InfoTech School lecturer, Mr. Lim Chee Yong and 7 students from the Diploma in Internet Computing set off on a trip to Myanmar in early October. Their destination was Grace in Bago, Myanmar. From 8-15 October 2005 they worked on a special project to setup a Local Area Network. This network would be used for a computer training classroom for the children and the surrounding population.
InfoTech School collaborated on this project with the Interdisciplinary and General Studies Department at Temasek Polytechnic and Mercy Relief (a non-profit organisation in Singapore).
This aim of the project was to help our students to:
- Foster the spirit of volunteerism
- Raise the awareness and appreciate foreign culture
- Understand environment and social-economic development issues
- Develop leadership and personal skills
Grace Home is an orphanage that provides shelter and care to abandoned children and is presently home to more than 70 children aged from 5 to 18 years.
It was a rich experience for the seven students from InfoTech School. They all felt that their greatest insight from the experience was realising how fortunate they are in Singapore. They had the chance to experience not only different cultures and living conditions in Myanmar, but they also had the opportunity to interact with the staff and children of Grace Home.
They found that the Myamese people were creative and good with their hands. They were capable of repairing almost anything (car, electricity, PC, etc.) They also observed that the Myamese people (especially the children) were very happy and cheerful.
On student, Levin Soh, had this to say: ‘I have really been exposed to a whole new environment. Although I have been overseas many times, this is my first visit to a third world country. I have really leant to appreciate life in Singapore and the citizenship I have. I can even say that the Singapore government is excellent. This trip has been a real eye opener for me.
The experience has changed me to be a more compassionate person. I feel more now for the less fortunate and I would like to come back to help out again if I am given the chance.’
The students indicated that this trip had broadened their horizons and they are more willing to venture out to other countries in future to lend a helping hand.
