Singaporeans promote community service through village school renovation in Punjab

Veela Bajju (Gurdaspur) Dec.14 (ANI): A group of 20 students from Singapore is giving a facelift to a government-run school in Veela Bajju village in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

The villagers have expressed delight over this initiative that has been undertaken under the community service project "Khwaish" or "A Wish" launched by the Young Sikh Association (YSA). This group, comprising students from various streams of study, arrived from Singapore on December 10. They intend to help underprivileged and needy students in Punjab.

Apart from giving a facelift to the school building, the Youth Sikh Association (YSA) has announced plans for setting up a library of 2,500 books and will also donate four computers. It will also distribute toys and clothes to needy children.

The Government of Singapore encourages its students to visit different parts of the world to learn more of other societies.

"Singapore is a developed country, you flick the switch you get the light, you turn the tab you get the water and our country have achieve scuess at every level now it is our duty to help the developing country to get them every thing that is required to live better life," said Satwant Singh, Vice-President of Young Sikh Association.

"It is not like you need it and we are giving , it is a mutual cooperation between the two. Both are benefiting by getting an opportunity to understand and experience culture and customs prevalent in each other's country, said Satwant Singh.

Villagers usually visit the school just to appreciate the work being done or to have a look at these youthful Singaporeans working for the cause of village children.

"With the small government aid it was difficult to maintain the dilapidated building of the school but they feel delighted that YSA chosen to support their school," said Gurdarshan Singh, a former village council head.

"Setting up a library is one of the main reasons that I have joined this project for," said Diyanah, a student belonging to the National University in Singapore.

"Studies are really a key to everything because by studying one get s the knowledge and ideas. And, from good ideas one can bring good to the country," Dinayah added.

"One can collect donations, but contributing through one's own effort and putting our labour gives more satisfaction," she further added.

Navdeep Kaur, a student of standard X, said: "It is really matter of pride for us that the foreign students are in their school to give new look to their school."

Nirpal Singh, an ex-student of the school who came across the Young Sikh Association, while visiting to Singapore, said that with the support of the Singaporean visitors, children of the village would also learn to work by themselves for the welfare of all.

The group will leave for Singapore on December 25 after a 15-day trip to the village. (ANI)