We are a group of 22 youths embarking on a youth expedition project to Luang Prabang, Laos from 16 - 31 May 2008. The expedition is jointly organized by the Singapore Buddhist Lodge (SBL) and the NUS Buddhist Society. It aims to fulfill the needs of the students of Muang Kham Primary School. We will be teaching the students basic English, and also engage them in arts and craft sessions after their lessons. In addition, we will be constructing a cement multi-purpose court and pathway to the school.

As of April 2008, we are raising funds to help purchase teaching materials, books, and furniture needed for our project. A part of the funds raised will also go to the filming of a documentary in Laos, and help our participants cover a part of their costs. Please support us by making a purchase at our online boutique Walk-In Felicity. For any queries, please contact us at laoyep08@gmail.com.



::::::: Choose Your Song Here ::::::: Lam Som Khong Ngam Salawan Cells - คนมือสอง *L.O.G - Lao Hip Hop อิหยังกีะได้

Monday, March 24, 2008
We would like to thank Mr/Ms Anonymous for being concerned with our project. We definitely appreciate your interest. ^_^ For people/fellow expeditionists who do not know what I am talking about, here's the scoop. Mr/Ms Anonymous has raised a couple of very important questions in our chatbox which we might have overlooked in the frenzy of preparation for the expedition. Hence, let's devote a post to reflect on this project, and step back to take a look at the bigger picture.

22 Mar 08, 22:34
Anonymous: What is the breakdown on how the raised funds will be used?

zhihan: 35% of all funds raised will go to participant cost. The rest will be for our beneficiaries at Muang Kham Village =)

24 Mar 08, 21:06
Anonymous: And the long term goals in helping Laos?

zhihan: There is really no long term goal. However, if we are able to make the children have some interest in English, then that may go a long way. We can only talk about long term goal if there is a sustained effort in bringing teams over to the village every year. However, we cannot say for sure that people will rise up to the challenge to take up the role as leaders to lead another team. I can only hope for the best. This goes back to the issue of: why are we going there in the first place if there is really no long term benefits (concrete). I believe this goes back to the individuals of what they set out to achieve as active participants of a Youth Expedition Project. I cannot answer for the participants. Yet on the other hand, I hope participants have a open heart and mind in this project, because really, there is no limit on what you can learn on such a project.