The sand was soft and white; the breeze was cool and the air, dry. This was how I would describe the surroundings to Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia. This was to be our site for the Scouts of the World Voluntary Service 2009. Titled Project Orion – Rovering with Turtles, I was to lead a team of Rover Scouts to Setiu in order to accomplish an overseas service project. The project aimed at sea turtle conservation and environmental protection, Project Orion, named after the three star constellation will see the team also doing mangrove reforestation, helping renovate an information centre, assisting the locals with their cottage industry and bringing joy and laughter to the children in a local school.
I was fortunate enough to attend the recee trip last weekend to check the place out. There, my team mate, Parry and I linked up with WWF Malaysia, our partners in Project Orion. Teaming up with new friends met in Terengganu, contacts given to us by our Malaysian counterpart, Arvind, we met up with the WWF Officials who were more than glad that the Singapore Rovers volunteered to take up this particular project.
We wondered up and down the beach of Setiu, soaking up the tropical breeze and at the same time learnt about the turtle conservation we were to do. We also visited hatcheries where we would bring the eggs if we found them and discussed our beach patrolling roles with WWF. We also had the opportunity to visit the Pink House, the information centre that we were to provide assistance in renovating. We had the honour of visiting the local women’s group which aimed at spreading the word of coastal environment conservation and also introduce English to the community. Finally, we were brought to the riverside where we were to proceed with the mangrove replanting in order to prevent erosion in the area.
What amazed me the most was the compassion and love shown by the people of Setiu. They were friendly, kind and extremely helpful. The locals would use their spare time in helping each other by volunteering to keep the streets clean and to work on the Pink House for free. There were villagers who were less fortunate but they remained optimistic in times of trouble. We were tasked to assist two families in the repair works of their houses.
The people I met on my journey left a deep impression on me. Their openness and ‘good Samaritan’ like nature got me to think how selfish we in Singapore can be sometimes. Despite living in first world standards, many of us refuse to lend a helping hand to those in need. It made me rethink my actions towards friends and family. Most of all, it prepared me to give my best in Project Orion and to leave Setiu a better place than when I first came for the recee.
Signed off,
Oliver
Team Leader
