Lessons in Cement and Culture: Roxanne’s YEP Experience with Ace Club

Roxanne embarked on her first Youth Expedition Project (YEP) trip to Chiang Mai with her project group, Ace Club, from 8 to 21 December in 2023. When she first heard of the opportunity to travel overseas for a volunteering trip, Roxanne was intrigued – she wanted to broaden her horizons and experience something new. 

Together with her team of 35, they constructed concrete pavements at two locations within Sahamit School. From making the cement from scratch to carving the pavements by hand, it was a challenge that pushed her out of her comfort zone both physically and mentally. The pavements were specifically designed to improve accessibility and comfort for the students, particularly in areas where the existing conditions made movement difficult, especially during the rainy season. 

Despite the physical labour involved, the greatest challenge they encountered was the language barrier with the locals. During their initial meeting, communication proved difficult as they did not share a common language. Nevertheless, the local community was incredibly welcoming and even organised a short session to teach the team basic Thai phrases and words. On reflection, Roxanne felt that this gesture demonstrated the locals’ willingness to bridge the language gap – the team continued to use Google Translate and asked the locals to teach them more Thai phrases throughout the trip. 

From her experience, Roxanne advised other youths intending to embark on YEP to overcome language barriers by learning basic local phrases, as this can aid communication and demonstrates respect for the local culture. She also said that it was important to be patient and keep an open mind, while being observant of body language. Being open to learn from the locals can help foster understanding and form meaningful connections, which made her project more impactful.

Roxanne’s most memorable moment on the trip was completing both concrete pavements. Seeing the results of all their hard work as a team filled her with an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The moment was made even more special when the staff and students expressed their gratitude. She was moved by how their efforts paid off and how the pavements would benefit the school community for years to come.

Roxanne’s experience with YEP has helped to shape her goals as a volunteer, teaching her the value of stepping out of her comfort zone to tackle meaningful challenges. Witnessing how their interactions and efforts could support a community has inspired her to pursue more volunteering opportunities, both locally and internationally, where she can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Volunteering abroad is not just about the help you give – it’s about what you learn, the friendships you make, and how it shapes your view of the world,” Roxanne concludes.

Want to embark on your own YEP trip but not sure where to start? Come down for Youth Corps Open House on 12 July to learn more about YEP! Sign up here: https://go.gov.sg/ycsoh25-li