GX STORIES

Want a deeper understanding of what GX is like for volunteers? Read these genuine accounts from past volunteers:

“This experience has been invaluable and has opened my eyes to the world” -Thomas Collier

"I have seen so many children, women, men, the elderly and disabled living in seemingly abject poverty, starving, diseased. These sights and the experience of living next door to children who will never go to school, who are destined to be rice planters - this being the best future they could hope for. This has deeply affected me: at the most, it has fuelled my dreams and ambition of changing world affairs; at the least I will never eat food or turn the tap on without feeling a sense of gratitude and privilege.

Before GX, wild horses couldn’t have dragged me back to studying, but now I have seen the power and value of higher education. I have realised a degree in International Agriculture is key in achieving my dreams of empowering people in poor communities.”

“Diversity is most celebrated through this programme” - Marissa Joyce Ang Wong

It was my first time to work, connect, and be friends with Muslim people. Coming from a Christian background, I know I still have a lot to learn about Islam than just by watching the news or reading books. I learned and experienced a lot about what it was like to be a Muslim through my co-volunteers, and through our work; and I realised that underneath the kumbongs Muslims are full of values and principles and have beliefs which they are willing to fight for.

There is still a long way to solve the disparity between Christians and Muslims in Mindanao and even on some parts of the world; but I have come to realise that relative truths can be absolute as well in that it exemplifies identity and diversity. Other people’s beliefs may not be similar or in accordance with mine but through GX I came to respect, acknowledge and respect them.”