18
LUMEN | PROGRAMMES
A
Life-Changing Experience in Nepal
By Aarti Meyappan and Janelle Teoh
It is not an everyday affair that one gets to wake up to a breathtaking view of the mountains . For 30 students and 3 teachers who embarked on the Global Education
Programme ( GEP ) trip to Nepal in November 2017 , this was indeed a novel experience .
Not only were we able to view the mountains from our windows , we had the exciting opportunity to trek up to the Australian Base Camp . It was an arduous journey , trudging along the dirt path and climbing up rocky steps . However , the filth and sore muscles were worth it . The camp located on a hilltop dotted with yellow flowers , presented us with stunning views of the Annapurna Mountain range . To be away from the business of school life and fast-paced city life , was just the tranquillity we needed . The slow Wi-Fi connection posed no problem to us ; in fact , it spurred us to seize these precious moments to build bonds with our peers and teachers . Given the luxury of an open field , some chose to bond over games of frisbee and football ; while others who were not so keen on physically demanding activities , played card games and engaged in heart-to-heart conversations . Being away from light-polluted Singapore meant that we had the rare chance to stargaze at night . Despite the chilly weather , all of us stayed on the field , staring at the star-filled night sky in wonder .
The service-learning trip to Nepal has greatly humbled all of us . As part of the itinerary ,