Another Week Beyond – 2010

March 7, 2020

Dear Friends,

We are gradually restarting our learning programmes as we now have thermal thermometers, sanitizers and a limited supply of surgical masks that enable us to take the necessary precautionary measures. For these resources, we thank the many organisations and individuals who reached out to us asking how they may help. We were touched by the concern and encouragement of many and their practical gestures such as asking family and friends living overseas to secure a thermometer on our behalf.

Just before a homework support programme began, we had to stop an enthusiastic volunteer from entering our premises. She was running a fever and after a second reading was similar despite having rested for a few minutes, we advised her to see a doctor immediately. A straightforward procedure one may say but we actually found it uncomfortable stopping someone at the door. For those who were already inside, there was both concern for the volunteer and an awkward feeling that one could have been exposed to an infection.

The volunteer left to see a doctor and when we called to check on her, we were relieved that she was already feeling better after some medication and she was not miffed by the experience. She told us that she felt fine when she left her home but started feeling a little uneasy when she arrived at our place. She certainly would not have come if she had felt ill at home and was quite glad that we got her to seek medical help before she got sicker.

So why did we find it uncomfortable stopping her at the door? We were only doing the right thing and so, were we uncomfortable exercising authority? Or we were afraid to offend someone who only meant well? Perhaps we were fearful of being infected and a little angry why this person would put us and a roomful of children at risk. As we found out later, the volunteer did not think that she was ill because when she checked her temperature before leaving home, she was well.

These past weeks have been pressing because as much as we try, life as we know it is different and our work has taken on the emphasis of caring for those affected by the COVID-19 situation. We are encouraged that help has been forthcoming but also cannot help thinking that in moments of vulnerability, we need to do something to regain a sense of normality.

Some of us may take steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones while others reach out to assist or to support the efforts of helping agencies. Caring for others should always be applauded but let’s not criticise those who feel that they must attend to their own needs first. Instead, if there is anything that helps ease these pressing times, it would be a little love, care and understanding for each other.

Wishing you health and peace of mind.

Gerard

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie

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