I had a wild time with enthusiastic youths at Chek Jawa for the YCS Volunteer Engagement: Understanding Ubin's Natural Heritage.
I am inspired by their energy and their questions made me think more deeply. Thanks to Ng Jing Rou for organising the trip and letting me be a part of it.
The experiential trip was crafted by Ng Jing Rou, NYC-YCS intern for
Pesta Ubin, to encourage YCS volunteers to better understand Pulau Ubin's natural heritage and how they can play a part in protecting it.
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| On the bumboat to Ubin! |
From their website:
Youth Corps Singapore provides the breadth and depth of volunteering opportunities for youths through ad-hoc, regular and project-based service projects, with a focus on reaching out to causes such as education, environment, health, special needs, arts, sports and heritage. Regardless of your skill sets, we provide ample opportunities for you to hone your skills, and develop new skills. You will also meet like-minded youths who are passionate about serving the community.
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| In the van to Chek Jawa! |
We were very fortunate to bump into
Joseph Lai, my hero of Chek Jawa, while gathering at the Ferry Terminal. As usual, Joe shared inspiring stories of the journey at Chek Jawa before reclamation was deferred.
Our first stop at Ubin was at
Uncle Lim's shop. Thanks as usual to Uncle Lim for providing the space for free. Jing Rou had organised a fun ice-breaker for everyone.
Then it was off to Chek Jawa! We are greeted by the resident kampung dog.
Thanks to sharp eyed participants, we spotted many interesting critters.
Jejawi Tower was a highlight! The big picture, and a tree-eye view of nature.
Giant mudskipper!
A closer look at mangroves from the boardwalk. And I shared
how durians are linked to mangroves!
At
House No. 1, fully restored to its former glory and now Chek Jawa Visitor Centre, more interesting stories and photos.
Thanks to NParks support and Jing Rou for arranging, we enjoyed air-con in the seminar room at the HSBC-Ubin Volunteer Hub at the end of our walk to discuss some of the issues. I gave a brief overview of my personal experience as one of the many blind men groping the elephant that is Chek Jawa.
Also some of the lessons I learned from my experience at Chek Jawa.
We discussed the
impact of the 2013 Population White Paper on Pulau Ubin, Chek Jawa and other shores. I also shared about the Singapore Blue Plan 2009 and how the marine community is coming together to update the Blue Plan as part of
International Year of the Reef 2018.
I also shared some of the many nature volunteer opportunities on Pulau Ubin. Most of them with
NParks.
Also with community efforts such as
TeamSeagrass,
Restore Ubin Mangroves (R.U.M.) Initiative,
Project Island-a-Hand by OBS and
International Coastal Cleanup.
Nature volunteers are a fun bunch of people! Here are nature volunteers from many different groups, coming together to celebrate
Balik Chek Jawa, led by the
Naked Hermit Crabs as part of Pesta Ubin. The participants asked great questions after the brief talk.
Then it was time to hear from the participants! In small groups, they discussed the day and shared their thoughts and insights in a fun way with everyone.
Team Ubin Boleh entertained with stories of their thoughts and insights. Wonderful!
Dubbed Team Post-it, they shared fascinating insights into the day.
Team Hilbert gave us a 360 degree view of their thoughts. Exciting!
Team "Non-Drawers" who nevertheless came up with awesome drawings of Jejawi Tower and shared great insights into the walk.
I had a great time with the youths during lunch. I am very impressed with them and their level of understanding and interest in the issues. I thank them for putting up with my lame jokes, playing my lame Chek Jawa bingo and being such great company. Thank you to Jing Rou for the awesome arrangements and for letting me be a part of this.
More about
Youth Corps Singapore.
