Dear friends, A group of 4 mothers were delighted when they learnt that we would like to revive the savings programme toward their children’s development account (CDA) where their deposits are matched by the government. They told us that because the programme was not held last year, there is hardly any money remaining in their children’s accounts. They have found the CDA very …
Another Week Beyond – 2115
Dear friends, We marked one year since our circuit-breaker on 7 April 2019 and working from home is no longer our default practice. 75% of our workforce is now allowed backed into their offices and while COVID-19 is still a serious threat, we must count ourselves fortunate relative to others elsewhere. Hannah (not her real name), tells us that she has …
Another Week Beyond – 2114
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …