The other side of Batam
Batam, a very popular and well-known island for its “special” weekend entertainment especially for retirees with surplus amount of money to be spent and who want to be served like a “VIP”. Needless to say, most wives would be suspicious when their husbands talk about visiting this place. Well, do not judge the book by its cover. Let’s take a look at the other side of Batam…

On Wednesday morning at 9.00 am sharp, a group of 30 students and three staff from the Mechanical Engineering club gathered eagerly at Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal. It was our first Overseas Community project at the Batam Al-Fateh Orphanage home and the students were excited about the activities planned by the staff and the EXCO members. After clearing the Nongsa Ferry terminal (Batam), the group then proceed to check in at the hotel and had lunch.

At around 2.00 pm we were taken by coach to the Al-Fateh Orphange Home and had our “work briefing” at the work site. It was really like recalling my kampong days in the early 1970s. There were many aspects of the building that required our attention; it was a stark contrast to the situation in Singapore, where everything was mostly taken care of. The financial contributions came from well-wishers and there was no government financial support. Our main priority was to complete a classroom that was urgently needed to fulfill the educational needs of the younger residents at the orphanage. It was finalised during our reccee trip on 28/02/08 upon discussion with the Orphanage management team, which comprised completely of volunteers.

Every student was briefed and assigned to their respective teams with the specific jobs to be completed. The groups were divided into three teams and each team was led by a staff and had a group strength of 10 students.

Our main tasks are as follow:
Team1 : Md.Farid bin Chemat / Group leader

• To paint the walls and install a ceiling fluorescent tube lighting unit for a classroom.

Team 2 : Md.Baktiaraffandi bin Safari/Team leader

• Paint the exterior of the main classroom block entrance and its surrounding unit to enhance its physical outlook.

Team 3 : Anuar bin Harun/Team leader

• To refurbish a sepak takraw court to be used for sports activities & engage in a friendly match with the children.

EXCO team : Farewell event

• Paper-rocket-making competition by EXCO members.

The students had done us proud with their dedication, commitment and the sincerity they put into their tasks. They worked hand-in-hand with the orphanage residents in order to meet the work schedule planned. We finally completed our tasks successfully on Friday late morning.

To wrap up the programme, the EXCO members led by Michael and his team conducted the “Paper Rocket” making competition. It was a very memorable moment with joy and laughter, and there was full participation from the residents. The youngest was five years old and the most senior was 70 years old.   

We wanted the residents to have a small memento to remember us by and hence, each student presented a gift to every resident that took part in the event, regardless of their age. The students also assisted the residents in the making of the paper rockets and the top 5 rockets were selected for their longest range capability.

Like most Singaporeans, shopping is a must, especially when in Batam. The students had their R&R by taking the Batam Island Tour and visited various places of interest such as the Fishing village, local dry market, places of worship and the shopping centre. We arrived safely at the Harbour Front ferry terminal on Saturday 05/04/08 at 6.30 pm.

The 4-day trip has taught us many things in life that we sometimes take for granted. The students had seen the impoverished living conditions of the residents in the orphanage, and sometimes, the residents even had to make do with only rice and salt for their meals, yet they never complained or asked for more. They only accepted things that were given to them and were taught to be grateful of what they have, This was conveyed to us through Mr Abdul Halim, the principle caretaker of the orphanage.

The students had learnt that if you “respect others, they will respect you” and the meaning of teamwork in a real-life situation.

We had brought the ITECare values, graciousness and most importantly “LOVE” to others, regardless of race, language and religion.