More memories...

Departing for Vietnam, remember???

"Makan" Cheer

Creating our "Bowls" at Minh Long

Farewell Ceremony Video

Hi all, the video for the farewell ceremony during our stay in Vietnam has been uploaded. Enjoy.

We felt like Top of the World

On their last night, the pupils and teachers went to a cruise dinner. The pupils put on their best attire. And really, the joy coming from them on that night was so spontaneous as they sang Top of the World. It really reflected how they felt at that moment.

Our Masterpieces - What We Learned

Remember the visit to Minh Long Ceramics Factory? We were given a very short time to complete the bowl. It really brings the creativity out of us.

So, we must bear in mind that in life, sometimes we do not have the luxury of time e.g. when it comes to your studies. We can't wait till the last minute to revise for exams, it should be a consistent effort throughout the year.

It also shows that if we put our heart and soul to doing something, the end result is worthwhile and rewarding.

Modest 5000 Target

Hi all, we've inserted a counter to this blog to track the number of visitors.

Its good to see some of you (esp those in the 2008 batch) are still very active in this blog.

We intend to hit the magical 5000 visits or more by next July when your Vietnamese friends are here. Let's spread the message (tell your Vietnamese buddies and those who went for the CIP) to keep this blog alive.

After spending more than week together, the pupils have fostered a closer friendship

Happy Teacher's Day to our Vietamese teachers

Today is Teacher's Day in Vietnam...

From all the staff and pupils in North View Secondary School, we wish all teachers in Nguyen Gia Thieu High School "A Happy Teacher's Day"

We Are Back in Singapore!!!

Hi Everyone

We have landed safely in Singapore at 1030 pm (Singapore time)... Thank you to pupils and staff of Nguyen Gia Thieu High School for sending us off at the airport...

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the pupils, teachers, vice-principals, principal and parents in Nguyen Gia Thieu High School for their kind hospitality during our immersion programme. You have given us a new perspective of Vietnam, we will never forget your warmth, friendliness and joy. Let's keep this friendship going, do not stop the communication, and let us reconnect next July in Singapore!

We will definitely going to miss NGTHS and of course, Vietnam!!!

Cam On !

Thank You Teachers, Parents & Pupils of NGTHS, Hometsay Buddies, Thank You HCMC!

The pupils of NVSS would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to their buddies who hosted them.

Message From all of Us!!

Hello parents, your kids made a video on 161109 to remind you about their arrival tomorrow (171109)

Day 8 - 161109 Cruise Dinner

As it was the group's last night in HCMC, the pupils and teachers went to a special dinner on board a boat. There were live singing and a lot of music. Dinner was served first and soon after, the boat set off.

The highlight of the night was we suprised our November birthday babies with a big birthday cake. we tricked them into leaving the dinner table so that their friends can get ready to sing the birthday song for them.

Towards the end, Mrs Ong and the pupils sang 'Top of the World'

The birthday cake for Indira, Xuan Qi and Qiao-min

Day 8 - 161109 School for the Blind

The pupils went to the School for the Blind. There are 3 Schools for the Blind in Vietnam and one of them is located in HCMC. This school does not only teach the blind the basic reading and writing skillls but they also train them to be independent and survivor skills. They will slowly integrate themselves into society.

Our pupils listening to the principal

The principal for the School for the Blind

The school is like a typical mainstream school. Look at the levels.

Small class class number like this is very normal. This is to ensure the kids receive the most attention. Parents volunteer their services in this school

Our pupils taking a photo with the cute children

Look closely, can you see anything?

They are actually braille which allows the children to read

Some of the pupils in the school are not totally blind, some can't see very well. Therefore they need the lights to help them.

A thank you card made by a pupil

To make learning easier for them, the teachers embossed diagrams onto textbooks to reinforce what they have taught

No, they are not sleeping but listening to stories in the library

The machine that print all the textbooks

The local pupils performinng for us. And they are really good.

Our pupils and teachers enjoying the performance
Presenting souvenires to the local pupils

Group photo

Imagining being in the life of a blind person

They are very happy and they love to sing



This boy was being videoed but he should realise this and went up the staircase very quickly

Playing like normal kids

Reflections on HCMC

Our pupils grew up in Singapore which is already developed with modern and advanced technology. If they observe HCMC through bus journeys everyday, they can imagine Singapore like this about 40 - 50 years ago. This is because they must not forget the efforts of our forefathers in building what Singapore is today.

They must remain humble and learn from our Vietnamese friends

This scene is still very common on the road of HCMC. Sometimes you have 4 persons: 2 adults and 2 toddlers.

Wires and more wires. These wires looks very unsightly but it keeps the city going


Roadside stalls are very common. People will just sit down by the road and eat their food. Notice the short tool they sit on.

Every where you go, you see stalls like this is and it is very common.

An old lady carrying fruits, trying to sell them while going from one place to another. This is what we call food delivery.


Half hatched egg...

They boil the egg when the duckling is going to be developed.

Day 7 - 151109 Handicapped Handicraft Centre

After Cu Chi Tunnel, the pupils went to a Handicapped Handifrafts centre.

These duck eggshells are used to make the paintings. Duck eggshells instead of chicken eggshells are used because duck eggshells are thicker.

Worker using the crushed duck eggshells to piece up the painting

This piece of painting won a prize in one of the competition in Vietnam. Does it look like a painting? If you look closely, it is made up of pieces of duck eggshells.