Project week is way beyond my expectation. At first, I thought it would be something that’s like a G8 trip or service trip but instead with your friends, but now reflecting on it, I was very wrong!  All the planning and communications paid off once we have started the week. The trip was also extremely meaningful because I am able to endure hardship and have fun with my friends while working towards a common goal.  I made new friends and deepened my bonds with the existing ones, and got to know how others’ lives are like.

Our primary goal is to produce a promotional GC video for the NGO New Hope Foundation that Smiles of China is working for. We collaborated using our different skills, and the video was proven to be a success that it will soon be utilised by the school. During the visit, I was really moved by how others give up their material life in order to help others in need, especially in a place foreign to them and there are always imminent threats to the organisation such as financial problems. I also learnt more about the situation of orphanages in China, and the problems the NGO face in general. Although it might sound cheesy, this visit changed my view on volunteer work and GCs. I would definitely come back again if there is the chance to do so.

I also enjoyed going to Nan Luo Gu Xiang with my friends to experience authentic Beijing Hutong culture and appreciate local foods. One of the most memorable events includes the Great Wall visit. We have walked up to Mutianyu, the section located high up in the mountains, to view the splendour of Chinese landscape and ancient architecture. After the trip, I felt more hopeful about the future (IB) with such good memories. The project week will definitely always be a treasured memory of my life.

Picture of me playing with a child:

Great wall: