The first Kayak and Clean trip was organised by RV CIP IG on 5 September 2022 when 21 RVRC students went with Fellow Eunice on a 7.5km kayaking trip from Pasir Ris to Pulau Ubin to clean the mangroves and waterways. With Kayakasia as their partner, the students learnt how to kayak before eventually setting out on their own to cross the channel and up Sungei Jelutong. Kayakasia is an eco-adventure travel company that aims to provide an authentic experience to its participants. Additionally, they also contribute to the community and eco projects to take care of the nature we paddle in.

While kayaking, the students picked up pieces of rubbish littered in the water and among the mangroves. The students also witnessed a layer of oil floating on the ocean. At Pulau Ubin, they met one of the residents, Ah Ma, and learnt of the challenges she faced to earn her living. They were moved and inspired by her resilience and innovative spirit which started the famous “Ah Ma’s Drink Stall” on the island.

Litter was picked, sweat was shed, lessons were learned. Despite the physical toil from kayaking, it has been an enriching experiential journey for the 21 students as they learnt about the reality of marine debris and developed a deeper appreciation of nature which aligned greatly with the college theme as a College in Nature.