Category Archive

Written by The Beyond Editorial Team Claire* was still figuring things out when she reached out to us. She was in the middle of preparing for her PSLE, deep in planning and revision like thousands of other students across Singapore. But even in that intensity, she paused long enough to ask a question: Would Beyond like to receive some stationery gift packs for students taking the PSLE? There was no big plan yet. Just a seed of an idea rooted in understanding. She knew how it felt to be at this stage. How overwhelming it can be, how isolating. And …

Written by Nina, the Beyond Editorial TeamIt was a Monday morning. Three figures in Jedi and Sith robes stood outside a Toys“R”Us outlet, lightsabers in hand. They weren’t cosplaying for a fan convention – they were waiting to dash through the aisles of the store on a mission of a different kind. This was the Toy Dash Madness, organised and sponsored by Great World. The premise: grab as many toys as you can in 60 seconds at Toys“R”Us. Nine Great Rewards members got to do exactly that with their kids. An additional three slots were set aside for Beyond Social …

Written by Amelia, member of the community Growing up, I was always aware that I was the “costly child.” My school fees and medical expenses were a constant concern for my parents. My younger brothers were born in Singapore, so they had access to fully subsidised education. My schooling, however, came at a price – one that my family struggled to afford. In Malaysia, school-related costs were manageable. If I recall correctly, my school fees amounted to only about $100 a year. But in Singapore, the difference is stark. I saw it firsthand when my brothers started primary school. Their …

Written by Wilson, Community Worker In social work, we’re taught to see people as the experts of their own lives. It’s a principle that feels empowering – and in theory, it is. But in practice, I’ve often heard something quite different. Before joining Beyond as a community worker, I spent nearly five years in various social service settings. A recurring belief I encountered was that people from lower-income communities couldn’t always be trusted to make the “right” decisions for themselves and their families. “Look at where their choices have gotten them,” I’d hear. It was a perspective I came to recognise, but never fully accepted.  And my time at Beyond has continued to challenge it. One moment in particular stands out. …

Story contributed by Shariffah, Community Worker The lock was heavy. Solid. Final. The street soccer court in Yio Chu Kang had been closed off after repeated acts of vandalism. A group of boys stood by the fence where they used to gather after school – a simple court that had been their meeting point and favourite hangout to kick the ball around with friends. “So unfair…”, one of them muttered. Another shrugged. “Aiya, nothing we can do. Just find something else.” But one of our Community Workers heard more than frustration in their voices. He saw an opportunity to show …

10-year-old James is like many of the children who attend our learning programmes. He has an unhealthy attachment to his phone with little interest in academics. When asked to focus on his schoolwork, he would often throw tantrums. Rather than play board games with Beyond volunteers, he’d stick to games on his phone. Still, James would voluntarily show up at our sessions, where he was always welcomed. Our approach isn’t about forcing change but about creating a space for it. We set a clear boundary — schoolwork first, then fun and games.  But getting through to James wasn’t easy. We …

Shariff was only 10 when he was first mesmerised by the piano. A schoolmate was performing at a school event.  Something clicked for the 10-year-old that day – he had stumbled upon what was to become a passion. He found a very basic, beat-up keyboard at home, and began teaching himself to play. His instructors were YouTube videos. This year, Shariff was one of several children who attended a day camp organized by Genie in a Bottle, a volunteer group that picked Beyond as their charity of choice for YMCA’s Youth For Causes (YFC) programme. This initiative encourages youth to …