Of Seahorses and Chemical Plants - A Team Charlie PIWP Story

Of all experiences in this world, there is nothing quite like that of having a seahorse curl its tail around your little finger as you pluck it from a seagrass bed.

On the 22^nd to 24^th of January, we from Team Charlie (Dec IW 07) carried out our Post-Introduction Weekend Project, collaborating with Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia on a three-day volunteering trip down at the SOS Research Station located at Gelang Patah, Johor. Prior to our project, we had organized a few fundraising activities which can be read at this link. During our trip; we participated in a seahorse and pipefish habitat survey, did a coastal cleanup and conducted surveys to gain feedback from local villagers on the proposed construction of a 913 hectare petrochemical plant.

Day 1, Tuesday – January 22nd

After meeting at KL Central in the wee hours of the morning, we wasted no time and we were separated into two cars and were soon on the road, starting our "long drive" all the way down South to Gelang Patah, Johor.

It is about 200 km; and six hours later, coupled with a short stop in Malacca for lunch, we finally reached our destination: the SOS Research Station.

We barely had time to rest before SOS Project Leader Mr. Choo Chee Kuang invited us for a briefing on seahorse and pipefish survey, which we were about to conduct later.

The various species of the seahorse. The one on the top left, Hippocamus Kuda, is the one found in the Pulai River Estuary in Malaysia.

After a boat ride during which we passed under the Singapore-Malaysia Second Link, we reached Pulai River Estuary seagrass bed just as it hit low tide. Wading through the knee-deep waters, we split into two groups and searched for seahorse and pipefish amongst the dense seagrass. After seeking for two hours, our efforts paid off as we were rewarded by the findings of two seahorses and two pipefish. Though it may not have seemed like much, it meant a great deal to us at that time as we were able to contribute to the survey. Both of the seahorses that we found were tagged; meaning that they had been collected in previous surveys, enabling their progress to be recorded.

Trying to find seahorses over such a large area is no mean feat.

Did I mention that they (the seahorse and pipefish) prove to be a challenge; to spot them amongst the seagrass?

Though we were looking for seahorses and pipefish in particular, we came across many other interesting sea creatures as well.

And with some encouragement from our dear Raleigh president, we indulged in a bit of posing as well.

And so as the sky turned dark, we headed back to the jetty, marking the end of our volunteering work for the first day.

Day 2, Wednesday – January 23^rd

We started off our day early, going around the Kampung Ladang area doing surveys. A recent development plan around the Sungai Pulai area involved the proposed construction of a 913 hectare (roughly equivalent to 913 football fields) petrochemical processing plant. The construction of this plant, if carried out, would not only clear the nearby mangrove forests, threatening a fragile ecosystem, but would also bring about adverse effects on the health and livelihood of the local villagers. Thus, our objective was to educate and create awareness amongst the local villagers on the detrimental effects that the petrochemical plant would bring, and also to get their 'official' opinions on this matter so that we could compile these statistics to send to the relevant authorities.

Our members conducting surveys.

During our surveys, we were also obliged to listen to the local’s views on the matter.

After conducting enough surveys on the local villagers of Kampung Ladang, we stopped by Gelang Patah for lunch and headed off to a nearby orang asli kampung to continue our survey.

The orang asli kids swarmed around us as soon as 'words' got out that we had sweets with us.

Us and another volunteer, Mr. Chew, with some of the orang asli kids.

Everywhere we went, they followed us, always eager to squeeze into pictures.

From the feedback that we received from the orang asli, we found that they were very down-to-earth people who preferred to stick to their traditional ways of life rather than going along with development. Thus it wasn’t surprising that most of them were against the building of the petrochemical plant.

Before long, it was time for us to say goodbye to the orang asli children, who by then, were already clinging to our arms; and moving on to our next volunteering activity: a coastal cleanup.

Our coastal cleanup was conducted outside one of those restaurants on stilts, extending out to the sea. Years of neglect had caused rubbish to accumulate by the tonne along the coast where the restaurant was situated and getting rid of it all proved to be an insurmountable challenge. At the end of the day, we only managed to remove most of the rubbish on the surface, but at least we left the place in a much more aesthetic condition.

It was literally a mountain of garbage.

Some of us were assigned to pick up the rubbish.


While others were given the task of documenting the types of waste for record purposes.


After a good few hours of hard work, we collected enough rubbish to fill an entire lorry. Our work there was done.

Grateful of our efforts to clean up the surrounding area, we were treated for dinner by the owner of a restaurant nearby. We then headed back to the research station, calling it a day.

Day 3, Thursday – January 24^th

Unlike the day before, we started out at a slower pace, having a late breakfast before heading off to a different area to do more surveying work. The areas that we visited were mainly fishing jetties, giving us the opportunity to interact with the local fishermen. Before we left the SOS research station, we were presented with certificates acknowledging our contribution to the SOS project.

Our team members, Jer Rei and Li Ling with their certificates.

Us at one of the fishing jetties.

Conducting a survey on a local fisherman.

After finally finishing the last of our surveys, we headed off to the nearby Tanjung Piai National Park, known as the Southern-most peak of Mainland Asia. It was a good way to end our volunteering trip by some relaxing and sightseeing.

Us at the monument outside the National Park.

Taking a picture after we reached the Southern-most tip of mainland Asia.

And so our three-day volunteering stint came to an end. Throughout our trip, we were given many opportunities to learn more about the environment and the conservation work being carried out. Conducting surveys on local villagers was indeed an eye-opening experience as it enabled us to hear and see for ourselves the effects of development on the people. We were able to see firsthand; the many effects that we had previously only read in textbooks or learnt in classrooms. All in all, it was indeed an important lesson and experience for us to be able to carry out this volunteering project.

As much as it has been a success, I am sad to say that the Team Charlie (Dec IW 07) PIWP has come to an end. But it is important to note that this is not the end of the road for us. Six of us are now officially members of Raleigh International KL. A few of us have been actively participating in recent Raleigh activies. One of our members, Jia Loon, has embark on a Raleigh expedition to Sabah. Our PIWP may have ended, but hopefully, for most of the Team Charlie members, this is only the beginning of our Raleigh journey.

I thus end this post by congratulating Team Delta for having successfully carried out their own PIWP and would like to wish good luck to both Team Alpha and Team Bravo for their own PIWPs. We at Team Charlie would also like to thank all Raleigh members who helped make our PIWP a success. Words cannot express our gratitude but maybe this picture can.

Thank you all.

Luke Lim Ming Yuan

Team Charlie

What are the venturers doing in Phase 1?

It has been 3 weeks since the Malaysia Spring 2008 venturers left to embark on their expedition of their lifetime. Send your love, write to them at:

(name)
Raleigh International
PO Box 14182
88848 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia

They have been in their Phase 1 Projects for over 2 weeks now.
Meddling with nails and hammer is Jia Loon Chong in Kampung Tampasak, building a kindergarten;
Deep in the jungle of Danum Valley Conservation Area, trail clearing and maintenance as well as wild animals sightings will be Iman Effendi's daily activities;
Off for diving in paradise island of Mamutik accompanied by breath-taking sunsets is Lu Yi Yap, while Song Jie Lim is experiencing wildlife and nature in a whole new different context in the far far away land of Long Pa' Sia.

Get updated with their projects and get first hand gossips at the Raleigh International Malaysia, Spring 2008 blog.

Alpha : We begin with a Simple Idea, for a Wonderful Reason

Hi all, After all of the fund-raising event, team Alpha is bringing a group of 24 kids from Precious Children Home to the National Zoo/ Kids Petting Zoo on the 23rd of February. Precious Children Home is located in the Old Town, Petaling Jaya..It has 24 kids ranged from 5 to 18 years old. Some of them were formerly living in the streets , or have parents who are drug addicts, alcoholics, undergoing rehabilitation programme or in prison. Most of them are orphans. Hence,we hoped that we can compensate their loss by , at least giving them some love that most parents will provide their child with, by bringing them for a day trip to the National Zoo/Kids Petting Zoo.

We wished to educate the children on the species of animals around the world, and at the same time, spend some quality time with them. Life is all about give and take, the more we are closer to the underprivileged children, the more we will feel contented about life.

Guys, come and end the holy month of February with a holy job, by joining us.Hehe..By the end of the day, your inner self-satisfaction will pop out,serious...By the way,Drivers are desperately needed. We will be very grateful if any Raleighians can give us a lift.( Shih Chung, CK, Xin Tong, KarLye,Lee Lee....hehe...been eying on you guys cars , hehe...can I?:) Any other gentlemen? Fairladies?=) We need around 6 cars because some of the orphans got no transport. :(

Date : 23rd of February, 2008( Saturday)
Time : 9.30am
Meeting Point : Precious Children Home
No.11, Lorong 3/57A,
46000 Petaling Jaya.
( Behind MPPJ Library)


Please give us a call if you are coming.

Your help and support will definitely help to make the trip a great success.

Happy Chinese New Year and Gong Xi Fa Chai.

Thank you.

Should you have any queries, please call
peyyi : 016-384 8869
nurul : 012-666 8023
suk ee: 016-635 9188
chee ler : 019-2041357

or email to peyyitan[at]yahoo.com, nurul_syaqinah[at]yahoo.com

Roses roses.. I Love You..

[Click image to enlarge]

What is your plan during Valentine's? Is it something like..

In a relationship
Thinking of receiving roses from your love one?
Finding nicely wrapped roses which can amaze your partner?

Married
When is the last time you give roses to your wife?
When is the last time your husband surprise you with a bouquet of roses?

Single
No one is sending roses to you? Why not order yourself one?

No matter who you are, we have some great offers for you this Valentines, ranging from RM1 onwards!! Check out the catalogue attached with the email and place your order NOW!

[Click image to enlarge]

' A rose is more special if given in front of jealous eyewitness'
We also provide delivery service for purchase above RM50 within KL area. Imagine your love one received the flowers in front of all his/her college mates or colleagues!!

[Click image to enlarge]

Spread the news around to your friends, your friends’ friends and family members!
Email to projectfundraising[at]gmail.com or call Wong Zhen Ning +6012-2721665/ Chai Lee Lee +6012-3218850/ Cheong Zhi Yong +6012-3080661 to place your order.

This is another effort to reach Lee Lee's and my Raleigh International Expedition Auntumn 08 fundraising target, as well as Zhen Ning's 168-hours Tahan Adventure, so do support us!

Happy Chinese New Year and Happy Valentine's Day!!


Cheers,
Cheong Zhi Yong
+6012-3080661
zyjonathan[at]hotmail.com

Hello from Raleigh International UK!

Dear all,

We hope that this email finds you well.

We just wanted to give you a short update on what has been happening at Raleigh International, both at head office and in country.

Our project managers have arrived safely in country and are currently visiting their project sites and preparing for the arrival of their venturers. Our first India expedition has now begun and there is a real buzz of excitement in the air at field base. If you're interested in keeping up to date with what is happening in Costa Rica/Nicaragua and Malaysia you can read the current country blogs and if you would like to find out how the first ever India team is getting on, you can read all about it at the Raleigh India blog.

We are very excited about the year ahead and we are delighted to announce that we are currently recruiting staff to join our team at head office. Please take a look at the jobs below and if you think one of these roles may be right for you, please send us your CV with a supporting statement. Please also pass on to any friends or relatives who you think may be interested. Please note that the alumni and events assistant, expedition training co-ordinator and expedition support co-ordinator positions are exclusively for Raleigh alumni.

Full job descriptions for each role can be found at our website.


Recruitment

Communications Manager

You will have extensive experience in media relations and evidence of success in devising and implementing creative media communication strategies and campaigns. You will possess first class written skills and the ability to write in a variety of styles.

The post holder will be responsible for managing Raleigh's PR activity and building awareness of the Raleigh brand through special campaigns, specifically the organisation's rebranding in 2008 and its 25th anniversary in 2009. You will play a key role in the development of a communications strategy. Working across the organisation you will ensure that the audience reach of Raleigh is maximised through a range of communications and ensure that consistent messages are conveyed to key audiences. You will also produce well written copy for Raleigh's publications and ensure that Raleigh's corporate identity is adhered to internally and externally.

The salary is circa £28,000.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 20 February 2008

Interview date: February 26 and 27 2008


Senior Account Manager

A demanding and challenging opportunity to be part of Raleigh's growth in the future. The role will report to the Head of Sales and Marketing, managing the recruitment team who are responsible for our work to bring young people onto the expeditions. The team's role is dedicated to building relationships with schools, universities and youth organisations across the UK and internationally in order to encourage referrals onto the core expeditions or the commissioning of bespoke expeditions.

This role will specifically focus on attracting bespoke commissions from schools, youth groups and membership organisations both from those who will fund themselves and from those we can fund through v. The role will manage relationships with the senior staff in schools, local authorities and youth groups and work closely with the Operations Team to provide adequate training, support and excellent customer service to the schools, organisations and their young people throughout the process.

The salary is circa £30,000 and will be appointed initially on a 12 month contract. Please read the full job description and person specification.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 13 February 2008

Interview date: March 3rd 2008


Assistant Accountant - Payments

This role has responsibility for processing supplier invoices, credit cards, petty cash, and advances to countries where expeditions take place. This includes responsibility for all stages of the payment cycle, from obtaining authorisation for payment, to execution of payment transactions, recording and bank reconciliation.

The role also includes recording and control of fixed assets, as well as adhoc analysis projects including forecasting, external reporting, and involvement in maintenance and development of accounting systems and processes.

The salary is £18,000 - £22,000 pa depending upon skills and experience.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications is 29 February 2008


Alumni and Events Assistant

An exciting and unique opportunity to join the Fundraising and Communications Team has arisen.

You will be a highly motivated person with an interest in and/or experience of the voluntary sector, youth work and volunteering. You will have first-hand experience of a Raleigh International expedition.

The post holder will be responsible for developing and managing volunteering opportunities for Raleigh alumni in conjunction with project partners and to encourage alumni and anyone interested to volunteer with Raleigh. In addition, the post holder will work closely with the alumni manager to create new offers for Raleigh alumni, including the organisation of various events. The post holder will also assist the team in organising events associated with Raleigh's 25th anniversary.

This is a fixed term contract for one year. The salary is circa £18,000.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 29 February 2008

Interview dates: 5 and 6 March 2006


Expedition Support Coordinator

A position in the Operations team, the post holder will be responsible for supporting Raleigh Volunteer Managers and Venturers, including those on Bespoke Programmes, in the process leading to their overseas Expedition. In addition, they will assist the Training Team in the planning and delivery of residential training courses in the UK.

You will be a highly motivated person with an interest in and/or experience of the overseas volunteer sector. You will be energetic and have strong customer service skills. It is essential that you have first-hand experience of a Raleigh International expedition.

This is a fixed term contract for one year. The salary is circa £18,000.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 20 February 2008

Interview dates: 27 and 28 February 2008


Training Coordinator

A position in the Operations Team, accountable for the planning, support and safe delivery of Raleigh International's UK Training activities and events.

You will be a highly motivated person with an interest in and/or experience of the training sector, youth work and volunteering. You will have first-hand experience of a Raleigh International expedition.

This is a fixed term contract for one year. The salary is circa £18,000.

To apply please send your CV with a supporting statement, of a maximum of 400 words, addressing the selection criteria to:

Mary-Jane Eva mary-jane.eva[at]raleigh.org.uk

Closing date for applications: 20 February 2008

Interview dates: 27 and 28 February 2008


Additional Role

In addition to the two roles above, the Operations Team will be searching for one new member of the Volunteer Manager Recruitment and Support team. A job description and person specification will be available on the Raleigh website by Friday 8th February.


Alumni Form

I would also like to take this opportunity to ask you to complete our alumni registration form if you haven't yet had the chance to do so. Remember, all those who complete it will be entered into a prize draw to win two weeks on expedition! You can access the form here.

Thank you for taking the time to keep up to date with Raleigh International and I hope to hear from you soon.

With best wishes,

Debra Hay
Alumni Manager
020 7183 1280/ debra.hay[at]raleigh.org.uk

Comments on Lafuma Product , tested during December Introduction Weekend

Adrian Yeo tested Lafuma's Active Vest, a sleeveless windbreaker vest during the recent Introduction Weekend. He gives the positives and negatives about the jacket, starting with his sweat:


Prior to putting on the vest, I had been sweating from the morning activities. I just put on the vest with my slightly damp t-shirt below. After the hike, I found that both the vest and the t-shirt dried. Even after the drizzle.

This proves one thing that the vapour from my damp tee managed to escape through the vest. It rained a little during the 8-hour hike and the vest still kept me dry. Good point. WindActive© worked well in Malaysian jungle.

The cutting around the arms was near perfect. Not too low and not too tight, just right. I did not experience any resistance throughout the hike up Bukit Kutu, with all the tree hugging and branch swaying action.

Even for a first trial wear on an 8-hour hike, I did not have any irritation I used to get from other new tops. Those neck labels, cloth hooks and etc, were all well positioned thus irritation free.

The logo was reflective material and I liked the apple green colour. Good colour selection, this colour will sell!

The little soft pully/tightening lock system made of foam was a downside. Firstly it looked 'cheap'. And once when I tried to tighten the lock, I burnt my finger, dragging them along the string (rather than holding on to the soft foam, my bad). Definitely improvement needed in this area to be idiot-proof. Possibly a bigger foam or a plastic lock? Good on the light weight and minus the annoying plastic "nut" feel but the foam just ain't the answer.

The pouch, another question here. Is it supposed to slip through your belt? What's the two loop hole on the pouch for? Who wears a belt for outdoors anyway? (Mine's a cloth type.) Again, it makes the product look cheap and reduces the appeal. [Lafuma claried that the pouch is an additional accessory. The vest can be folded and stored in the pouch for easy storage when not in use.]

To complete the test drive, I brought the vest home and threw it into the laundry basket together with the other camp clothing for a tough consumer test - my mum's laundry test. Two days later I found the vest in my cabinet and I inspected it closely.

After just one machine wash, the lock system was again the culprit as it began to fray. The threading for the pouch also frayed after the first wash. But the vest itself came back in good condition. It survived my mum's test.

So overall, in terms of function, this vest performed well for my usage throughout the IW. It kept me and my clothing dry despite the drizzle and dampness. It was irritation and resistance free, though room for improvement on the lock system and pouch. But mum will be happiest with the ease of washing.


[Besides the Active Vest, Lafuma also has a full sleeve Active Hood Jacket. For more information on Lafuma products, visit http://www.lafuma.com.my/]