Semenyih Visit

When All Become One

I first came back to university thinking I would be a hardworking student that stays in the library all day and night to get the revision done this semester to improve my grades, but on the first day of this semester they told me there was a course that required us to involve in social work and I was surprised.

I went to the first class of this social engagement course and met my groupmates for the first time. Out of my personal expectation, we chose a harder project, “Program Anak Angkat” where we had to visit and stay overnight in a small village in Semenyih to experience the life cultures there and helped out with some chores. It didn’t come easy as we have to carefully plan the budget and arrange the time to meet everyone expectations. In the end, we chose a weekend before mid-semester break to visit them. Before going to the village, we bought some daily needs for the old folks.

When we reached there, we were invited to the head of the village’s office. We were welcomed warmly and explained a little about the history of the village. We were then had our lunch and checked in to the homestay. 

After some preparation, we moved to visit the cane farm and bees’ farm. We were explained about the ways and techniques of growing these farms. These had become their main source of income for the villagers. That was the first time I have ever visited these farms. It was really magnificent and widened my mind. The taste of the raw honey was actually not only sweet but the combination of sweet and sour taste!

After the visit, it’s time for dinner! We planned a BBQ night with the villagers and hosted it in one of the villager’s house. We started preparing from 6pm up till 8pm and it was really tiring! I guess that’s the part of growing up and becoming independent when you had to do everything yourself! Everything went well and the night was filled with laughs. I guessed everyone should have a very cheerful moment and lots of fun that night.

The next morning we went exercising with some kids in the village. We danced Zumba while waiting for breakfast to be served. After breakfast, we went kayaking under the guidance of the villagers. It was an exceptional experience that you would never have living in the city. 

After lunch, we went to visit the old folks and gave some items that we bought for them. The old folks might be old physically but not mentally! You could see from the photo when the old lady chatted with us energetically and created jokes. I really enjoyed the moment chatting with them as you could gain something that you have never experienced or thought of before.

The whole project ended with a closing ceremony attended by Dr. Marizan and the head of the village.

I couldn’t express how grateful I felt to be in this project. It taught me so much and greatly changed my perspective towards a village. I am indeed lucky to have these excellent groupmates to be with me throughout the project. We went from strangers to close family. It was an experience that I will never forget in my life.

I wish the villagers will be in health everyday and enjoy their lives to the fullest. This project ended but not our friendships and connection that built in these few days. I would like to go back again in the future, not forced due to the syllabus but voluntarily. Bye for now, till we meet again.

KIE170033

Kevin Lau Puong Kai