Mind Change Program
COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS
Mind Change is an overseas volunteer community project program. Organising a meaningful overseas program is not easy. A suitable project has to be identified , accommodation and other logistics arranged and costing given so that grants and subsidies can be obtained. OHF provides a painless and simple solution to effective overseas projects as it has its people in the field, its own local staff, vehicles and even accommodation. Safety and security are assured since we have our Singapore staff living in the country and familiar with the local conditions.
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Victoria Junior College students having a debrief in basement dormitory
SMU students drilling a well for poor villagers
Lenscrafter volunteers distributed 28,000 pairs of used spectacles in 8 days
YEP team building a house for the poor
Making soap for villagers |
Mind Change is about: a) Providing a meaningful and cost effective overseas community project for volunteers b) Exposing volunteers to the life of a poor rural community c) Allowing volunteers to make a difference to the lives of others Mind Change benefits both sides. The volunteers return home with vivid memories of their experience with a better appreciation of what they have at home. The villagers benefit from the project undertaken by the volunteers. We enhance the image of Singapore as a caring neighbour. OHF is stringent about the projects done by volunteers. Projects must be sustainable, cost effective and meaningful. HOW IT WORKS 1. Volunteer team discusses with OHF on suitable dates and duration of visit. 2. OHF presents program with full costing and itinerary. Program will vary depending on the age and number of volunteers. 3. OHF provides briefing to team. 4. OHF coordinates with its field staff to make the necessary logistic arrangements. 5. OHF Field Staff meets team at airport and works with them on the projects. 6. OHF provides follow-up on the project after the team leave. TEAMS THAT HAVE DONE COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN CAMBODIA
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WHAT WE HOPE TO ACHIEVE
Besides helping the local communities, CSP exposes Singaporeans to the poverty in third world countries. Our perception of "suffering" changes when we see how hard life is for others. We hope these projects will show how we can make a difference to the lives of others and encourage them to do more for the poor.
These projects also teaches team work, tolerance to each other under difficult conditions and problem solving in an unfamiliar environment.
To download Mind Change Program brochure, click 
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We understand that each groups is different and has different dynamics. OHF has different programs to suit those needs as you join us to make a difference overseas.
The above trips are open all year round and requires a minimum of 8 people to go. We also have different projects that you can undertake. Join our 7-day Service Learning Trip to Cambodia, click For volunteering enquries, contact Elaine at 68732955 or faith@ohf.org.sg. |
"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." - John Ruskin
My Volunteering ACTSperience
The trip to Cambodia has definitely left a lasting impact on me, and I’ve realized how lucky I am to be in Singapore.
The first incident that occurred happened on the third day of well drilling. On that day, we were told that we had to drill another well, as the one we’d drilled previously failed. All of us exclaimed in disbelief, as we can’t imagine going through the entire process of well drilling again. Just when we were all lamenting about how late we were going to return to Hope Village, one of the villagers came to us and shook our hands. He was saying something to us, but we did not understand whatever that he said. However, from the look in his eyes, I can see that he was very thankful and grateful to us. We’ve later found out that this man had to travel a few hundred meters everyday, just to carry two buckets of water from another well in the village. He was an old man, and yet he had to undergo such a laborious journey everyday, which most of us couldn’t even complete.
This was when I felt blessed for the first time. We in Singapore only have to walk a few steps, turn the knob of a tap, and fresh water would be flowing before us. This was definitely a great contrast as compared to the villagers in Cambodia.
The second incident was not an incident per se. It was basically the entire length of stay in Hope Village with the orphans that made me feel that I am lucky as compared to them in ways more than one. The orphans had lost both of their parents at a young age. However, each and every one of them is in fact very strong. They’ve seemed to accept the fact that their parents are not around anymore, and that they should make the best of whatever they have in the present. I have never seen an unhappy face on any orphan in Hope Village. All of them are genuinely happy, even though they are living in poverty.
Singaporeans aren’t easily contented, and I would say only a few Singaporeans are truly happy. Why is it that these orphans, who’ve lost their parents and living in poverty, are seemingly happier that us, who seem to have it all? We should be contented and appreciative of what that we have, and not derive happiness from materialistic gains.
On the pretext, OCIP seemed to be a program for me to render my service to the foreign community. But in fact, I have learnt much more from the orphans and villagers that what I’ve given them. The 15 days I’ve spent in Cambodia was indeed time well spent.
~Bing Hong, SMU team
www.projectpreyveng.blogspot.com
Mind Change Program Photo Gallery
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| Medical Mission |
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| Drainfield Installation |
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| Rain Water Harvesting System Installation |
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| Building a Basketball Court for HVPV |
