My heart weeps for the victim's family and friends. Such young promising lives were taken away by the natural disaster and if not for that, they could've been very successful in life as great leaders, be it in sports or any other factors.
While many are blaming the school and government for organising and approving the trip, being a stranger standing on no one's side, I personally felt that overseas school trips are always the best damn thing ever. I haven't been on any sporty field trips like theirs, but I've been going on Overseas Exchange Programmes since primary school as a Choir Member. I remember my very first overseas trip was to Kagoshima, Japan as a Primary 4 choir member. To me, nothing could've been better than this as I've always dreamed of going to Japan and this opportunity must be seized. It's a very huge step to growing up and I was ever ready for it. Apart from it being my virgin trip, it's also my first time travelling with my friends! How awesome could it be?
The second (and last) overseas trip in primary school was to Suzhou, China as a Primary 6 choir member again. I remembered it being a very hesitant trip as during that period of time, there were many problems surfaced - natural disasters and also health issues. But my school still ensured that every precaution measures are taken and that everyone have the responsibility to keep ourselves safe and sound.
All these school trips were very memorable and I felt that I've grown alot. We learnt to take care of ourselves and look out for one another. During the free time we get after our daily scheduled activities, we took the opportunity to roam around and that taught us how to know our roads better and learnt to protect ourselves from strangers on streets. Overseas Exchange Programmes (OEP) existed so that we can learn and grow in different environments. If I could always travel to learn instead of learning from books, I'll definitely go for every single damn trip. After all, that's how I learn (life skills) best.
No one can ever predict man-made disasters, let alone the natural ones. No one wished that such fatal incidents would occur, too. I hope that family members will stop self-blaming, and public should stop blaming the school and government for organizing these overseas trips. If it was you, being offered to go overseas for great learning exposure, would you reject? I believe not. So, stop blaming anyone for the incident.
I pray hard for that one student and teacher to return home safely. These good people do not deserve to suffer!
I also pray hard that the affected families and friends can be strong to go through such tough time of having lost their loved ones.
Rest in peace, those who passed on.
x.