THEY set out on a community service trip to Timor Leste to teach young people there computer skills, and ended up learning a number of valuable lessons themselves.

A group of Singapore Polytechnic students went on a week-long trip to Timor Leste, one of the region's poorest countries, last month.

The eight student volunteers took with them 240 computers, which were donated to six schools by the polytechnic.

The volunteers helped set up a computer lab and gave lessons in basic computer-related skills to students at the Sao Pedro School, run by the Catholic religious order, the Salesians of Don Bosco.

Called 'Love IT, Love Timor Leste', the project was part of the National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) programme, which encourages community participation and volunteerism among youths.

Miss Kareen Thian, 20, who went on the trip, said she admired the warmth and humility of the students they taught. 'They were very friendly and accepting, and never made us feel like we were outsiders,' she said.

A high point during the trip was meeting Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at the presidential palace. The occasion marked the handover of the computer lab facility and the launch of the International Award for Young People in Timor Leste, a programme similar to the NYAA.

'The President was very appreciative of the efforts of our students,' said Mr James Soh, executive director of the National Youth Achievement Award Council, who accompanied the students on their trip.

'The students also learnt a lot about culture and way of life in Timor Leste, so it was a win-win situation.'

CHIA YAN MIN

This article was first published in The Straits Times.