RP students brought smiles to young learners and gained valuable insights from this overseas service-learning trip.

Holistic learning begins with the heart.

By visiting countries such as Vietnam and Myanmar as part of RP’s International Service-Learning Projects (ISLP), students acquire firsthand exposure to diverse livelihoods and cultures, cultivating a heightened sense of empathy and compassion towards others.

While each project spans only a few days, the impact is enduring, creating experiences that remain etched in memory for a lifetime.

Service-Learning at Kuntum Batam Little Angel (KBLA)

The ISLP in 2023 was a highly rewarding experience for 26 students, enrolled in the Diploma in Consumer Behaviour & Research (DCBR), who had the wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful activities at the Kuntum Batam Little Angel kindergarten in Batam, Indonesia, from 25 September to 29 September.

Guided by two lecturer-advisers, Tan Yi Wen and Shawn Tay, the students embarked on an initiative to refurbish the kindergarten. Their efforts involved applying a fresh coat of paint and creating vibrant murals to revitalise the faded walls.

Additionally, the students took on an educational role, imparting knowledge of subjects such as English and Mathematics to the kindergarteners. They further enriched the experience by engaging the young learners in activities like painting and sports.

While the planning and execution of these activities demanded considerable effort, the students gleaned valuable lessons in personal development during their interaction with the children. Two individuals profoundly influenced by this experience were the Lead and Co-Lead of the ISLP, Aurelia Chua Zi Yi and Murphy Cheng. Here are their inspiring stories.

While initially harbouring reservations about assuming the leadership role in the ISLP, Aurelia successfully overcame her initial doubts and adeptly forged connections with her team members. Despite possessing an introverted personality, she prevailed over mental barriers and took charge of the project, planning it out with the facilitators and making firm decisions when needed.

Having completed the ISLP, Aurelia identified and cultivated her inherent leadership abilities — an invaluable quality that will undoubtedly serve her well in her future pursuits.

Murphy, upon his venture into Batam, gained a newfound appreciation for the life he had taken for granted in Singapore. Despite the absence of certain amenities and infrastructure, the local children consistently exhibited joy and laughter, extending respect to visitors. This positive disposition was not limited to the kindergarten setting; rather, it characterised the approach of the locals towards life in general.

Through these meaningful interactions, Murphy learnt the valuable lesson that contentment in life is attainable through an appreciation for the simple things. Rather than fixating on material desires, genuine happiness can be found in any circumstance, provided one is willing to seek it out.

Holistic Learning to Build Compassion

During their ISLP experiences, Aurelia and Murphy realised the importance of developing both heart and character, understanding that these aspects are just as crucial as intellectual growth. They came to appreciate that education at RP goes beyond traditional academic boundaries, emphasising a transformative journey centred on personal change.

Engaging in the ISLP provides students with the chance to find fulfilment in helping others. In numerous cases, this mutual support results in personal growth, highlighting the satisfaction that comes from altruistic efforts.