Tuesday, July 13, 2010
updates.
Monday, June 28, 2010
Reflection!
I hope everyone is doing fine! =)
Time to do some reflection! Please check your email! I have sent Participants' Reflection Form to all of you.
It's COMPULSORY ya! everyone must do.
Please submit HARD COPY to us during our LOCAL CIP.
We are still waiting confirmation from MINDsville regarding time/date. Tentative: 10th July, 9am.
Please keep a lookout for confirmed details.
PROGRAMS, get ready for activity planning!
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Some last reminders
Passport
REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR PASSPORT!!! SUPER IMPORTANT!!
Weather
HCM is way hotter than Singapore. Upon checking today, it's a sweltering 33 deg C!
So, do take care of your skin.
Other than the sunblock, do also stock up on modestly-covered attire (no singlets/shorts. Pants should be below the knees) and covered shoes are considered casual yet respectable. Remember that when you are there, you will be representing not your institutions nor respective organizations, but Singapore and Singaporeans.. so just remind each other to be mindful at all times of your decorum and always be culturally sensitive!
Currency Exchange
Finances-wise.. remember to ask a receipt for everything project-related that you purchase in Vietnam. Some shops may not readily have receipts, so it'd be a good idea to bring along some blank receipts just in case. Please also keep the Forex receipt/slip that you'll receive when you change your currency. All these documentation is vital when doing your SOA and claiming your YEP budget when you return.
Currency Exchange and Emergency Backup Money
**The emergency backup money will be pass to you before your flight at the airport. This money is not for you to use, unless you fall sick in Vietnam. So hopefully, you will bring this money back to Singapore.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Addresses and contact numbers
please take note of the following addresses and contact numbers:
1) Phu My Orphanage
Address: 153 XO VIET NGHE TINH STR
BINH THANH DISTRICT
HO CHI MINH CITY
Tel: 08.8996563/8993738
2) PHUONG CHAU Hotel
Address: 141 Nguyen Cuu Van Street, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District
Tel: (08) 3899 6225
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Last Lap before the trip
* Meet at Tanglin Gate (entrance of Botanice Gardens) @ 4.45pm.
How to help for the last lap?
Come down at 2pm on this saturday before the actual meeting to help up the programme comm to do up the props for our activities in Phu My Orphanage. Bring along scissors to help do the cutting! We need manpower (womanpower too)! If you cannot make it at 2pm, any time earlier to help out will be appreciated too. Please sms Jiahao if you can help out on the day.
What to bring? (**** VERY IMPORTANT**** )
1. Money that you have collected through the selling of fundraising items
2. Cash donations you have gotten
3. Receipt for your medication checkup&vaccinations (if not, we can't reimburse you after the trip)
6. Completed YEP Declaration form that will be sent to you by Fri (ignore the medical portion)
To Choo Min and Xinyi: Please bring along all medical items that you have bought from NUH. I have bought a few more stuffs from Unity Pharmacy. Let's compile and pack everything. I realized there are some things that are essential (in a first aid box) that you girls have not bought so eventually I bought one complete first aid kit ($25+). Please bring along any sling bag that can serve as our second first aid box.
We seriously hope for everyone's co-operation. A delay in an individual's submission will drag the procession of the documents for the entire team. So pleassssee...bring~~ alrighty? Thank you!!
I know sometimes it can be quite last min. My apologies for that. But, instead of questioning and doubting, let's really do it together, fast and efficient. Thank you very much for your co-operation.
We will have a FUN session and it is an important session too. Cya!! =)
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Flight Details for Vietnam Trip
The flight details are as follows:
Singapore to HCMC*
Date: 14 June 2010, Monday
Flight number: TR 2322
Time: 1240 hrs
Reach HCMC: 1355 hrs
To check in by: 1040 hrs
To meet at budget terminal at: 1030 hrs
*Melinda, please confirm time to meet with Connie separately for flight to HCMC.
HCMC to Singapore
Date: 24 June 2010, Thursday
Flight number: TR 2323
Time: 1450 hrs
Reach Singapore: 1750 hrs
To check in by: 1250 hrs
Everyone is entitled to check-in 15kg. Hand carry at 7kg.
Programming Committee, please let us know in advance if you require additional baggage allowance for the programming materials to bring to HCMC.
Friday, June 4, 2010
Upcoming meetings for last week
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Vietnam Dos & Don'ts!
In the orphanage...
- Do not wander off without anyone's knowledge. If you really have to leave the orphanage, do let your buddy and us know.
- Let's strive to give every child equal attention and treatment. Children who are cute and attention-seeking tend to attract more attention. Let's not leave any child out okie?
- Avoid giving gifts to individual children, especially candies. Sweets aren't healthy for the gum and teeth. If we want to give gifts, let's give as a YEP group and to every child. We have to let the Sister in the orphanage know as well to see if the gifts are appropriate for the children. =)
- Let's strive to have minimal physical contact with the children. Some of the children, including older ones may not be aware of social boundaries or norms. Please alert us or the caregivers if they get too touchy.
Generally...
- Do not wander off without anyone's knowledge. If you really have to leave for somewhere, do let your buddy and us know.
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Take good care of one's passport and valuables. Do try to keep cash in different areas. Have your passport on you at all times. Do try to keep your passport in your pocket if possible.
Petty theft, pickpocketing and motorbike snatch thieves are prevalent.
- Dress appropriately: sleeved tees, berms/pants. NO mini skirts/shorts/spags etc...
Vietnamese are conservative in their dressing. Let's respect them and not offend the local people.
- Do not be too loud. Vietnamese treasure peace and tranquility. They are not confrontational when it comes to expressing their wishes. I know sometimes we tend to get very excited when we are overseas but let's be mindful of our conduct. =) (but no need to whisper when we talk lah...)
- Ask for permission when we take photographs of someone. If they do not want you to, abide by their wishes.
- Guys, please do your utmost to protect the girls. haha.
- Bring your own medications and prescription drugs.
o Paracetamol
Painkiller, should know the dosage amount
o Antacid
Neurtralize stomach acid due to indigestion, upset stomach, heartburn
o Anti-histamines
Help to stop allergy symptoms, such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a runny nose. If you know of your own allergy, it is better to get it from your doctor.
o Lomotil
Used to treat diarrhea.
- Take note of your buddy's medical history and allergies (to certain medications/food etc...)
- When we consume food, it should be well-cooked.
- Avoid unpasteurised milk. Be wary of non-sealed dairy products (e.g. homemade ice cream).
Err on the side of caution; if you are unsure, avoid.
- It is important to report any injuries or unwell condition. A simple cut or abrasion in exposed parts of the body can quickly get infected if untreated .
Saturday, May 29, 2010
5 more meetings to go!
Pre-Trip Local Service & Learning @ MINDSville

Earnings for fundraising @ Mardi Gras (TJC)
Sunday, May 23, 2010
BUSY BUSY!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
marketing meeting on 11/5
(11 May 2010)
Selling of T-shirts
• Printing about 100-150 pieces
• 2 different designs of T-shirts
• Both T-shirts will have the same message
• Price of each T-shirt: 1 for $15, 2 for $25. If not sellable, maybe cut down to 1 for $12
Selling of postcards
• Cost price of each postcard is about $0.30
• Printing 4 different designs
• Price of each post card: 1 for $1. If buy in packet of 4 different design: $3
Selling of food
• Only to be done at the locations that do not require a permit
• Purchase brownies, cakes, cookies from factories and sell
• An alternative would be to bake ourselves (might be much cheaper)
*This idea was initially cancelled due to many restrictions but the committee will come together again to how we can maximize our profits.
Fundraising locations
1. West Coast Plaza, 22nd and 23rd May
2. Temasek Junior College, 27th May
3. Republic Poly (date TBC)
4. Tampines Junior College (date TBC)
*All timings to be confirmed ASAP by Morris.
New ideas for this meeting
• Allow public to write their personal messages on heart-shaped paper to dedicate a message to the children in Vietnam, together with a personal choice of donation amount. To be done at fundraising locations.
• Collect newspapers and sell to Garang Gunis. Will obtain permission from Community Centers as collection area and decide the dates, timing and location for collection and distribute flyers ASAP.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Next Meeting
Mass Meeting:
FUNDRAISING ROSTER
Fundraising roster is finally out! Pls indicate accordingly. Pls note that some events are still pending confirmation. But treat it as it's being confirmed and indicate if you are able to make it anyway. For Karang Guni, we would like to have as many people as possible. The more the merrier! =) Pls indicate by 19 MAY (THURS)!! We need to know who are able to make it!! for our planning purposes! First event is on 22 May! Thank you all in advance! Love, Tam
*For those without a gmail a/c, we will prepare the doc for you to fill up your available slots on Thur during Mass Meeting:)
NO ANTI H1N1 JAB
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Tuesday 11/5
let me briefly tell u what we have done on tuesday meeting ^^
1) Self introduction
2) Sharing of YEP objectives(can be found on earlier post)
3) Explaination on YEP (can be found on earlier post)
- Objective of Pre-Trip( visiting same kind of beneficiaries)
a) team bonding
b) mental preparation
- Objective of Post Trip
a) to apply what we have learnt in vietnam
b) self reflection
4) Split into groups discussion
5)Marketing Committee Minutes
Selling of T-shirts
• Printing about 100-150 pieces
• 2 different designs of T-shirts
• Both T-shirts will have the same message
• Price of each T-shirt: 1 for $15, 2 for $25. If not sellable, maybe cut down to 1 for $12
Selling of postcards
• Cost price of each postcard is about $0.30
• Printing 4 different designs
• Price of each post card: 1 for $1. If buy in packet of 4 different design: $3
Selling of food
• Only to be done at the locations that do not require a permit
• Purchase brownies, cakes, cookies from factories and sell
• An alternative would be to bake ourselves (might be much cheaper)
*This idea was initially cancelled due to many restrictions but the committee will come together again to how we can maximize our profits.
Fundraising locations
1. West Coast Plaza, 22nd and 23rd May
2. Temasek Junior College, 27th May
3. Republic Poly (date TBC)
4. Tampines Junior College (date TBC)
*All timings to be confirmed ASAP by Morris.
New ideas for this meeting
• Allow public to write their personal messages on heart-shaped paper to dedicate a message to the children in Vietnam, together with a personal choice of donation amount. To be done at fundraising locations.
• Collect newspapers and sell to Garang Gunis. Will obtain permission from Community Centers as collection area and decide the dates, timing and location for collection and distribute flyers ASAP.
6) Programming Minutes
- half day for the physically abled, to train up their movements
- second half to interact with those physically disabled people and bed ridden
Games
for the abled people
1) pass the parcel which is being wrap with 7 layers of paper then tear them apart when the music stop
2) paper areoplane, fold and throw over the line (score board, win big sticker lose small sticker)
3) basketball (throw the balls into basket)
4) soccer ( kick balls into the goal post(cardbox)
5) can throwing (make all the cans drop)
6) Smelling activities ---> cotton buds soak with different smell in different cans then match the can and smell together
for those physically disabled
1) textile activies---> let them touch the animal shape and the fell
- create books and can be a gift for them
2) Smelling activities ---> cotton buds soak with different smell in different cans
3) sing song ( yellow butterfly song in vietnamese)
4) Animal Song or Sound etc Old Macdonald (need translation)
5) Number counting --> count 1 to 10 using fingers, objects
- big dice then count togehter the number of dots on the dice
6) big flash cards --> to find a pair ( learn how to match objects)
*7) give worksheets for them to link them up
*8) donkey game --> hold a pile of cards change with the person beside them then if pair throw out, loser is left with only donkey card
*9) Simple instrument game --> teach them to shake, or simple rhythm
- made up of different materials --> plastic bottles, vitagen, toilet rolls, cans
* no7 to 9 is only applicable if there enough time *
Appreciation for the Caregivers
1) Sing with the kids with simple actions together with us --> simple instrument for the kids for them to shake while we sing
- need rehersals
2) buy cookies from the bakery shop over there
3) make handicraft
4) presenting children handicraft for them and sing
7) Finance --> send emails and calls for sponsorships( waiting for response)
--> Air tickets money collections
--> vietnam Products money collections
Yup, Thats all ^^
* reminder for those who haven submit your letters please kindly do it by the next meeting and also the application form and also money payment. *
Passport details needed for booking of air tickets
We need your help to book air tickets. I have 8 people's passport details as of 9.30pm, 15 May 2010.
Please send me either a scanned copy/ a picture of your passport (the page with all your particulars) or your passport details latest by Sunday 16 May 10.
Details required for booking of air tickets from Tiger Airways:
1) Title: (Miss/Mr/Mdm etc)
2) Family Name:
3) Given Name:
4) Date of Birth:
5) Place of issuance of passport:
6) Passport Number:
7) Expiry Date:
Do note that the info provided has to be exactly the same as per your passport, if not, you might be prevented from boarding the plane for small mistakes e.g. name on passport: Meixin, name on boarding pass: Mei Xin.
We know that the deadline is abit tight, but we need to confirm the air tickets ASAP to take advantage of the promotion by Tiger Airways (original price of air tickets approx 250, promotion price approx 170, savings approx 80 – if we choose the cheapest option AND book the tickets latest by 19 May 10 ). Cheapest price for Jetstar to go Vietnam is approx. $230 as of 12 midnight yesterday (price difference approx. $60)
Please check if the expiry date of your passport is 1 January 2011 or later, if not kindly inform me and get your passport renewed ASAP. Renewal of passport can be done by post / online ($60 for renewal by post / online) or through the counter at ICA ($70 for renewal at counter) and the minimum processing time is about a week. For more details on passport renewal, please click on the link: http://www.ica.gov.sg/page.aspx?pageid=125
Thanks for your help and let’s work towards our aim of spreading cheer and joy to the kids in Phu My and other orphanages! ^^
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Cash donation
Please use the letter sent to us by Qiuyi to ask for donations. Thank you guys!