Our media team had the opportunity to speak with Kalene Lua, a regular volunteer in Bangalore, India. In her own words, the volunteer holiday was life-changing, touching, inspiring, eye-opening and meaningful.

TMTVT: So Kalene, we know that you went to Bangalore recently; could you share with our readers more about the trip?

Kalene: Yes indeed I went to Bangalore with some friends for a 4-day volunteer holiday. It was my third trip to Bangalore. Whenever I go back there, I would visit the people in the Bagalur slum. As the church I go to supports a few projects; a kindergarten, a sewing class and a doctor’s clinic, our activities typically revolves around visiting these projects. I enjoyed all my trips there so I try to go back there whenever my church organizes such visits and also if I am free.

TMTVT: What kind of expectation did you have before your first visit and how did the actual experience meet your expectation?

Kalene: I can’t remember if I had any expectation before my first visit anyhow, each time I visit the people in the slum, the experience becomes fresh all over again.

TMTVT: Could you share with us more about the volunteer activities there?
Kalene: We visited the children in the kindergarten. They had prepared a little ceremony for us, filled with the children’s joyous singing and dancing. We also taught some classes for that afternoon. In class, I played a simple word game with them and sang some songs. The children were very bright and a delight to be with.
We also visited some people in their homes. In each home, we heard about how hard their lives are. A typical story would be that the man of the family has left home, leaving behind the women and children to take care of themselves. They struggled with finding jobs and raising their children. We had a doctor with us on this last trip so we set up a free children clinic over 2 days. We had the clinic right on the street. The response was really encouraging as many brought their little ones to see our doctor. While waiting for their turn, we entertained them with songs and stories. I also prepared a little mobile presentation on Singapore, which they found intriguing.

TMTVT: Other than doing good in this trip, how have you benefited from it?
Kalene: Personally, I have always felt that I have benefited more from these trips than the people I visit. Being in a place so different from modern and prosperous Singapore, it was really an eye-opener for me to see how they live. They have so little material comforts and face so many challenges in their lives. Every time I go on such trips, I will feel a sense of gratitude for what I have in my life. In fact, I would also feel ashamed of my little petty grouses about life.
 
TMTVT: Other than the volunteer activities, did you have time to do some sight-seeing?

Kalene: As our schedule was rather tight, we did not have much time to travel around Bangalore, but we did manage to squeeze in a short trip to a local bookstore to “stock up” our personal libraries. On a previous trip, we even managed to go to the crowded local street markets and experience the sights and sounds of India. Another highlight of my trip is the local food! Indian food is fabulous, I always enjoy our meals there.

TMTVT: Tell us more about the camaraderie amongst the people you went with, bet you guys must have quite a good time together.
Kalane: We were relatively familiar with each other we are from the same church. However, such trips are always good opportunities to get to know each other better. Every night, we would share our experience for that day and what we have learnt.

TMTVT: With hindsight, what would you have done to make the experience more meaningful for yourself and for people of Bangalore?
Kalene: I could perhaps have done more preparation, like thinking up some games for the children or collecting gifts for distribution. Anyhow, I believe the children enjoyed having us visit them, especially because we come from a foreign land. Every time I arrive at the slum, a crowd of little children will start to gathering around our group, calling us “auntie” and “uncle”. They will hold our hands and chatter with us excitedly. The people we visit in their homes also appreciate our visits. It is encouraging when we go back there and hear that our prayers during the last trip were answered.
I think they would benefit also from the knowledge that we care for them. Hopefully, that would give them some hope that there are people who are concerned about them.

TMTVT: What did you learn from this volunteering experience?
Kalene: Lots! I learnt about how resilient people can be. Although the women living in such conditions have very little to live on, they are still full of hope for their families. For example, they will try their best to put their children in schools even though finding the money to do so is a strain on their household. Simple as it sounds, I have also realized that life outside Singapore can be so different. At first when I visited the slum during my first trip, it was all very surreal to me; but later on, I grew accustom to the place.

TMTVT: How has this volunteer vacation impacted your life?
Kalene: It has impacted me in many ways. For one, I am more grateful for what I have – ample food (at times too much!), education, complete family etc. It has also given me a desire to help people in developing countries. I do hope to go on such trips again, and perhaps do more in other places in future.

TMTVT: What top 5 tips would you give to someone volunteering for the 1st time and what should they expect/not expect?
Kalene: 1.Find out as much information as possible about the country you’re visiting. Try to understand their culture and particularities of their social norms. This will help you enjoy the journey more, and to avoid any faux par.
2. Be sensitive to the people you visit. Try to adapt to their local culture as much as possible, rather than to bring Singaporean standards along with you on the trip.
3. Be open to try different things. Sometimes things do not go according to plan. Instead of being frustrated, take it as a chance to learn something new.
4. Be wise about taking precautions. For example, in India, we were advised to eat only in restaurants. Don’t overestimate your own immunity!
5. Be prepared. Prepare some activities to do with the people you visit. It could be something as simple as sharing about Singapore. Bring along gifts if you can. Lots of candy for children will be helpful! My advice is that one should not expect anything in particular but to just go with open minds.

TMTVT: What would you say to those who are considering volunteer travel?
Kalene: I would encourage them to try it. It is life-changing and will make their lives a lot more meaningful. It is also a great chance to see a different side of life – to see different cultures, environments, lifestyles. They won’t regret it!

TMTVT: We’ve seen many volunteers going back to volunteering again, why do think it is so?
Kalane: I guess I’m like these people you mentioned. They just want to go back to cheer up and encourage the people they visit, and also find joy for their own lives.  No doubt I would be back again cos I have grown to love the people there, and would simply want to see them again.

TMTVT: Is there any special moment which you like to share with us?
Kalene: Before the trip, I was very distracted by work and did not really prepare myself emotionally and mentally for the trip. On the first morning, we were at the medical clinic and I was just going through the motions of helping out at the clinic. I spoke to a young lady just standing nearby. Not long into the conversation, she started telling me about her sad story of how her husband left her and sobbed on my shoulders. That sobering incident was an instant reminder that behind our “vacation” was a real sense of mission to touch hurting lives like hers.

TMTVT: Wonderful! Thank you for sharing with us Kalene.
Kalene: Pleasure is mine. Great  to be able to share my heart here!

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