Fahmidah, a 19-year-old active volunteer from Lengkok Bahru, recently stepped out of her comfort zone and joined her friends as a community guide for a Learning Journey organised by Beyond in collaboration with ImpactSG. This initiative connects members of ImpactSG with families living in public rental housing, who lead guided tours of their neighbourhood, offering a glimpse into their daily lives, challenges and strengths that define their community.
These interactions foster mutual respect, deeper understanding, and an appreciation for the resilience and spirit within these communities.
Before the event, Beyond worked closely with Fahmidah and several of her neighbours, preparing them to confidently share their lived experiences. Through workshops, practice sessions, and peer support, the team built their capacity to lead, creating a platform where they could see their own strengths and feel empowered to connect with others.
During the Learning Journey, Fahmidah and other members of her community graciously guided strangers around her neighbourhood, sharing personal stories, her connection to her neighbours, and the places that shape her life. They showcased not just their individual experiences, but the collective spirit of the community. As they passed by a popular coffee shop known for lending chairs and tables for community events, they highlighted the generosity, trust, and interconnectedness that hold the community together.
The members’ eagerness to lead and share left a lasting impact, showing how powerful lived experiences can be in bringing people from different walks of life together. Along the way, they gained confidence and saw themselves not just as participants, but as important voices shaping their community’s story.
Following the Learning Journey, ImpactSG invited Fahmidah and Beyond to their official launch event. My colleague and I coordinated our staff T-shirts, and encouraged Fahmidah to dress appropriately as she was an important guest at the event.
But as we walked into the event in our “casual chic” attire, we couldn’t have felt more out-of-place in a sea of smart suits and elegant dresses.
Sensing her nerves, I reassured Fahmidah, “You look amazing—you belong here more than me! I’m the one in a T-shirt!” We shared a laugh, lightening the mood.
At the launch, ImpactSG co-founder Daniel Lim took the stage and shared how the Learning Journey with Beyond had deeply inspired him.  He even flashed a wefie he took with the community and in the photo, Fahmidah spotted many familiar faces, including her niece! This public acknowledgment of the community’s strengths and Fahmidah’s leadership filled her with pride — her infectious grin said it all. It wasn’t just a win for one person, but for the entire community that came together to make this journey possible.
The work we do at Beyond is not without its challenges. But when individuals and business leaders take the time to connect with humility and a sincere desire to uphold dignity, we find common ground. Regardless of where we come from, we share the value of recognizing strengths, amplifying voices, and building a more inclusive society. These connections make the journey easier, our goals achievable, and the rewards beyond words.
That’s the true power of networking and building community.
At Beyond Social Services, we’re looking for like-minded partners who believe in the importance of empowering communities and fostering an inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. Your belief in our work — and your generous support — helps us create platforms where our members can showcase their strengths and resilience. If your company or organization shares this commitment and wants to make a meaningful difference, we’d love to hear from you at partnerships@beyond.org.sg.
