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For 6 days in 2008, from 20 – 25 April, a group of 16 volunteers from FX1 Academy donated their time, resources and energies to build a library in World Vision’s Bo Kluea Area Development Programme in Nan, Thailand. Their generosity is benefiting some 160 students in Bor Luang School, who now have easy access to books to further enrich their minds and stretch their imaginations. The students were not the only beneficiaries of the trip though, it was a memorable experience for the volunteers as well. Read what some of them had to say:
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Mario Sant Singh, CEO:
“The trip we made to Bor Luang School to build a library for the kids was an amazing experience for me. I was awed to see how such a simple gesture brought hope and smiles to each kid. Every single one of them radiated with a buzz of positive energy throughout our stay there.
A few of them were so helpful, running to give us water and even picking up the shovel to help us with the cement mixing! Some even challenged us to a game of soccer after the work was done. Our guys were so pooped out, but the kids still had so much energy and ran circles around us with their delightful soccer skills.
The highlight for me was when we had the privilege to visit some of the students' homes. It really was an eye-opener. Their homes were very primitive - most were built on stilts. The families also had many ingenious ways to use improvised tools for harvesting and preparing rice.
When we completed the library, we had a fun-filled bonding session with the students. They promised us that they would study hard and succeed in life to honour our gift to them. That was the best moment for me. It truly displayed the indomitable quality of the human spirit - we are all born to WIN.
We went there to give, but we got so much more in return. I'd do it in a heartbeat all over again.”
Maggie, Events & Special Projects:
“The whole experience of building a library for the people in Nan is very meaningful. When we are there, the villagers are very hospitable. All the villagers gathered to welcome us with dance and cheers. I feel very heartwarming when I see the smile on their faces. To me, building a library may not be a big project, but to them, I can really see that it meant a lot to them that we are there. During the few days in Nan, I thought of how fortunate I am, living a life that does not need to worry about food and education. When the library is completed, I felt so touched that I have added a new hope in the children in Nan. I am glad that I can be a part of the team that volunteered to go to Nan. Hope that there will be other chances to go and be a light to the people in need.”
Edmund Fong, Information Technology:
“This trip has benefited us in many ways. It has brought the team much closer; from good working relationship to great relationship, as we got to know one another on a very personal level. Also, by reaching out to touch their lives, ours were deeply touched by their warm hospitality and smiles that radiate an indescribable inner joy. To see the final completion of the library, brings a great sense of satisfaction that all the toil and labour metamorphised into a worthwhile legacy.”
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