Another Week Beyond – 2121

Dear friends,

With the “Heightened Alert” beginning this week, attendance at our child development centre has dropped to an average of 17 children a day.  Children with household members who are ill were not permitted to be present.  Preschools remain open to support parents who need to work and so children who have a caregiver at home during the day, were encouraged to remain at home.

Out of sight was not out of mind though as we continued to keep in touch with caregivers especially those whose children were not present. Apart from checking in on the health of all at home, we also asked if their jobs and income were affected by this slew of tighter safe management measures. We gathered that It is still early days but most expressed anxiety when they told us of friends working in food and beverage who were affected. They were not necessarily F&B workers but with dining-in disallowed, there was less work for cleaners too.

Video calling has become part of a day’s work as they were also essential for helping us check-in on children from families who needed support in caring for them.  For these children, their day in school helped alleviate the stresses at home and so the regular calls were essential. We will be providing families with learning materials to work on at home and if needed, they may call us for assistance.    

Such efforts are not just about home-based learning that ensures a child’s learning is not disrupted. Importantly, they are meant to strengthen our relationships and the involvement of caregivers in the success of our centre. As for the children, they are naturally invested as school is where they get to play with their friends. Video calling is now how these friendships are kept alive between those in school and those who are not.

With no crowds and quieter roads, the country appears blissful but when routines are disrupted there is always a fair amount of stress. Nonetheless, stepping out alone into a quieter space seems   conducive for regaining perspective.

Wishing you good health and peace of mind.

Sincerely,
Gerard

“We are like islands in the sea, separate on the surface but connected in the deep.” ― William James

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PAST AWB POSTS

2443 – Why Do You Work?

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.

Read more >

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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

Read more >

2441 – Looking for Treasure not Dirt

As a community worker, I knock on doors to introduce myself and to explore how residents may contribute toward the wellbeing of their neighbourhood.  By chatting with them, I discover their talents, aspirations and values. Of course, not everyone talks to me when I knock but it is always so rewarding when they do. Last week, I met 98-year-old Madam Wong and her son who is in his 70s. I learnt that Madam Wong shares her art and craft skills with the older residents in her community.  What she enjoys doing most and is really good at is “weaving” together

Read more >