OCIP trip to Batam, Indonesia (cont.4)

Day 5

We set off to the orphanage after our breakfast. When we reached the orphanage, the children were already there waiting. We continued our construction work of leveling the rest of ground. The construction work was not an easy job as it required lots of physical strength to mix the cement with sand and the mental strength to keep on going.

Mixing the cement

Leveling the floor

After leveling the ground, we went around the village for a tour while waiting for the cement to dry. We realized that the structure of the houses around the orphanage is very similar to the land properties in Singapore except that it is not as well furnished. There was a provision shop and we bought some food there such as crackers and iced green tea which only cost 10 cents in Singapore.

Walking around the village

Sitting in front of the provision shop 

The kids in the village

Afternoon. We had the opportunity to interview one of the core staff of the orphanage. He shared about how the orphanage was purely non-profit and how he was inspired by a religious professor. They had come a long way from overcoming challenges both internally and externally-management of the students as well as resistance from the neighbouring village regarding the setting up of the orphanage. The calamity and humbleness of the assistant manager, coupled with his determination and perseverance of expanding the orphanage, were heartwarming and  touching for all of us. He also mentioned about his hopes for the children as well as the immediate plans for the orphanage. The emphasis on providing a solid education for the children was something that caught my attention as it reflected his selflessness and his unwavering dedication to the social cause of providing basic needs for those that are less advantaged in society.

The assistant manager of the orphanage

After the interview we continued with the building. We learnt how to construct the wall using bricks and cement. What struck us was the creativity of the workers in using the system of strings to ensure that the wall would be correctly leveled. It was simple yet extremely effective. This made us realize how simple but innovative ideas could have a large impact.

Constructing the wall with bricks and cement

Carrying the extra cement to the bridge

Sarah, one of the kids in the village

Our debrief session is about whether or not overseas CIP trip is more or less meaningful than local CIP trip. We had a discussion in a form of debate with proposition and opposition. Through this session, we learn that OCIP trips do have their benefits and limitations. The session also allows us to see the different perspectives and explore and reason how the differing opinions could come to fruition.

Discussion in the form of debating

Sitting in a circle for discussion during debrief

By Claudia Lim Jo-Ee, Ye Jingxuan and Nur Aqilah

5th Saints Advocate