am proud to say that I have done something good there myself too."

– Azlini, 18
Volunteer, Operasi Ya’ahowu: Health Campaign 9th-20th December 2006