ASCE at AUB organized a transformative volunteering trip to Sri Lanka in January 2018, where volunteers worked on various projects to enhance the livelihood of underprivileged villages, including renovating a public school and teaching local children. The experience not only impacted the local community but also deeply influenced the volunteers, creating lasting memories and connections. The trip combined service with cultural exploration, showcasing the beauty and vibrancy of Sri Lanka through various activities and excursions.

1. VOLUNTEERING ABROAD
SRILANKA2018

2. WHAT IS IN IT?
5. Memories and reviews
1. A Message from the President
4. Interview with the President, Vice President
and Executive Officer
3. Activities and Sri Lanka's discovery
2. About our volunteering experience

3. "AND NEXT YEAR IT’S GOING TO BE EVEN BETTER, MARK
MY WORDS.”
– AKRAM YASSIN (CEE, E3)
"I MET NEW PEOPLE AND BONDED MORE WITH PEOPLE I ALREADY
KNEW."
– MAHMOUD EL KHATIB (CEE, SENIOR)
“THE WHOLE ATMOSPHERE WAS REALLY NICE. I LOVE ASCE TO THE
POINT OF THINKING ABOUT TRANSFERRING TO CIVIL!“
– NOURA BISSAT (ARCHITECTURE, SOPHOMORE)
"AND I WOULD DO IT A MILLION MORE TIMES IF IT’S WITH
YOU GUYS”
– CHLOE KHADRA (ECONOMICS, SENIOR)

4. It all started off with an undeveloped idea, vague in nature and abstract.
Transmuting such an idea into reality cannot be done alone; it needs a well-
rounded, dedicated team that works solely for the same purpose, tenacity and
persistence. ASCE at AUB was able to transform a single thought into an
unforgettable experience, an experience that left worthy memories.
In September 2017, the endless journey began. We all came together to define our
purpose and to achieve the unachievable. The team was assigned to deliver
excellence. For ASCE at AUB, excellence comes from a peak of innovation, attention
to detail, discipline and responsibility to a desired end resulting in high-
performance achievements. We take actions over words; because we believe that
excellence is like a vision statement of originality and uniqueness.
In January 2018, ASCE at AUB volunteers packed their bags and left their families
and friends looking to inspire the world and the future. We set our footprints in Sri
Lanka planning to enhance the livelihood of less fortunate villages in the country,
and so we did. Attendees were able to adapt to underprivileged living conditions,
integrate within the foreign culture at first encounter and to humbly give those who
needed their help. Their volunteering spirit was all over the place! Our idea could
not have been a success without the volunteers’ hard work, efforts, and humble
hearts. Together, we overcame challenges, we broke records, we pushed boundaries
and we made history. Thank you ASCE!
Year after year, moving from one country to another, our volunteering spirit will be
spread all over the world. Our achievements will evolve to remain sustainable
because we believe that today’s version of excellence is simply a template that
must develop to remain significant tomorrow. Once achieved, that state of
excellence is admired, appreciated and sought after.
Ali Ismail
ASCE at AUB President
A Message from the President
The Journey:

5. VOLUNTEERING

6. This winter, ASCE at AUB went beyond the
limits. Sri Lanka was our destination for
volunteering and tourism.
As soon as we arrived at our destination, we
underwent a cultural shock. Everything was
different ranging from the Buddha statues
everywhere to the green spaces that
covered the city’s outskirts, and lastly to the
Sari’s worn by women around us.
The first thought that came to our
minds was that we’re here to change, to
help, and to make a difference. Little did we
know that this trip was going to have such
an impact on our lives too.
OUR MAIN GOAL
On our first day of volunteering, we went
to Ambalangoda’s public school. We were
then divided into groups where some of
us were responsible of drawings on the
school’s entrance, renovate classrooms,
others needed to plaster and paint the
school's borders, and the last
group built a new water system for the
children.
First, we painted the walls with a fresh
coat of white paint. After that, the group
that was assigned to draw on the
school's entrance brainstormed ideas for
the drawings. The third group prepared
the cement mixture and placed it
properly. By the end of the first day, the
painting of the entrance and exterior
walls of the classes was mostly executed.

7. The work was progressing day after
day. On the second day we completed
the drawing part, and most of the
second coats of paint. By the third one,
the assigned projects were fully
achieved. Drawings were finalized, all
outside walls were painted and the
water system was set in place. Due to
the volunteers’ enthusiasm and
willingness to work, the project was
extended, and we were assigned new
parts of the school to renovate for the
remaining days of work.
The kids at the school started feeling
the difference, we became part of their
routine. Every morning, sixty
volunteers from a different nationality,
a different background and different
country came to make their school a
better place, they came for them. And
this idea; the idea that some people
actually cared about them, brought joy
to their hearts.
As for us, seeing those kids, in their white uniforms, playing, taking pictures,
surprised and happy while looking at the paintings motivated us to accomplish our
main goal.

8. In the afternoon, we were divided
into three groups, each taught a
group of children in what was
considered their after-school
center.
The buses stopped at a distance
from the first after-school center
as the path was slightly rigorous.
When we got there, a group of
thirty kids ranging between the
age of 6 to 12 years old welcomed
us with enthusiasm and joy while
holding us by our hands to their
world. “What’s your name” was
the key question to befriend those
kids that have a beautiful soul.
Each volunteer took the
responsibility of teaching two or
three children basic English and
Math. The other two groups went
to larger centers where older kids
were taught. We laughed, danced,
sang, and played together. As the
days passed by, these kids turned
into family and saying good bye
wasn't as easy as we thought it
was.

9. We asked the children to draw what they wanted to become in the future. Mostly drew
themselves as doctors, they wanted to cure, help and support people with medical
needs. Some drew airplanes as one of their goals was to travel to different countries
just as we came to theirs. Today, each ASCE at AUB volunteer holds a special place in
his/her mind for at least a child. One that has become their younger sibling
throughout the five days of volunteering. It is said that at the end of the day, it’s not
about what you have accomplished. It’s about what you’ve done with those
accomplishments. It’s about whose lives you made better, whose days you made
unforgettable. It’s about what you’ve earned and what you’ve given back.
In ASCE at AUB, we believe that it is our mission to change the
world. We surely did by changing their world!

10. ACTIVITIES
ACHIEVEMENTS
WATER FOUNTAIN
WALL DRAWINGS
BORDER PAINTING

11. AFTER SCHOOL
TEACHING
'The kids had big dreams. Even though each one had a different
dream, they all wanted change."
- Saad Hajjar (CEE, E2)

12. ACTIVITIES

13. The rain forest was the first thing we visited in our trip right after our landing. Despite
the exhaustion, the lack of sleep and the 9-hour flight, we insisted on going and we
hiked for 3 hours. This place is a gem. It has mesmerizing views, colossal trees, and
the weirdest creatures you can ever see. In fact, it is home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s
endemic species of mammals and butterflies. We saw all kinds of birds, insects, and
plants. The guides explained all what we need to know about these small creatures. It
even rained on our way back; seeing the rain fall and hearing it while hiking was
uplifting and therapeutic. The forest was truly a journey on its own.
Sinharaja Rain Forest is a tropical rain forest located within the Southern provinces of
the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka and is bounded by rivers on three sides.
It is designated a Biosphere Reserve as well as an UNESCO world heritage site. It is the
last remain of Sri Lanka’s tropical lowland rainforest spanning over the huge area of
18900 acres (about 76.5 km2).
Sinharaja Rain Forest

14. Sleeping Buddha
It is the longest recline Buddha statue
in South East Asia. We visited it during
our stay in Ambalangoda in the midst
of the hustle of the volunteering
activities. Shailathalaramaya temple
(place of worship) at Karandeniya is
situated in the southern province in
the Galle district on a small rock
surrounded by breathtaking views of
hills and trees. This temple was built
200 years ago by T.H. Yonis, one of the
devoted lay disciples. We saw the
colossal 35 meter sleeping Buddha
and many other smaller statues,
pictures and paintings. The colors are
so vibrant and there is such a serene
atmosphere inside and outside the
shrine.
Going through 208 steps to see the
temple was definitely worth it; it's a
must see!

15. We went to a turtle conservation farm
and learned about one of the most
fundamental parts of the project, this was
hatching, feeding and protecting the
turtles. Within the sanctuary, collected
and rescued eggs can hatch safely away
from predators before being released into
the sea. We had the chance to see a wide
array of turtles. From infants to
adolescents; they had it all.
We visited the mask museum, a
traditional landmark, which was located 5
minutes away by Tuk-Tuk from the
school we volunteered in. The mask
museum had many displays of masks,
each having different symbols or
purposes, as well as primitive tools for
mask carving.
We observed the local artists carving the wood to produce these traditional masks that
are then sold in the souvenir shop or shipped off to different regions in Sri Lanka. The
country's fishers were sculpted into small dark statues and elephants where molded
and painted with different vibrant colors. A required destination for those who like
souvenirs!
Turtle Hatchery & Mask
Museum

16. Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya rock, also known as the Lion Rock, is one of Asia’s most popular
archaeological sites. This 200-meter high rock is located in the northern Matale
District in the Central Province of Sri Lanka in the midst of the forest. It is
surrounded by a garden complex. A huge palace, built by king Kaysapa (477-495 AC),
sits on its top. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique combination of 5th-
century urban planning, architecture, hydraulics, garden design, painting, sculpture,
and poetry. Garden streets contain signs that indicate that at any time, and elephant
might cross and as we went up, monkeys followed us making our journey quite
humorous as they meticulously searched us with their eyes for some food to eat.
The guide first gave us a small historical background and showed us around the
gardens. Then we climbed the endless 1202 steps that led us to the top. It was
exhausting but worth it because when we finally scaled the top it felt as if we own
the world. Hundreds of kilometers of forests panoramically surrounded us. We were
marveled by this natural beauty, which made us never stop talking about it on our
way back.

17. Kilani River
Rafting
After three days of volunteering, it was time for a break! So we packed our clothes and
headed to Kitulgala. It is the adventure hub of Sri Lanka and it offers many activities
such as white water rafting, rain forest trails, waterfall abseiling and much more. A
peaceful habitat, Kitulgala offers a beautiful setting with thick rain forest covered hills
surrounding the waters of the second largest river in Sri Lanka; the Kilani river. We
chose white water rafting and were enchanted by the experience.
After our safety briefing and a short walk towards the river, it was time! As our
instructor handed us our life jackets and paddles, we rafted off the edge of the river.
The journey spanned approximately 5 kilometers with rapids ranging between Grade 2
to Grade 4: 2 being mild and 4 being a bit turbulent.
As we reached midway, the scenery was so exquisite that we decided to get off the
boats and swim in the river. None of us could imagine that at nineteen and twenty
years old, we would be swimming in the second largest river in Sri Lanka. We ended
our trip by eating lunch in one of the restaurants that overlooked the river.

18. Known as the surfing hotspot in Sri Lanka,
Mirissa beach has waves for all levels of
surfers. The beach is clean and clear, with
a great shoreline for a run around the
beach. A professional instructor taught us
the basics of surfing and then we were
somehow ready to ride the waves. We
started paddling, trying to balance on the
board. First, catch a wall of whitewater. As
soon as the board starts to stabilize and
glide in front of the whitewater, jump up
on your feet! It sounds so simple, but
unfortunately the act of standing up well
is very elusive. After many failures, once
you finally get to your feet, even for a few
seconds, it will feel like you’re riding on
top of the world. After this amazing
afternoon many discovered a new
passion for this sport.
The sea is crystal clear, which made it a
perfect spot for snorkeling. We dived into
the warm waters and had the chance to
swim next to the sea turtles, discovering
the Sri Lankan sea life in the process.
All that we had in Mirissa was a perfect
beach, the main coast road that runs the
length of the country lies just behind with
a few rudimentary shops and local style
eateries and beyond that, the village,
nestled into the abundant greenery.
That’s all that’s here and it was more than
enough. The beach was dotted with beach
shacks and restaurants, most of them
were built from bamboo. At night each
table had a candle, each palm tree its
own fairy lights with restaurants serving
up delicious seafood.
Mirissa Beach

19. INTERVIEW
AND REVIEWS

20. To know more about the preparations of the travel trip, ASCE at AUB's writing team
decided to conduct an interview with the organizers: Ali Ismail (President), Majd El
Ahmadieh (Vice President) and Yara-Maria Khalifeh (Executive Officer)
How did it all start?
This year, ASCE at AUB needed to take it to a new level. We wanted to think outside the
box, outside the country. We thought about a touristic trip but one idea led to another
and then we realized that our main goal as ASCE at AUB is volunteering (just like we do
every year in our winter and summer camps). It started as volunteering purely then
we integrated the idea of tourism.
Why Sri Lanka?
There were many suggested countries. To sort things out, we divided the countries
among the Members at Large then we gathered their information and compared many
criteria such as price vs. quality, tourism and volunteering activities. We wanted to
combine volunteering and tourism so we needed to make sure that both are adequate
for the country. we also wanted the volunteering projects to be appealing to both civil
and non-civil engineering students. We realized that Sri Lanka fulfilled the criteria and
preferences because it offered construction and renovation as well as teaching – with
the volunteering company Plan My Gap Year - plus it is famous for its vibrant culture
and tourism.
It’s important to note that it was very hard finding the adequate country because
there were many factors to take into consideration; such the viruses in the country,
the weather, and whether a certain nationality can enter or not.
Interview

21. When did you start and how much time did you take to fulfill the plan?
We started brainstorming ideas and researching countries at the beginning of the
semester i.e. September 2017. Then we informed the team members and divided the
work accordingly. In November, we took the final decision and went for Sri Lanka and
this is when we started Skyping with Plan My Gap Year for all the necessary details
and information. By the beginning of December, we traveled to Sri Lanka to finalize the
deal, pick the projects and check for accommodation.
What were the obstacles?
Finding Plan My Gap Year and trusting them was a major leap of faith. To actually
send the funds was very risky because we were dealing with a huge amount of money
going to people we don’t personally know and a bank we’ve never heard of. It was the
toughest decision we had to take. However, it’s important to note that we didn’t trust
them blindly, we did the necessary research and Majd and Ali even went to Sri Lanka
before the trip to make sure that this organization is reputable. We saw their offices,
their line of work and their accommodations.

22. What do you think made this experience
possible and successful?
In our opinion, it was the fact that we were
all riding the same wave. We had the same
ideas and saw the same bigger picture. We
were a homogeneous group and had a very
dedicated team. Every team member took his
or her task very seriously starting from the
smallest draft to the biggest presentation.
The organizing team was truly impeccable
and the huge level of coordination between
the team and the organizers made this
whole project a success.
This is the first time that we see a high level
of motivational and professionalism.
However, we believe that what truly made
this event a success were the people who
attended. "The organizers set the foundation,
but it was the attendees who truly carried
this trip on its feet." Ali said.
Tips on teamwork and organization?
To maintain a high level of communication
between the organizing team. To keep each
other updated. To inflict constructive
criticism and give feedback of each other in
order to improve our work and efficiency. To
help each other in the tasks and cover for
each other when someone is busy.
How come you increased the capacity from
40 to 60 attendees?
We remember very well. We dedicated a
whole meeting for this issue. At first we were
all convinced that 40 attendees are more
than enough. It’s easier and safer especially
that it was our first trip. Then Ali left for few
minutes to gather his thoughts and came
back saying "Guys we either go big or go
home! 60 attendees it is!".

23. We just want to add that the feeling we had
after registration was unbelievable. At first
we were very stressed but as soon as we
opened the poll, the numbers came flying in. By
the second minute, we had already exceeded
capacity. Truly satisfying; seeing people take
part in something you worked so hard on.
Also, this huge number of attendees is mainly
due to the excitement and devotion
of the publicity team who bombarded social
media with posters and teasers. They worked at
a very high level and made us all proud.
Ali and Majd you have become veterans in
ASCE at AUB but Yara how come you took on
the responsibility of this huge trip?
I had discussed the idea of a volunteering trip
in AUB previously. I wanted to start a club just
for this purpose. I started writing the bylaws
and I even thought about whom
to put in the cabinet. However, I realized that
such a project would be hard to implement
without the support of a reputable club in AUB.
Then one day, in our ASCE at AUB meeting, the
idea was suggested and I was super excited
but I had no idea that it was going to be my
event. Then they informed me that I was the
Executive Officer responsible for the project. I
immediately started working from day 1
because I was ready to give it my all.
How do you guys feel that you’ll graduate
knowing that you accomplished a milestone in
ASCE at AUB?
Honestly this is the best thing about being able
to make this project come to life. The feeling is
indescribable; we can never put it into words. It
was actually one of our goals to set a footprint
wherever we go and ASCE at AUB
helped us achieve it.

24. Why do you think it’s important to
volunteer abroad?
Having breaks and free time to only spend
it on yourself, your interests and your self-
entertainment is kind of selfish. Ever since
I [Yara] entered university, I decided not to
let any break go by without volunteering
and giving back to my community. I’ve
been volunteering in many places and
when I heard about this trip I was really
excited.
After every event in ASCE at AUB, we feel like
we made not just new friends, but develop
some sort of meaningful bond unlike any
other club at AUB. Why do you think ASCE at
AUB has this sacred tradition?
We think our advantage is that we have
events that last more than one night or one
day. Our winter camp lasts 4-5 days, the
summer camp about 8 to 9 days and travel
trip 11-12 days. So you’re spending time
with friends that finally turn into family.
You’re bonding over activities, food and
especially volunteering.
Yes, there’s something about working and
giving together that creates a bond like no
other. Not to mention the long nights spent
together and the unforgettable memories
that got created.
I’d like to add that before ASCE, Majd and I
[Ali] were complete strangers. I got to know
him over the organization of ASCE at AUB's
summer camp 2016. We both showed
devotion and excitement and that is how I
really got to know him. It starts with an
event. For instance, we met Yara last winter
camp and now she’s an executive officer in
ASCE at AUB because of her optimism and
capabilities.

25. Reviews
“We were 6 in the room and I was
sleeping on the upper part of the
bunk bed. One day the alarm didn’t
ring but what woke me up was a
loud and repetitive knocking. So I
told my roommate who was
sleeping right below me to stop
making that deafening sound. She
jumped and said “I’m not knocking
anywhere!!” but I insisted that it
was her and kept on blaming her.
After several minutes of
meaningless dispute, I look up and
I see a monkey on the window –
and It was a chimpanzee kind of
monkey. So I went out to take a
picture of it and to my surprise, I
find 7 others monkeys around our
room jumping from tree to tree. So
yeah it was a cool experience
waking up to that.”
– Nazek Naja (CEE, E1)

26. “I went to the hospital because I hurt my
hand. I saw wonders there. First, there’s a
huge sign saying “sponsored by Dettol”
and I seriously doubt they know what
Dettol is. It was so messy, I saw dogs
strolling in the hallways, children crying
and parents screaming because their kids
were screaming. Noura had a huge cut in
her hand but she was keeping it together
and the treatment went smoothly. Faycal
had also cut his hand but he was running
around panting and breathing heavily. We
all thought that he was going to die! I
approached him to see where the cut is… I
swear it was 10 times smaller than
Noura’s. We all laughed at him!”
– Mohamad Fleyfel (CEE, E2)
“In the beginning of the fall semester
I joined the UNICEF club at AUB and I
absolutely fell in love with this idea
of giving back, and when I heard
about this volunteering trip to Sri
Lanka I was so interested and I told a
group of my friends to come, I wasn’t
expecting to ADORE it. I met many
new people, learned about a new
culture, visited an incredible country
and saw sceneries besides
volunteering as well… and I would do
it a million more times if it’s with you
guys”
– Chloe Khadra (Media, Senior)
“During our flight back, we all decided to wear the elephant pants we bought as
souvenirs. Luckily, mine tore in a not so convenient place and my flight was not so
pleasant”
– Kamal Arakji (MECH, E2)

27. “It was a very good experience. I really liked the country and the civilians were so
friendly. I met new people and bonded more with people I already knew. Something
I will always remember is the rafting experience. “Honik, jina ta nwadde3 el
Chahrour w lawla ser3et badihetna kenna aam nekol lahm b3ajin halla2 aan rou7o
bas yalla meche el hal”.
– Mahmood Al Khatib (CEE, Senior)
“I really recommend this trip to everyone.
At first, I didn’t know anyone, I felt like an
outcast. But everyone turned out to be
super friendly and I found myself
socializing with them in no time. One thing I
will never forget Is when we got into trouble
for riding 4 people in the tuk-tuk while it
can only contain 3. The whole atmosphere
was really nice. I loved ASCE at AUB to the
point of thinking about transferring to Civil
Engineering!
– Noura Bissat (ARCH, Sophomore)
“I will never forget the attack of the monkeys!
We were heading to Sigiriya rock for a hike at
5 in the morning and I took some cereal with
me to have breakfast. Khachfe, on the other
hand, didn’t have anything to eat, so he took
my cereal and instead of eating and sharing
them, he fed them to the monkeys. He
started with one monkey then found himself
attacked by a herd of about 7 monkeys that
wanted the cereal box. So yeah, the monkeys
ate and we didn’t.
– Jana Jawhar (CEE, E3)

28. "Usually, Ali Ismail would come in the middle of the night to shower peacefully
without being interrupted. One night, Ali found Jawad in front of the bathroom. Jawad
had showered an hour ago and did everything he wanted to do in the toilet. Ali asked
"Jawad, khallaset mahek?" Jawad replied: "la2 habibe ana ablak". They started
arguing and I was watching them while laughing. I knew that Jawad had finished
and I tried to convince him to let Ali shower. But he was determined to do it despite
him having finished everything. When the argument started heating up, Jawad
decided to give in. He told Ali and Ali went crazy and told him "Tla3 men hayete!!" So
yeah Jawad Tfaily decided to pick on the president knowing that he could've sent
him swimming back to Lebanon."
- Faycal Rajab (CEE, Senior)
ASCE at AUB would like to thank Ali-Hadi Khashfe, Hani Marchi,
Karen El Hachem, Mira El Chammas, Saadeddine El Hajjar, and
finally, Stavros Xanthopoulos for putting the first ASCE at AUB
journal together!