NUSWhispers – Confession #30888

#rant I just came back from an OCIP recently and the experience has left me underwhelming. Before the trip, many people have already confessed during the planning stage that this trip is mostly self serving and ultimately it serves to build up their portfolio. Half way through the OCIP, I began wondering if we are really there to do work as it appears that some of us are there to fill up our daily quota of our social media feed and that these people are regarding the children as props (which I find really sad). Is it an endeavour to impress on our friends on social media that we are noble, using their happiness and joy to express the success of our project? I really hope that we do not return home with the mindset that " Hey I built some walls and taught some English. I am happy that I signed up for this and that the villagers have gained much from my effort". 1-2 weeks is not going to do much and unless the program is self-sustaining and designed to improve the welfare of the village in the long term, our efforts are disruptive at best. Excuse me for my cynicism but I believe self-serving mentality and altruism are mutually exclusive (i.e. if you are coming for OCIP for your own benefit, please don't). While I believe there are genuinely kind souls out there, I wonder how many people will sign up again if they cannot put these activities on record