The Tsunami Reconstruction Facilitation Committee (TRFC) had approved our project, Project Aspire 2006: Dare to Dream on 25th May 2006. The objectives of this two week project were - to refurbish an orphanage, conduct motivational workshops for teachers in the orphanage, teach life skills as well as English, Science and Mathematics appreciation to the orphans in Aceh. The committee approved a budget of SGD 30,217 but we managed to save and spent only SGD 29,064.47 of the funds. The excess were duly returned to Singapore Red Cross’ Tidal Waves Asia Fund (TWAF).

We were able to bring about a positive change to the lives of the Tsunami victims, particularly the orphans because of the generous support and trust from Singapore Red Cross (SRC) and TRFC and for this, we are thankful.

The group spent months before the trip preparing for the educational, recreational as well as construction aspects of the project to ensure a smooth implementation of these programmes.

The educational programmes were meant for the orphans to improve their English, and discover Science and Mathematics in an interactive style. Teachers, on the other hand, were involved in sharing sessions. 

The children were constantly on their feet, eager to learn and ask questions! Their enthusiasm was a great motivational factor for the team members, who had to go through a hectic schedule- working non-stop from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and handling over a hundred kids was no easy task!

Team members were required to use their initiative to make necessary changes to the programme as and when it was needed. As the classes consisted of children of different ages, team members had to think of ways to ensure everyone received a fair opportunity to learn.

Our trainee teacher Shazana summed it nicely, “The passion the children have to acquire a new language really touched me. I received letter after letter from the children, in which they expressed their gratitude for the English lessons that they had received. Knowing that all our hard work was greatly appreciated makes me want to go through the pre-Aceh stress all over again.”

The stay at the orphanage was not always smooth. For the first time in our lives, we encountered what it felt like living with very little water and no electricity. Almost every night, candles were our sole light source. It may sound romantic, but not when there is much work to be done! Nevertheless, it was a fruitful experience because it helped us appreciate the comforts that we often take for granted in Singapore. It also taught us how to adapt to the changing environment quickly. 

Some team members had difficulty communicating with the orphans since they do not converse in Malay - a language closer to Bahasa Indonesia. For Korinna, a non-Muslim, it was a new experience to don the headscarf, which is obligatory attire for teachers and students. It was by going through such challenges that the team came to realise their capacity to endure and adapt to the environment.

Even as the team imparted their knowledge to the Acehnese, they taught us even more. These tsunami victims lost loved ones, endured poverty, hunger and pain, all at the same time. It was the ultimate test - to survive not only physically, but also to find courage to move on. Their resilience and determination are certainly traits that we hope to emulate. The peaceful, slow-paced environment, with nothing else but simple tools and materials has also been an inspiration for the team to reflect upon in our lives back in Singapore. It was on this trip that we learnt the beauty of simplicity, the humility that comes with simplicity, of being happy, being grateful and most importantly, learning about ourselves. 

The experience with the Acehnese did not stop when we returned. Till today, some of us continue to write letters to the children or make phone calls every once in awhile. Some have even been inspired to lead new projects. As one member says, “In helping others, inevitably, we ended up helping ourselves.”

We, the team of Project Aspire 2006: Dare to Dream declare the project a success and that the Acehnese orphans and teachers have benefited from their time of learning and sharing with us, as we have with them.