Another Week Beyond – 1927

July 10, 2019

Dear Friends

55 youth aged from 12 to 23 years old finished a 50km cycling trip last Saturday morning. They started off at East Coast Park at 10pm on Friday evening, headed toward Changi and looped back passing through Pasir Ris and Bedok Reservoir. They were exhausted and some had minor cuts and bruises, but they were all in good spirts and feeling rather proud of themselves. Many were on such a trip for the first time and finishing the strenuous physical activity was a satisfying achievement.

We were proud of them too, especially the 15 who organized the activity. These youth were from different neighbourhoods and worked as a team to plan the route, sort out the necessary logistics and most importantly, they thought long and hard about safety. They arranged for a parent to drive the safety vehicle and the other 14 adults who joined the event took their lead and were present really more for our own assurance. I am glad to report that the adults did not need to intervene and simply enjoyed the experience like the rest of the cyclists.

Being entrusted with a responsibility and given the autonomy to execute it is an empowering learning experience. One does not need to start off knowing everything about the task at hand, but one needs to be clear about the deliverables and be able to cooperate with others to achieve them. The 15 youth who came together to get this cycling activity going succeeded in doing so as each gave something of themselves to ensure that they delivered a safe and enjoyable experience for all who came. One with much experience caring for siblings and her household, ensured that refreshments were on cue. Those who took on the role of “sweepers” always had a joke or warm words of encouragement for cyclists who had difficulty keeping up. They knew how they would like to be spoken to and did the same for others.

Such an activity was immense learning also for those who were not organizing it. It was an exercise in developing independence as well as inter-dependence. The little cuts and bruises sustained were lessons in self-care that “immunizes” one against more serious harm. Also, being in an activity that required a group of 10 or 12 to move together even when some members were older or younger, stronger or weaker is perhaps a lesson when transferred to our daily lives will be in the interest of our collective well-being.

On Saturday 20 July at 1.30pm we have reserved the biggest hall at The Cathay Cineplex to screen Disney’s “The Lion King.” This is the story of Simba a cub lion learning to fend for himself while in exile from his pride. He draws lessons from his adventures and challenges and when confused and fearful, draws strength from friends who do not have his strength. Eventually he returns to his pride to regain the throne that was once his father’s.

This story of a boy developing into a successful person despite experiencing a deep trauma is one that we hope will inspire the many young people we support. We also hope that it will inspire you to support the work we do by getting a ticket or more here and being one of the first in Singapore to watch the show. If you can’t make the date, a donation will help us to continue enabling young people, their families and communities to roar and claim their rightful place as contributing members of the society we are all a part of.

Please help and enjoy your week.

Gerard

“Love will find a way, anywhere we go. We’re home if we are there together.” – Simba

PAST AWB POSTS

2515 – The Hand That Folded, The Heart That Shared

May 30, 2025 No Comments

Story contributed by Myna, Community Worker Ayu* is a single mother working toward the day when all three of her children can live under the same roof again. Due to financial strain, two of them are currently in the care of her aunt while Ayu focuses on rebuilding her stability. Recently, she left a job where she had endured months of bullying. The emotional and financial toll was heavy, but she was grateful to walk away from a place that had worn down her confidence. Since then, she’s been searching for work with one simple hope: a kind environment. But

2514 – Labour of Pride

May 30, 2025 No Comments

Story contributed by Hani, Community Worker Earlier this month, I was going door to door to invite youths to join a new sports programme. I stopped by a flat where two of the boys on my list lived. Their father, Jamal*, greeted me at the door and invited me to wait while one of his sons made his way back from school. We started with small talk. He asked about the programme; I asked about his day. The conversation flowed easily. He shared that his family had returned to Singapore about seven or eight years ago after living in Indonesia

2513 – Where It Hurts

May 30, 2025 No Comments

Story Contributed by Xu Yang, Volunteer During a recent session at Beyond’s Homework Support programme for primary school children, I was playing a math board game with two boys, Frank and Steve, and another volunteer, Stef. As I was still figuring out the instructions, Frank suddenly pulled all the tiles toward himself. Then, out of the blue, he turned to Stef and said, “You wear glasses and have an ugly face. Go away.” I didn’t quite know how to respond. I suggested that if he wasn’t comfortable, maybe we could return to our original table, since we had joined Stef’s.

2512 – The Burden of Education

May 30, 2025 No Comments

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

2511 – More Than A Meal

May 30, 2025 No Comments

Story Contributed by Hani and Siti, Community Workers “This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful – in a word, more alive.” – Alice Waters During Ramadan in March, a group of mothers in Ghim Moh began planning their annual iftar gathering. This year, they wanted it to mean something more than simply inviting neighbours to break fast together. They wanted to open their doors wider and welcome not only familiar faces but new ones as well – families they hadn’t yet met, residents of all ages, races, and religions.

2510 – Trusting People As The Experts of Their Own Lives

May 30, 2025 No Comments

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.

2509 – If Community Isn’t Found, Can It Be Built?

May 30, 2025 No Comments

As shared by Wati to the Beyond Editorial Team As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Muslim families across Singapore prepare for Hari Raya Aidilfitri – a celebration that marks the end of fasting, and a time for reflection, forgiveness, and renewed connection. Homes will soon be filled with the aroma of festive dishes, the rustle of new clothes, and the warmth of reunion. For Wati, Hari Raya is more than just a celebration – it serves as a reminder of why she gives back. Wati is a mother of seven who recently moved to Kebun Baru.

2508 – The Pen is Mightier Than The Lock

May 30, 2025 No Comments

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