Sharings

A Volunteer's Experience at Banda Aceh

Helena Ng has been a volunteer with JRS Singapore for close to six years. Though she has made several short visits to refugee camps in Thailand, Indonesia and India, she always felt a desire to help in more ways than just paying a visit.
Recently, Helena took the courageous step of putting things on hold in Singapore and volunteered herself in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. She stayed for three months from February to May this year, mainly to teach English to the JRS field staff there. We spoke with her regarding her stint in the tsunami-devastated villages of Banda Aceh and Lamno (Aceh Jaya) and how it has affected her.

What made you decide to volunteer yourself in Banda Aceh?
It was an opportunity from JRS and a long-fulfilling wish to do some mission work overseas.

Is this the first time you are doing this? What made you do it?
This is my second time. The first time was not with JRS.
In 2005, I was attached to a kindergarten for the children of poor villagers in Sabah, which is managed by the IJ sisters. Although it was only for a month,it was very fulfilling and sparked a yearning for more opportunities to serve this way. Thus when JRS offered the opportunity for service in Banda Aceh, I took it.

What did you actually do there?
Mainly to teach Basic English Language to about twenty-odd JRS local field staff. From time to time they need to communicate or act as interpreters for other foreign NGOs.  I also helped the local women with their handicrafts. They make straw bags and mats for sale as a JRS-sponsored income generating activity.

As I was based there, I could also provide constant on-site updates to JRS Singapore on building projects sponsored by them, namely in Banda Aceh, Pulo Aceh and Lamno.

How was your daily routine like?
At Banda Aceh, I would be at the JRS Office every morning and travelled with the field workers to the various villages to check on the progress and needs of the villagers.
In the evening, from 5pm -7pm, I would conduct English lessons attended by the twenty-odd JRS employees at the JRS Office.

At Lamno, I helped at the handicraft shop which is attached to the JRS Office. We also visited two other villages on different days of the week to check on the progress of their handicraft-making and any other needs.

Did you encounter any difficulties during this period?
Communication in Bahasa Indonesia was not a problem. However, some villagers speak their local dialects, like Acehnese. I had to enlist the help of the JRS field workers for interpretation.
 

We heard about your accident, can you tell us more about it?
On one occasion, I had to make a trip to Pulo Aceh which could only be reached by boat. The boat, owned by JRS (like a bump-boat), is a means of transport not only for JRS staff, but for villagers too. Each trip takes six hours to and fro.

On the return trip to Banda Aceh, we encountered a really fierce storm midway out in the Indian Ocean. The boat started rocking so vigorously that at one point it was tilted at an angle of about 45 degrees on its side. I started praying. The passengers were told to put on the life-jackets. While trying to balance and put on mine, I was thrown right across the boat. I slipped and almost fell on a little boy. In order to avoid him, I knocked myself onto a corner of a wooden plank and fell. After my fall, the sea miraculously calmed but not before I suffered bruises all over my body and face, a cut above my lips and a deep cut above my left brow which required two stitches. Fortunately, the rest of the passengers were not injured. It was really a lucky escape and quite an experience.
 

What made the greatest impact on you during your stay?
The strength of the women in the villages. Many had lost their husbands, who were fishermen, family and houses. But despite their great loss, poverty and suffering, they continued to put up a strong front, try to remain cheerful and try as best as possible to pick up their lives. Their resilience is a true source of encouragement and inspiration for me personally; to remain strong despite all the trails and difficulties I face in life.

During your association with the JRS staff there, can you tell us what activities are they involved in?
Besides overseeing the construction of houses and building of fishing boats, JRS field staff also lend the villagers a helping hand in starting up businesses, as barbers, tailors, mechanics, provision shop owners etc; anything that helps them to generate income for their livelihood. Helping to set up schools is also part of JRS's agenda.

How have your stint in Banda Aceh affected or change your life after your return to Singapore?
The three-month stay was indeed an eye-opener and a rewarding experience. The selfless nature and generosity of the Indonesians, despite their poverty and sufferings, really touched me. They try to be contented with whatever little they have and yet they were willing to share and give their best to their visitors. Singaporeans should realise how fortunate they are.

Would you do it again if there's another opportunity?
Yes! Definitely.

What advice would you give to those contemplating on doing such short-term volunteer work overseas?
Firstly, pray over it. Ask the Lord for guidance.
Then go with an open heart and an open mind, and be ready to give your best. It will be a rewarding experience.

Thank you for sharing your experience with us, Helena. We wish you all the best for your future mission work!