In June 2024, 18 diverse students from Singapore Management University (SMU) united under YEP Project Boribo III, an SMU-endorsed initiative in collaboration with World Vision Singapore. Together,  we travelled to Cambodia with a shared mission: to empower the communities within the Rolea Bier and Kampong Svay Area Development Programmes (AP).

On 9 - 24 July, a team of 14 students from Singapore Management University embarked on a meaningful service learning journey to Son Tra, Vietnam, with the aim of imparting essential soft skills to the youth. Project White Dove was a transformative experience for them, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and reinforcing the power of education and community engagement.

Meeting up with a “stranger” whom I have known for the past 8 years was a great highlight for this trip, being able to see him and have a face-to-face interaction to know more about him. During game time, I saw his father watching him playing with lots of smiles. Despite disrupting his work schedule and traveling this far for this meetup, I sensed lots of warmth from them. This is something that we may not be able to see nowadays. Will remember this trip and the things I’ve seen for a really long time. 

This trip gave me invaluable insights into the remarkable initiatives by World Vision in Sindhuli East. It was a life-enriching experience filled with inspirational encounters and a renewed sense of hope for the community's future. Although the key challenges have not been fully overcome, the initiatives in place are making a positive difference. 

Joined by fifteen adventurous souls seeking a purpose greater than themselves, our paths intertwined in a story of resilience, hope, and the power of human connection.

It is really heartening to know that since the start of the programme in 2015, Antique, Philippines has seen great improvements over the years. More children are receiving education and more households receive necessities such as electricity. I believe the goal of improving the wellbeing of children can be met. 

YEP Project Boribo II is a Singapore Management University (SMU) endorsed project held in collaboration with World Vision Singapore. In May 2023, 15 SMU students from diverse backgrounds travelled to Cambodia with one common goal — to empower youths.