Dear Friends, I would like to close the year with a very warm thank you for your interest in this weekly note I write. The work I do and represent has given me purpose and meaning which I am grateful for. I am also deeply grateful that this mailing list has been growing and I am always touched when people …
Another Week Beyond – 1951
Dear Friends, In August this year, youth from our Community Theatre programme presented “The Block Party” at the Esplanade as part of the M1 Peer Pleasure Festival. This play showcased vignettes of poverty as experienced by those residing in a public rental housing neighbourhood. This week, as a follow-up activity, we hosted a conversation about poverty involving 37 persons, comprising …
Another Week Beyond – 1950
Dear Friends, One reason I write this weekly note is for me to reflect on what we are doing. There is always so much to do, and it is so easy to let our “busi-ness” justify our existence. Thinking about the value of what we do regularly, helps us to keep in sight the intentions and aspirations of our practice. …
Another Week Beyond – 1949
Dear Friends, In my note last week, I reflected on how we could honour parents as the child’s first educators. I considered getting parents to teach music and other subjects that drew children’s attention to the strengths and beautiful things within their families, communities and culture. I also suggested using the stories of parents and families to convey values where …
Another Week Beyond – 1948
Dear Friends, When asked to say a few words at the beginning of the graduation ceremony of our Healthy Start Child Development Centre, I was caught off guard and spurted out what came to mind. After thanking everyone for their presence, I must have caused some awkwardness. I admitted that the one thing I did not quite enjoy about the …
Another Week Beyond – 1947
Dear Friends, A study of 147,004 patients conducted by the Singhealth Regional Health System reviewing the period 2012 to 2017, found that those who lived in rental housing were 1.57 times more likely to die in the period, compared with those who were living elsewhere. Public rental housing was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality. This statistic hit home …
Another Week Beyond – 1946
Dear Friends, JJ, a 25-year-old married with 2 children dropped by at our office unexpectedly to say hello. “Beyond is like a guardian angel. People come here when down and leave when up,” he mused as he got comfortable in the seat, we offered him. “Oh dear JJ, are you in some kind of trouble?” we enquired immediately. He shook …
Another Week Beyond – 1945
Dear Friends, Firstly, thank you for the tremendous support we received for Kumar Connects on Wednesday evening. Watching a full house at the Capitol Theatre laughing and having a good time in support of our work moved us. My team and I went home deeply encouraged and we are very grateful for your generosity and goodwill. Having recovered from a …
Another Week Beyond – 1944
Dear Friends, In our attempt to bring about communities where its members can thrive, we bring the gift of connection. We focus on relationships and it is not just how well people are connected to their families and friends but what ties they may have beyond their immediate circle of support. A nurturing family and loyal friends would provide a …
Another Week Beyond – 1943
Dear Friends, The children were unable to come for the meeting held on a Sunday morning, but they asked us to share their views with their Member of Parliament. A resident put their views into a PowerPoint presentation, and we brought their drawings to the meeting. The children wanted a say on what a proposed playground and a hard court …