OVE '11: June 2011

The Overseas Volunteering Expedition 2011

Overseas Volunteering Expedition (OVE) is a committee under the special projects wing of NTU’s Welfare Services Club. OVE began its journey in 2003 when a group of NTU undergraduates came together to set up a committee to provide students with opportunities to see the world. However, in 2004, the Overseas Volunteering Expedition changed its focus to one of philanthropy. Since then, the OVE has brought NTU undergraduates to destinations like Taiwan, Philippines, Cambodia and Laos.

OVE'11 was initiated with the following three aims:
1. To keep the spirit of volunteerism alive in the hearts of WSC volunteers by working hand-in-hand with beneficiaries aboard.
2. To nurture the passion and advocate the cause and meaning of overseas volunteering.
3. To add value to the lives of the less privileged living abroad.

Bearing OVE’s missions in mind, OVE’11 will be commencing on an expedition trip to Laos with hopes that our project will improve the lives of the underprivileged beyond Singapore, reaching out to the community and enriching lives.

OVE Pre-trip Camp

The end of academic year 2010/2011 marks the countdown to the Laos trip and OVE is in our final stages of preparation. The pre-trip camp thus serves not only as a bonding session for the main-committee and the volunteers, but also a dry run of the programmes in line the programmers have painstakingly planned for the team to carry out with the Laos children.

Before Mel reached the chalet with the keys, the team decides to play some ice-breaking games to pass time. We had a good time laughing at each other and those who lost the games sportingly did the forfeits - the Seven Wonders!

The guys bonding over games.

Joanne and Jia Huey sharing a moment.

Marvin introducing some...toilet paper game.

To be honest, it was quite amusing to see them being so tickled by themselves!

Seven Wonders as forfeit.

Kudos to Ron and Ailing for being so sporting!

The team was split into two and both teams had a go at the games the programmers designed to carry out with the Xieng Lom School kids.

Ron having a go at flying paper airplanes.

Jia Huey, Vicky and Yanlin being "bundled" together by their tresses as a way to "beg" our programmers for more papers to complete the station.

The last pit-stop of one game that requires teamwork and absolutely no NGs!

One of the highlights of our Laos trip would be the night movie sessions with the villagers, as a way to bond with them. Our programmers are going to make popcorn to go along with the movie screening!

Our popcorn girls!

Debbie's birthday falls on the first night of the chalet. Happy Birthday Debbie! We hope you liked the cake :)

The second day of the camp was a fruitful one, with the team going through the itinerary, the learning of basic Laotian phrases, and the preparation of origami materials needed for teaching the kids. A barbecue session was held in the evening and the debrief session in the night ends the camp well.

The team was preparing to turn in for the night but noises from the neighbouring bungalow was very distracting...