Hong Yuen's Reflections - Rethinking Our Efforts
-on behalf of Hong Yuen
This was the first time participating in social work and in fact, it was the most inspiring and fruitful trip I have ever had!
Empowerment from Eco-forum
I learn that to protect our mother earth is not only by words but by action. All our little contributions that mean nothing to us, such as switch off the power supply after shutting down the computer or save water by having a shorter shower, do help to save energy and hence conserve nature. If human beings just ignore all the facts that they already knew, and continue to stay in our comfort zone, we are actually on the way to chronic suicide... for the human race.
Rethinking Our Community Service
For the 10 days in Gia Bac Village, we had reforestation in the morning, teaching children English in the afternoon, and debrief at night.
At first, I enjoyed the satisfaction I had after helping the poor villagers. Until one day, someone said that what we, the eighteen strong and healthy youngsters coming from a rich city, weeded in the whole morning can be done by several people in just two hours. I felt guilty and realized that I should not enjoy the satisfaction but instead I should be grateful to the villagers for what they have taught us. They taught me to be tough and to embrace our lives bravely no matter how our lives are. Now, that is the secret to their happiness!
I was disappointed to realize that our contributions was unable to help end the vicious cycle of the poverty over there. I hope that future projects can focus more on the real problem of the village such as the fertility of the soil that could not produce fruitful coffee beans although it might need the knowledge and ability that we could not provide now. Our 'investigation' period was not without results, though. We were glad to be able to work with Harry so he could carry out long-term projects that could help them in the long term (the vocational school and Eco-Raise sounds really exciting!).
If I Change, The World Changes...
One of the reforestation project we did was to replant valuable trees in the land that was previously illegally exploited by the villagers for coffee plantation. At first, I felt that the villagers were selfish for not considering for the environment but only for themselves. However, after a home-visit to a needy family of our student, I realized that the villagers are so poor that they were unable to give to the environment. They do not have sufficient three meals like we do. As they are plagued with worry about their daily meals, how they could worry that cutting tress will incur global warming? When we want to condemn other people, why not we start from ourselves? Buy fewer clothes; use less electricity and water, do carpooling and cycle... so many ways!
One of the reforestation project we did was to replant valuable trees in the land that was previously illegally exploited by the villagers for coffee plantation. At first, I felt that the villagers were selfish for not considering for the environment but only for themselves. However, after a home-visit to a needy family of our student, I realized that the villagers are so poor that they were unable to give to the environment. They do not have sufficient three meals like we do. As they are plagued with worry about their daily meals, how they could worry that cutting tress will incur global warming? When we want to condemn other people, why not we start from ourselves? Buy fewer clothes; use less electricity and water, do carpooling and cycle... so many ways!
Contented, I Am
I also find that although they hardly meet their daily needs, they are happy and satisfied. We should not use our point of view to judge them. Everyone has their own way of living that they appreciate. However, after seeing their low living conditions such as inconsistent electricity, inconvenient transport system and the houses made of straw or wood, I become more aware how lucky I am.
I also find that although they hardly meet their daily needs, they are happy and satisfied. We should not use our point of view to judge them. Everyone has their own way of living that they appreciate. However, after seeing their low living conditions such as inconsistent electricity, inconvenient transport system and the houses made of straw or wood, I become more aware how lucky I am.
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