Nepal STEER trip
A trip like no other! On 15th May, three students from Ridge View Residential College embarked on SISTEER Nepal, a combined student-initiated study trip together with 16 other students from the College of Alice and Peter Tan (CAPT). The trip aimed to enrich and inculcate its participants about the social, economic and environmental realities of Nepal, taking the students across the congested and dusty streets of Kathmandu and Pokhara to the rural villages high up in the mountains of Ghandruk and Bhujung. Along the way, the students engaged in lively and interactive discussions with representatives of various local organizations such as Bikas Udhyami and the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) regarding the central themes of social innovation and environmental sustainability. Important issues were raised and highlighted, such as youth activism and waste management, allowing students to gain new insights about the social dilemmas faced by Nepal from a localized perspective.
One of the highlights of the trip was the 5-hour long hike up the Annapurna region. The trail was a combination of pebbles, stones and wildlife such as mountain goats amongst others. For many, trekking up such an unfamiliar and rocky terrain was a first. While the way up was tough and tested the tenacity of the students, the feeling that filled the students when they reached the top was simply priceless. The ridgeline and mountains, the gentle cold breeze against their faces and the smiles of happiness, satisfaction and fulfillment made the moment all the more beautiful.
In the short span of 2 weeks, SISTEER Nepal has provided many insightful and eye-opening moments for everyone. More importantly, the learning, memories and friendships forged during this journey definitely made an impact to the team.
