Another Week Beyond – 2102

January 9, 2021

Dear Friends

We bumped into Farhana, an 11-year-old as she was skateboarding in her neighbourhood. A week ago, a family we knew had introduced her to us incidentally and she nodded nonchalantly as we caught her eye. Farhana is the oldest of 5 siblings and cared for by her grandmother when dad is at work.

When we got within speaking distance, we asked her for a minute of her time. We told her that we had a lot of toys and school bags which we thought children in her neighbourhood would appreciate. However, we did not know many families living there and wondered if she could introduce us to her friends. “Sure!” she replied quickly and enquired when will we be bringing them.

When we arrived a few days later with a van full of the items, Farhana and her siblings were ready to assist. They led us to different households and as she did so, she shared snippets of how she got to know them. “Oh, he is a classmate,” or “I saw her skateboarding and decided to make friends with her when she smiled at me.” Farhana did not always remember everyone’s names but she knew where they lived, the games they played or the activities they enjoyed when they were hanging out in the neighbourhood. They were her network of friends and a huge reason why she calls the neighbourhood home.

It was a productive and meaningful day of work for us as we got to have conversations with many families that we had never spoken with. Tired and happy, we thanked Farhana for helping us and she replied with a bright smile, “It was fun! If you ever need help again, can call me.”

“You are our first community volunteer!” we told her, and this episode showed us that children can be powerful connectors that bring people in a community together. Their routines, the places where they play, and their relationships make for an important slice of life in the community that is valuable for its larger good.

Wishing you health and peace of mind.

Gerard

Children are true connoisseurs. What’s precious to them has no price, only value. – Bel Kaufman

PAST AWB POSTS

2450 – Change Happens When A Ripple Becomes A Wave

December 13, 2024 No Comments

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

2448 – Caring Through Sport

November 29, 2024 No Comments

Written by Hani & Shariffah, Community Workers When we received an invitation from SportCares to participate in a Sepak Takraw Tournament, we were hesitant to accept. It was only a week away and we were not sure if we could rally enough interest among our youth members in the different neighbourhoods. Nonetheless, we put the word out and within the day, we realised that our anxiety was unnecessary. Regus or Teams from different neigbourhoods started registering with us which affirmed our belief in the strength of people’s ability to self-organise around their interest and aspirations. These young people loved the

2447 – The Accidental Pianist

November 22, 2024 No Comments

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

2446 – Brownie Points of the Heart

November 15, 2024 No Comments

Story Contributed by Swathi, Community Worker In Ghim Moh, Angie was known for her many gifts – a talented chef, baker, seamstress, and a nurturing grandmother. Through Beyond’s Sew Can We and Bakers Beyond programmes, which provide seasonal income through sewing and baking projects, Angie applied her skills to create items that held meaning for her community. But as cancer began to reshape her life, hospital stays and treatments became part of her routine, pulling her away from her daily comforts. Despite her illness, Angie’s spirit remained intact, resilient and unyielding. During a recent hospital stay, some nurses encouraged her

2445 – From Strangers to Friends: A Shared Journey

November 8, 2024 No Comments

Story Contributed by Adrian, Community Worker Each year, the United World College (UWC) partners with Beyond in a programme that brings their students on a Learning Journey into one of the neighbourhoods we serve. The intention is to give these students an opportunity to connect on a more intimate level with the community they often support as volunteers in our learning programme. This time, however, instead of the visit being led by Beyond staff, two Bukit Ho Swee youths – *14-year-old Zak and 15-year old Amir – stepped forward to be their guides. Inspired by one of their older brothers,

2444 – Makcik Kaypoh, our nosy aunties who keep children safe

November 7, 2024 No Comments

Community Fellows are residents who conceptualise and implement a project that addresses a concern they have identified in their neighbourhood. They receive some training in planning, organising and monitoring progress as well as the ethics and principles of community work that safeguard the wellbeing of those they engage and the integrity of their effort. We invite applications for Community Fellows once a year and have had 2 cohorts. In June last year, Rahimah and Sumarsih attended the Knowledge Festival (AWB – 2326) where Community Fellows presented a progress report of their efforts. They were most inspired and applied for Fellowship

2443 – Why Do You Work?

October 25, 2024 No Comments

I was visiting Meelah, a resident who has led food drives and many social activities to enhance the wellbeing of her neighbours. I listened intently, as she expressed her concern for families that would require assistance. I was touched that she continued to keep track of so many lives in spite of her own declining health. She donned on the new spectacles she had recently afforded and checked her reflection using her phone before looking at me expectantly for a response. “How? I look like a teacher or not?” She exclaimed while tucking some strands of hair behind her ears.

2442 – It Starts with “Hello”

October 24, 2024 No Comments

Every morning, like clockwork, four-year-old Lisa (not her real name) stops by her neighbour’s flat on her way to preschool. She stands at the gate, waiting patiently to say “Hello” to the elderly man who lived there. Known for his stern demeanour and habit of scolding noisy children, this Uncle wasn’t someone most would approach. At first, he ignored her. Undeterred, she stands there, day after day, offering her simple greeting. Then one day, something changed. The Uncle returned her greeting. Soon after, they began sharing quiet moments – sitting together, eating biscuits, and watching TV —always under the watchful