Sikkim Recce Trip

2nd September 2009 to 8th September 2009

Sikkim, India

This was a trip organised by the Singapore Scout Association in collaboration with Jet Airways (National carrier for India) and I was asked to tag along to look into possible projects for Rovers. Definitely a trip not to be missed, and I'm glad I didn't.

First of all, the hospitality and generosity of the host HelpTourism India was great. And with Jet Airways as a partner, flying with tons of luggage and boxes was with ease. When we landed in Delhi, it was wee hours and we only had a few hours to crash in at a hotel before catching the next domestic flight to Bagdogra. Once we reach Bagdogra, we began the arduous journey up the mountains. Well equipped with plenty of turns and plenty of bumps, the mountains really made our trip. We stopped every now and then (and I meant very often) for tea breaks cause we really need the break from the ride... However, the journey was definitely worth it. We visited several organisations, villages and two schools, and were warmly greeted as special guests always.

The main purpose of the trip was to look at the possibility of setting up an Eco-adventure camp in the village of Hee Bermiok to help the village with self-sustenance, education  and tourism. For starters, we looked at helping the Polestar English School. This is a private school with very minimal funding from the government, and yet it consists of a group of dedicated teachers who also receives almost next to nothing salary, and a population of almost 120 students who love their school and studying. The school dwells on a rented property and seven classes had to squeeze in the basement of the building without any proper form of partitions. Teaching would be a nightmare for most teachers but the teachers worked as a team and came up with methods to solve problems they encounter. This was a school that was in need.

Another school visited was just right outside of Sikkim in a place called Neora Valley. The Kolbung Primary School is a single storey wooden building with no electricty, and it caters to about 50 students. The place is so remote that it was probably forgotten. Despite being a government school, applications for fund to renovate/rebuild the school have received no response for almost a decade - probably due to the remote location and small student population. Another school in dire need, but even if help is rendered, other difficulties arises such as source of electricity and transportation of materials.

Although it was a short trip with most time spent on the road, it was definitely an eye-opener. The comfort that most of us know so well is more than far-fetched for the people in these villages, but yet they are living happily, already blessed with what they have and the beautiful environment they live in. Sometimes we ought to reflect before we begin to complain about anything that we are unsatisfied with.

I know I will be back again for sure. Definitely positive.