Service Learning with ISE

Service Learning started at ISE as far back as 2004 when it was founded. In fact the founder and his associates have already been involved wth service learning since the 90s when they were working with Rotary International - the world's largest and oldest service organisation. They are all members of Rotary International and with its global network of Rotary Clubs, meaningful and effective projects were carried out successfully.

The greatest impact of Service Learning in action at ISE was felt after the Asian Tsunami disaster when it was the appointed handling agent for Singapore Rotary International in sending youth volunteers to affected areas for community rebuilding programme. After initial months of risk assessment, the first batch of volunteers from various Singapore schools arrived in Khao Lak in June 2005. This was followed by regular teams of volunteers from then till this year when 90 youth volunteers from 8 schools will be travelling to Khao Lak from 15-25 Jun 2009. With Rotary International's network of connections, a strict RAMS is in place to ensure that welfare of the youth is well covered. Generally all teams are led by experienced facilitators, Rotarians, teachers and alumni of past trips. Going through the daily process of readiness, rendering and reflection, every member of the team contributes and participates in all the activities organised at the local community. At Khao Lak, past groups have the privilege to serve a diverse community of Thai Buddhists, Thai Moslems, Burmese and sea gypsies. While friendship was built, most importantly, our youth brought HOPE to the community.

"I participated in an overseas trip to Khao Lak organised by the Rotary Club in 2005 for the purpose of tsunami relief. I would like to highlight something Rotarian Jimmy Ooi said to our team on the last night that stuck in my mind. He said: "when we came, Khao Lak was just a place to us. But in the future, should someone mention Khao Lak, we would remember not a place, but a face." I think that he succinctly brought out the fact that by serving the community, we form strong personal bonds with the beneficiaries. These bonds do not solely bless the beneficiaries, but we ourselves are enriched through the experience as well" - Sergius Wat, President Scholar 2007.

Since then, ISE has served Rotary International as its working partner sending teams of youth volunteers helping many deserving communities in S E Asia. For more details, please contact Jimmy Ooi at rtnjimmyooi@singnet.com.sg

At ISE, we never take any chance where safety of our children concerns...

When ISE was founded, we worked on three guiding principles when planning any educational travel programme. They are SAFETY, CLEANLINESS and COMFORT in order of importance. With the outbreak of the swine flu, it is probably necessary for us to outline our safety procedure @ ISE to our clients.

We have gone through SARS, Bird Flu and even the occasional outbreak of disease when places got flooded (remember south Malaysia and Hanoi?) where we find our guiding principles have helped us decide in assuring the general welfare of our clients is in good order. In SAFETY, it becomes our habit to make risk assessment exercise as part of our overseas travel.

Back @ ISE, our risk assessment resulted in providing clients with:

a) the 'W' checklist compliance required by the Ministry of Education
b) an emergency medical evacuation action plan including details of nearest medical facilities
c) emergency contact details of key personnel, both locally and overseas
d) experienced personnel as facilitator and leader and who are empowered to act quickly for the welfare of the group at all times in case of emergency
e) regular update of any situation through reliable sources including by not limited to MFA, MOH, WHO and Student & Youth Travel Association

In addition, we have been assured by MOE as an appointed vendor under the National Framework Agreement that we will be informed immediately of any travel advisory issued by MOE. This allows us to act quickly in tandem with schools in tighening our safety procedure for our groups.

And where students plan to carry out Service Learning programme outside of the city precincts, we also provide:

a) emergency vehicle on standby
b) appointed medical personnel on stand by
c) local on-site contacts such as NGOs, hospitals and local organisations
d) inspection report of work site, communications and medical facilities

Of course, all our programmes are covered by a comprehensive travel insurance that includes emergency medical hospitalisation and unlimited evacuation coverage. Plus we have the support of our association (NATAS) who are trained in media crisis communications in the event of a global emergency.

And not forgetting, cleanliness and comfort checks are also part of ISE's overall risk assessment management system.

ISE Management Team

Swine Flu Alert

With the outbreak of Swine Flu, it is no wonder everyone who remembers the days of SARS will get the shivers and fears. I always believe to fight it we must learn to know our enemy. So reading more about the virus and be more knowledgeable about the situation will surely help you be aware of where you stand. The world can still be a safe place if you know where you are going...

We have read much news about the H1Ni but here is an announcement dated 30 April 09 from the Student & Youth Travel Association based in US.

Dear Colleague,
Our nation and its leadership are committed to the safety and welfare of all citizens, particularly our youth. As the Swine Flu (now referred to as H1N1 virus) epidemic continues, SYTA, your professional organization, wants to provide you with information designed to help you communicate with our student and youth travelers.

Basic Information about the H1N1 Virus
The H1N1 virus causes a respiratory infection. It is rare in people, but human infections can occur.
The symptoms are similar to the symptoms of regular seasonal flu: fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting as well.
The incubation period is 1-7 days.
Eating pork or pork products cannot spread swine flu.

Talking Points to Use with Clients
· The health and well-being of our student and youth travelers is our paramount
concern, and we continue to work with government agencies to communicate the
facts about the H1N1 virus situation in a measured and responsible way.
· Health experts continue to affirm an approach that balances concern without
alarm.

The CDC has not issued a travel warning to any areas in the U.S., the only area to date that has any restrictions is Mexico.
The number of cases of the H1N1 virus is still limited, with only 109 confirmed total cases reported in the U.S. to date.
The majority of the patients – mainly infants and the elderly - suffered only minor illness and did not require hospitalization, and nearly all are already improving.
We are constantly monitoring news from the CDC, WTO and federal and state government agencies. We will continue to update our information as it becomes available.

SYTA continues to monitor the situation and stay apprised of the CDC and World Health Organization's guidelines. For immediate information, please visit www.syta.org.
Should you receive any calls from the media, we ask that you forward them to Gabby McNamara at our public relations agency, Redpoint Marketing PR. She can be reached at (212) 229-0119, cell (908) 461-5260 or mcnamara@redpointpr.com

If you have any additional questions, please contact Claudia Mansfield Sutton (703-610-0225 or cmsutton@syta.org) or myself (810-664-1777 or jkrish@traveladventures.com).
Regards,
John Krish,SYTA President

© Student & Youth Travel Association__________ Information from ESET NOD32 Antivirus, version of virus signature database 4048 (20090501) __________The message was checked by ESET NOD32 Antivirus.http://www.eset.com
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L.I.F.E. 6 - Return to Khao Lak Tsunami Sites

If you have ever wondered whatever happened to the communities of the Asian Tsunami Disaster in Khao Lak, well they are still struggling in returning to their lives. The impact of the disaster brought much hardship despite all the humanitarian relief from NGOs, government and volunteers from all over the world. Except for those who were scarred by the loss of loved ones and returned annually to mark the anniversary of the disaster since that fateful 26 Dec 2004, a stream of young volunteers has been travelling to Khao Lak bringing cheers and sunshine to the lives of the children. They left their marks of volunteerism at villages like Nam Kem, Pru Teow, Lam Pi, Tab Pla, Nai Rai, Pak Weep and Bang Muang. What started as Project Hope turned to Project LIFE (where volunteers helped create hope of Livelihood through International Friendship and Education). The community of the Sea Gypsy was of special attachment to Project LIFE - children of ancient mariners that used to roam the Straits of Malacca for thousands of years. Many of our volunteers are now pursuing higher education and a few have even revisited Khao Lak. The next Project LIFE will be the 6th in the series (20-25 Jun). We have not forgotten the people of Khao Lak. We are returning to Khao Lak again. Do you want to join us? Check out details in the FACEBOOK - search for Project L.I.F.E. 6

Otherwise contact jimmy.ooi@isetravel.com. Project LIFE 6 has strong Service Learning values run by hardcore civic-minded leaders. If you are keen to organise your own group, we know the experts.....

Order an ISE Card NOW and Get 2 Years for Price of One

An exciting offer is in the card.

ISE Cards are normally valid for one year from the date of issue. Now you can get 2 years when you issue your new ISE Card. This special offer allows you to get an extra year of validity on your membership. If you order your card today, it will expire two years from now. This has never before been offered by ISE Cards, and is for a limited time only.
Only US$25 (SGD40) for a two year membership! Email to enquiry@isetravel.com to purchase now.

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