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Having to leave our comfort zone for a place which does not provide us with basic necessities
seems like a struggle for people of our age. We are constantly provided with things at our disposal, we take things for granted and we often stress over daily happenings which seem quite redundant. After spending 7 days in Kampung Peta and Mersing, Malaysia, the Service Learning Club members came back with a different perspective after experiencing the different cultures and lifestyles in these two places.
Upon reaching Kampung Peta, the SL members were greeted with routines which they had not seen before in Singapore. Motorcyclists carrying up to four passengers on their motorcycles without the assistance of any road signs made driving extremely hazardous. Despite the beautiful scenic view which formed the backdrop at the Kampung, it
appeared dilapidated due to the flood which occurred last December. Apart from these, the SL members had the privilege to experience the lifestyle of the Orang Asli (the people of Kampung Peta)
- tasting the food prepared by them as well as learning some tricks which the Orang Asli had invented. The SL members also got to hear about the various stories behind their lifestyle.
The SL members had a ball of a time interacting with the kids in the village, visiting the kindergarten and having an interactive session with them. The members had planned a series of games and story-telling, and taught the kids a little English which they participated
in with enthusiasm. Even though the class was small, the children and SL members had fun playing together and enjoying each other’s company. Besides that, in remembrance, the SL members gave each child several gifts. The look on the children’s faces upon receiving the gifts was priceless.
The standard of living in Kampung Peta is low as electricity and food supplies were not readily available in the Kampung. Education in the Kampung was scarce for the children and floods were inevitable almost every year. However, the Orang Asli were contented with their way of living and have
no intention of moving to the city.
Life in Mersing was much better as basic necessities were
available and the standard of living is high compared to the village. The SL
members also joined in the countdown with the Malaysians during the Malaysian National Day and were treated to a beautiful display of fireworks before their eyes.
During the trip, the SL members used the video and photo
cameras to capture the moments spent at these places and to interview the villagers. They also organised house visits
to fulfill the learning element of the trip.
It was an enriching lesson to experience the different cultures of these two places. It was a real eye opener for the SL members as they learnt that they should never take anything for granted. They have become more appreciative of what they have in Singapore after realising that there are so many people who are not as fortunate as them.
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