Choir

What to do if we can’t sing?

“Due to the Safe Management Measures and safety of the children, we sadly cannot accommodate your VIA project.” These were the words I constantly receive when reaching out to the nearby preschools and kindergartens.

While other CCAs were lucky to be able to host schools for their VIA projects, whether it was teaching them a new skill or simply keeping them company through online means, we were not as lucky. It was a shame because we truly wanted to continue the engagement our seniors made in their VIA project.

However, this did not discourage us. Together with the Choir VIA committee, we brainstormed countless ideas and proposals that we thought would be appropriate in light of the restrictions imposed by COVID-19 and Circuit Breaker. This ranged from organising a beach clean-up to teaching children arts and crafts through Zoom!

Much to our dismay, it was met with begrudging sighs from the Choristers as they were not keen to travel the distance for a beach clean-up, or look after kids. Additionally, when discussing with the teachers, they too felt that a beach clean-up did not mostly align with the idea of a ‘spirit of giving back to the community’ and ‘sense of togetherness in Choir’. While they were pleased with partnering with a local preschool, it was also around the time where they told us they could not accommodate our VIA project.

We were at a roadblock and did not know how to move forward. Thankfully, with the guidance and suggestions from our teachers, we found a VIA that looked promising: partnering with the COVID-19 Migrant Support Coalition (CMSC)! They help to raise funds and provide welfare to affected migrant workers. Seeing as how migrant workers have helped build Singapore’s infrastructure from the ground up, we truly wanted to give back and commemorate their work. Additionally, with the help of Jonas, a member of the VIA comm, we also managed to liaise and rally the Choir to volunteer in Willing Hearts’ soup kitchen!

For our first project with CMSC, we contacted them immediately when our Project Work A Levels were finished. Through multiple Zoom meetings and emails, we discussed how Choir could support CMSC in their objectives. Together, the decision for a donation drive for essential items in February, and a music video in commemoration of the migrant workers’ contributions was made. Additionally, with the aid of the VIA teachers, we could conduct a donation drive in school under Choir.

For our second project with Willing Hearts, we needed to first book the slots in advance before we could travel down and help out. However, to our surprise, almost all of the slots in the months of November, December and January were filled! The only slots left that accommodate all 21 students and 2 teachers were the early morning slots from 6.30-8.30am over the March break! Despite the difficulties of many of us living far from the soup kitchen, we came together and continued to pursue this project.

It was the day of our soup kitchen project and many of us carpooled with the people we live near to, to make it on time. The moment we stepped into the building, many of us were pulled to do a wide variety of tasks from chopping vegetables and packing food into containers, to transporting bags of food onto cars and cleaning the dishes. It was a very hectic morning.

While it was tiring, we were continuously encouraged and praised by the regular volunteers. They felt that student volunteers help to alleviate their workload, and that talking with us never failed to brighten their day. We were touched by their words and made saying goodbye all the more bittersweet. I’m sure given the time and opportunity, we would gladly come back again!

All in all, while it was a bumpy and disheartening beginning, seeing the positive impact we leave on the community made it all the worthwhile. These rejections and experiences have grown me as a person, and as a leader. Looking back, I cannot even begin to express how thankful I am for the VIA committee, teachers, fellow Choristers, and organisations that agreed to work with us! These VIA projects would not be a success without their help. Let’s continue to be Youth with Purpose, Thinker with Heart, and Leader with Courage. Thank you.

CCA VIA Ambassador

FAJUTAG JOHN FRANCIS FAJARILLO (20-E3)