Dear Friends, After explaining our work at a meeting, someone listening quoted the Scriptures. “The poor will always be with us,” she commented. I have heard this said many a time and it is from Matthew 26:11. “The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me” is the complete sentence and Jesus was foreshadowing his crucifixion. Today is Good Friday and I would like to wish all Christians a meaningful and peaceful day in observance of unfailing love. Later in the week, I was asked the definition of success in the non-profit sector by a class …
Another Week Beyond – 2113
Dear friends, When they were told that they were the 14 most active youth volunteers in their neighbourhood, those present were most surprised. Many said that whenever they helped with food distributions or community events, they were just doing what they have always seen their friends and neighbours do. They were just going about their lives normally and never thought that they were volunteering or that we were noticing their efforts. Nonetheless, they appreciated being recognized and were proud that they had been helpful to others. The idea that they had been contributing and could continue to do so seemed …
Another Week Beyond – 2112
Dear Friends We met with some children and youth to gather their thoughts and sentiments of a new playgroup next to their blocks. In October 2019 (AWB – 1943), these children submitted a set of drawings to their Member of Parliament illustrating what their dream playgroup should look like. Hence, now that the playground has been up since 10 February 21, we wanted to check if it was indeed a dream come true for them. All present unanimously agreed that the playgroup has brought much joy and pride. It is a showpiece that has enhanced their living environment tremendously as both the …
Another Week Beyond – 2111
Dear Friends A colleague noticed that whenever she invited a group of women for a conversation, it seemed a little awkward. They would want a reason to do so and “just catching up” never seemed inviting enough. She found this a little strange as these women always had well-meaning conversations about children and neighbours whenever they gathered incidentally or during an activity we had organised. “Perhaps, the idea of a conversation without a context seemed like a luxury they could not afford given their responsibilities at home,” my colleague imagined. So, in commemoration of International Women’s Day [IWD], she invited them to …
Another Week Beyond – 2110
Dear Friends To sum up his internship experience Ziv, shared a quote from Che Guevera with me, “Let the world change you, and then you can change the world.” He elaborated that burdened by a personal problem not too long ago, he was conducting a session out of duty and could not wait to finish his shift. In other words, he was in no mood to “do good” and to put it mildly, he was preoccupied. However, his mood changed suddenly when his students invited him to occupy an empty seat next to them. “Ehhh cher come and join us lah!” Ziv told …
Another Week Beyond – 2109
Dear Friends Ian and Wilfred finish their internship today. They have been with us since November last year and listening to them at an exit interview 2 days ago, I was touched by their humble and honest reflections. “Before coming here, I had assumed that people assisted by a charity were unable to help themselves but now I see them as people who are constantly trying to improve their lives and themselves,” reflected Ian. Both Ian and Wilfred also shared that they were surprised how welcomed they felt among young people and their families. People were curious about their background but were …
Another Week Beyond – 2108
Dear Friends After speaking to more than 150 youth aged between 16 to 20 and inviting them to be a part of a mutual aid initiative that connects them to job-based information and resources, training, and potential employers, a common theme emerged. These young people wanted to work so that they could help with their family income. Some were already the significant breadwinner, and nothing would please them more than to be able to see their family live more comfortably. One of these youth attended a briefing on a Debt Clearance and Savings Matching Scheme run by the Methodist Welfare Services and when asked …
Another Week Beyond – 2107
Dear Friends “I did not do it!” Alex, 8 years old insisted but a few moments later he relented, “I did it yesterday.” With a box of crayons, he had received for his birthday, Alex “decorated” a pillar at the void deck where we were holding an art and craft session for him and 4 of his friends. The boy had quite a bit of spunk. “This colour nice what,” he argued and insisted that the 50 cents he had in his pocket could not buy the paint to clean up the wall. While our little discussion with Alex was going …
Another Week Beyond – 2106
Dear Friends Morris was beaming. He had just completed 6 months of probation without a hitch. The electronic tag around his ankle has been removed but he still has 15 months to go. We are rooting for him to finish the probation order successfully, but he senses our apprehension. “I just got my little tattoo shop, and I am going to be busy making a living. You don’t have to worry about me,” he assures us. Last year, Morris participated in a family group conference [AWB – 2026 & 2029] to craft and commit to his care and supervision plan for the court’s consideration. Since then, he …
Another Week Beyond – 2105
Dear Friends I was listening to 3 residents as they expressed the sort of improvements they would like for their homes and their neighbourhod. They wanted a drop-off point near their blocks that would shelter them from heavy rain and more living space. One wanted to move into a flat with a bedroom so that life could be a little more comfortable for his wife and 4 children, but he made it clear that he did not want to leave the neighbourhood. He explained that he has been a resident for 26 years and he feels a strong connection to the …