SJI International Singapore

SJII Members walk to end trafficking...

Student reflections:

With covid and IB locking us at home for what seemed an eternity, it was a bizarre experience to walk 32km out of the blue. My legs certainly weren’t used to it, and the effects of my sudden walk quickly caught up to my body, with my legs sorely aching by the 10km mark. However, as I dwelled on this discomfort over the next 20km, it quickly dawned on me that this aching was a mere fraction of the difficulties many children in Vietnam face on a daily basis, spurring me to redouble my efforts on the walk. I’m grateful for the joy and company provided by my friends, who were doubtlessly the reason I was able to walk that far to begin with; it was a shame we weren’t able to complete the full marathon, but the 32km we covered definitely forced me to consider the comforts and necessities I’m privileged to have, and highlighted the urgent need for kids in Vietnam to attain such comforts and necessities themselves. - Gilbert, G11

Waking up the morning of the walk and seeing the gloomy weather was certainly not something that helped lift my spirits and encouraged me to get up and get going. However, knowing that I was doing this for a good cause and that I was fortunate enough to be able to seek shelter from the weather and to have somewhere to come home to after did make me reflect on how sometimes we take what we have for granted. Throughout the walk, it was hot and humid and my legs grew tired very quickly. Luckily, by my side I had two friends who walked with me so we were able to keep spirits up and have lots of fun on the walk. Although we didn’t manage to walk the whole marathon distance, throughout our 32 km that we did walk really opened my eyes to the difficulty that these kids in Vietnam face. What struggle I felt was not nearly anything compared to what they go through on a daily basis. For me, it was also motivating that I knew, on this day there would be other people from all over the world who are also walking in solidarity with the Blue Dragon Children and that people were donating to the cause. - Madeliene, G11

Teacher reflections:

I walked 21km with my family together with our school chaplain, Friar Clifford Augustine, OFM. The torrential rain was an unexpected companion during our walk. While being soaked, it really made me think about how many children are not as fortunate as we would be to dry off and live comfortably by the end of the day. Sometimes our discomforts are just windows to seeing through the eyes of another. I pray that we never forget to recognise ourselves in one another, especially when we are faced with such great challenges. It truly was a meaningful way for my family to celebrate my daughter’s 2nd Birthday. -- Ryan Colond

When I returned home from the walk my shoulders were aching, my back was in pain and I barely had the energy to make a cup of tea. However, I was able to rest in a comfortable bed. I could get taxis to work and avoid walking for the rest of the week. I was not worried about where my next meal was coming from. Blue Dragon works with people who do not have the same choices and opportunities I have. The walk was a good chance to remember how lucky I am and also raise money for a good cause. -- Liam Bergin

I hobbled (very slowly) into my house at the end of the walk, very tired and sore but feeling so fortunate to be able to take part in such a worthwhile event. I was greeted warmly by my family who had lovingly prepared me an ice bath!!!! Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of the day was the conversation that I was able to have with my 5-year-old son and 7-year-old daughter, who wanted to know more about the charity we had been raising money for and the children they help. I certainly feel very proud of the money we were able to raise to support children who are faced with adversity; however, being part of raising awareness and driving conversations, like the one I had with my own, very privileged children, is the most worthwhile thing for me - and I hope will bring much needed change. -- Pam Newman

Our 5.30am start ensured we enjoyed the best of the east coast wind as we breezed through our first couple of hours of the marathon. As the rain poured and drenched us, and then poured again just as we were getting dry, the squelch of my soggy socks in trainers started to take its toll. Aches and clicks kicked in but not once did I ever consider that giving up was an option. And giving up is not an option for Blue Dragon Foundation. This is what I take my strength from. Rescue efforts against all costs, commitment to giving children and families second chances, advocacy on the policy making level… When I feel down about the state of the world, I look to Blue Dragon Foundation as a source of hope and strength. I am pleased that we can play a small part in funding some of this essential work and look forward to next year’s marathon walk! -- Rebecca Gillman

The alarm buzzed at 5am and Katie and I quietly slipped into our training clothes, grabbed a light breakfast, filled our water-bottles, and headed out onto the roads of Singapore. I have been training for the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation half-marathon since Ms Gillman piqued my interest some months ago and I talked my wife into cycling the distance at the same time. Our early morning reluctance soon vanished as we warmed up and headed away from Thomson Plaza, north towards Upper Peirce Reservoir with its jungle soundscape, over-friendly monkey population, and the punishing undulating hills. In the dim light of dawn we hit the half-way mark near Springleaf and took a well earned food and drink stop. It is at these moments that gratitude arrives. Yes, it's humid, sweaty, tiring, and mentally testing, but we have the freedom to express ourselves through the simple acts of running and cycling. 

We have also been gifted the chance to choose to show up and raise awareness of the plight of others - to pursue our values in the service of others, a privilege only afforded by a few on our planet. I hope that we can continue to support the Blue Dragon Children's Foundation as a community in years to come and Katie and I will keep showing up! -- Stephen & Katie Fantom

Putting things into perspective - final thoughts from SJI International

Many children in Vietnam are born into poverty and face issues on a daily basis that we, living in Singapore and coming from a more fortunate background, would not have to struggle with. Blue Dragon rescues young people in need, takes them in and provides them with support such as shelter, food, education and more until they are able to care for themselves. 

This year, we were able to raise an astonishing $13,000 which will change the worlds of many vulnerable youth in Vietnam. However, there are still many more kids out there; many more kids without education, without shelter, without healthcare. The next walkathon will run on the 19th of September, 2022. I look forward to seeing more faces next year, and let’s aim to break the $20,000 mark! As an individual, changing the world may seem an impossible feat, but join the walkathon, get involved, and I promise that at the very least, you will undoubtedly change theirs.

Blue Dragon Foundation would not be able to support children and make an impact without the help from their employees and volunteers in Vietnam, however raising awareness by telling your friends and family and donating what you can, will help to play a vital role in the work that they do. 

Find out more about how make a change at https://www.bluedragon.org/get-involved/ 

Thanks for your support, everyone!