Post Archive by Month

Dear Friends, When we tell our youth members that they are responsible for creating the neighbourhood that they wish to live in, it generates some excitement among them but often when it is time to do the work, not many show up. However, this week 15 youth in Ghim Moh showed up for a neighbourhood dream-building session. We were pleased and gathered that it was probably because the invitation was made by a parent who has been most concerned with their well-being the past few months. Moreover, this mother together with some other neighbours had prepared a meal of chicken …

Dear Friends, It is said that we often know more than what we give ourselves credit for. The danger is not so much what we think we do know but what we think we know when we really don’t. Anyway, eight mothers who are a part of Bakers Beyond, were tasked to design a part of our premises that is to be repurposed as a workplace for baking and sewing activities. All came to the session wondering how they could actually take on the task without the necessary expertise. After greeting the mothers warmly, Raja a volunteer from the School …

Dear Friends, Last year, with the help of volunteers we sought to gain a better understanding of a neighbourhood by talking to residents, shop-owners, social service providers, grassroots leaders and others who lived or worked in the vicinity. The information was put together as a “neighbourhood health report” and we presented it as part of a meeting with 19 families residing there to reflect on the year gone by and to engage them for the one ahead. When we mentioned that the men seemed to be missing in their neighbourhood, a roomful of women laughed. There was one man present …

Dear Friends, During the last week of the school holidays, we met with Susie’s form teacher and school counsellor to discuss how they would like to begin the school year for their Primary 6 class. Last year, Susie and several of her classmates were often absent and Susie in particular, for a significant part of the year. They decided that the school day will start with a warm welcome and if some students were not present, to have the class reflect on the situation. If so, questions such as “Who is not in school today? Why do you think they …