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YEP vs. OCIP: Which Overseas Volunteer Program is Right for Your School?

Overseas volunteer programs like the Youth Expedition Project (YEP) and Overseas Community Involvement Project (OCIP) empower students to create social impact while developing leadership skills. While these terms are often used interchangeably, YEP is a specific grant-funded initiative by Youth Corps Singapore, whereas OCIP is a broader term for overseas service projects. Both programs align with OHF’s hands-on volunteering opportunities in Cambodia, focusing on infrastructure projects like building houses, UV water systems, and toilets.

Understanding YEP and OCIP

What is YEP?

  • Eligibility: Youth aged 15–35 (students, working adults, or self-formed groups).
  • Purpose: Combines service-learning with cultural exchange; grants available to offset costs.
  • Impact: Projects often tied to skills development (e.g., construction, teaching).
  • OHF Partnership: Teams can join OHF’s Cambodia projects (e.g., building houses) and apply for YEP grants to subsidize donations.

What is OCIP?

  • Eligibility: Open to all ages and groups (schools, universities, corporate teams).
  • Purpose: Flexible community service projects without grant restrictions.
  • Impact: Direct humanitarian aid (e.g., OHF’s house/well construction, milk distribution).

Comparing YEP and OCIP

AspectYEPOCIP
FundingGrants available (Youth Corps SG)Self-funded or sponsored
StructureRequires pre/post-trip reflectionsFlexible project design
FocusService-learning + leadershipDirect community impact
OHF ActivitiesBuild houses, UV water systems or toilets plus cultural activitiesSame

Example: A secondary school team might use YEP grants to fund an OHF house-building project, while a university OCIP team could self-fund a well-construction trip.

Choosing the Right Program for Your School

Factors to Consider

  • Budget: YEP reduces costs via grants; OCIP offers flexibility.
  • OHF Costs: Minimum donation of SGD 350–450/student (varies by institution type).
  • Goals: YEP emphasizes reflection; OCIP prioritizes hands-on impact.
  • Logistics: Both require 3+ months’ planning (see OHF’s timeline below).

OHF’s Step-by-Step Process

  1. Submit Request: Email volunteer@ohf.org.sg with team size/dates.
  2. Secure Slot: Pay SGD 300 deposit within 14 days.
  3. Confirm Trip: Finalize itinerary (e.g., 5D4N house-building schedule).
  4. Pre-Trip Briefing: OHF guides teams on safety and cultural sensitivity.

Why Cambodia?

OHF’s Cambodia projects address critical needs:

  • Housing: Build wooden homes for rural families.
  • Sanitation: Construct Clean Water System /toilets to improve health.
  • Education: Optional teaching sessions with local students.

Student Testimonial (from infosheet):

“Looking at the house we built, it showed how a seemingly insurmountable obstacle can be overcome by a group with a common goal.”

— Eugene Tan, ACSI Team

Conclusion

Whether through YEP’s structured learning or OCIP’s direct action, OHF’s Cambodia programs offer transformative experiences. Ready to start?

  • YEP Teams: Apply for grants via Youth Corps SG.
  • OCIP Teams: Contact OHF at volunteer@ohf.org.sg or visit OHF’s OCIP page.

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