In January 2024, Project Beyond Borders (PBB) embarked on a trip to Manilla to collaborate with Childhope Philippines, an organisation working with children in street situations. Our team of 21 volunteers assisted Childhope in conducting mobile clinics and held interactive education and games sessions. We also had the chance to help out in their mobile soup kitchen. It was evident that both the volunteers and children who attended our events had a fun and meaningful experience. Though our time together was short, we were able to bond with the children. Volunteers were also able to learn much from Childhope’s resident doctor, Dr Pam, and other Childhope staff. We saw the importance of having a holistic view of healthcare and how to manage children who are largely neglected and have poor access to healthcare. Throughout the trip, volunteers had opportunities to participate in reflective activities which allowed them to crystalize their learning points and provided an avenue for deep introspection.
Overall, the trip was a success with volunteers, children and Childhope staff coming away with positive experiences. PBB and Childhope plan to work together again in the coming year and build on our partnership over the long term. PBB hopes to improve its fundraising efforts in the coming year so that we can have a greater impact on Childhope or any of the other communities that we work with.
In order to provide even more opportunities for volunteering, PBB has expanded to include 2 new projects and we are in the midst of looking for other organisations to work with in addition to Childhope.
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Singapore Medical Society of Australia & New Zealand 