The Overseas Community Project (OCP) provides Temasek Polytechnic students with opportunities to prepare and manage programmes to benefit and enhance the general well-being of communities overseas.

OCP Cambodia, from 28th September to 5 October 2008, was organised by the Temasek Informatics & IT School and Project INitiate, an extension work undertaken by the People's Association Youth Movement of Singapore.

17 students, a good mixture of freshmen, juniors and seniors, together with their lecturer, Mr. Patrick Koh, immersed themselves in various activities for the Riverkids Project.  The Riverkids Project is a charitable trust in Singapore that funds and manages the Riverkids Foundation of Cambodia. Riverkids works to prevent child trafficking in Cambodia by working directly with high-risk families so as to protect their children and help them build better lives.  

One activity our intrepid volunteers enthusiastically immersed themselves in was to paint some of the walls at the Family Centre. Everyone in the team had an important role to play, and pitched in to design various murals as well as to paint the walls. Despite the rainy weather on that particular day, our students bravely worked hand in hand to complete the project. Some students patiently painted the walls while others provided umbrella shelter for the painters. Although it was a tiring process, the students had fun and the beautifully coloured walls and murals will remain a testimony of the excellent cooperation among members of the team.

But it was not all hard work, as students also had the opportunity to visit various places to learn about the rich ancient architecture and unique traditions of Cambodia.  

The experience has helped our students to gain a global perspective. Phyo, from the Diploma in Information Technology, sums up the experience for all succinctly, “I learnt that life is not only about doing our own things for our own benefit, but that we should contribute back to society and the less-privileged by any means that we can. I have no doubt that if I were given another opportunity in the future, I would definitely go back to Cambodia and serve the needs of people there the best I can. I strongly encourage all students to take part in future OCPs.”

For more information about the Riverkids Project, please refer to the website: http://www.riverkidsproject.org/dynamic