70 Acts of Kindness - Kindness 1 to 10

Kindness 1

Singapore Glove Project

Imagine this: you get up early to walk or jog around Marina Bay or East Coast Park, to breathe in the fresh air while enjoying a calm, quiet sunrise. What do you think you might see? Perhaps birds gathering food for their chicks, or a family of otters waking up from their night’s slumber to find a prime spot in the sun. It feels idyllic in your mind’s eye doesn’t it? It would be a beautiful scene with cheery sounds of the city waking up.

Except, you’ve forgotten to include something very common. Specifically, you would have forgotten about the litter. A lot of litter.

And that, dear reader, was what greeted me back in 2012, when I was training for the Singapore Marathon. I woke up early to avoid the heat of the sun and the massing crowds, but little did I think to find crowds of litter from the revelry of the previous night. Empty liquor bottles, 7-11 plastic bags, KFC takeaway boxes and cigarette boxes and butts. At that time of the morning when the sun had barely peeped over the horizon, our usually ubiquitous environment managers had not had the chance to clean up after irresponsible partygoers.

At first, I felt irritated with the litterbugs – some of whom were still drunk on the benches – for leaving their trash behind. With litter bins found almost every ten metres, it was a shame that ‘urbane’ residents could not conduct themselves with civility.

After a while, though, I realised frustration would not solve the problem. The litter was still there, my displeasure brewed only within me and had no productive outlet, and this problem would just continue. For the situation to change, I had to be the agent of change. For Singapore was my home, and it was my civic duty to ensure my home was clean.

So whenever I chanced upon a clean plastic bag, I used it as a glove, and threw as many pieces of trash as I could, while still trying to maintain a certain pace. I felt proud of myself, that I was doing something good, preventing the trash from going into our waterways, or worse, being eaten by unsuspecting animals.

It soon dawned on me that I needed more help. I turned to social media to invite friends to my run-and-pick activities. Eventually, the movement became The Singapore Glove Project. We explored and exercised in many parts of Singapore, and helped to clean up those areas, and leave them better than when we found them.

The most unforgettable event though was when Singapore lost our first Prime Minister, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. As a tribute to this visionary who pushed for a Clean and Green Singapore – we organised a litter-picking session on the day his cortege left Parliament House for the NUS University Cultural Centre. It was an emotional day that would certainly be etched in our memories for a lifetime, but we were all glad that we could do something small just to continue what he set out to do.

And so, dear reader, the next time you see litter on our streets or shores, be proactive and help to clean up our home. And when you do see a clean area, don’t take it for granted. Know that there are many people past and present who have helped to keep it litter-free.

Kindness 2

Bouncing The Community Spirit

Taking their time away from playing their favourite game, the boys from Basketball CCA spent a morning doing their part for the community. Though different from their routine during CCA, the boys had a meaningful time participating in an activity that looked beyond their passion. They worked together to do their part in helping to keep the environment clean. The boys organised themselves into smaller groups and picked up litter from different parts of the neighbourhood around the school. While beating the heat to enjoy a game of basketball has always been fulfilling for the boys, ensuring the cleanliness of their neighbourhood despite the heat brought greater satisfaction and pride amongst the boys.

I enjoyed the VIA activity very much. It was an experience that was different from our usual school curriculum (and definitely different from the trainings). We picked up many different items, like used cans and plastics. What puzzled me was the great amount of litter on the ground in that small area that my group covered, despite the many rubbish bins at short distances. This experience taught me to reflect on my own values of respect and responsibility, particularly for the environment. It is important for us to care and respect our environment. Beyond the learning from the activity in itself, as a group leader, I learnt to support my team in the roles they had been assigned to as well as to ensure their safety. It was definitely a fun and fulfilling experience and I look forward to doing more of such projects in the future.

- Abaya Jerard Manuel Rebleza, Basketball 2021

Kindness 3

Recycling Project @ Joo Seng Estate

In a bid to do our part for the environment and help the needy students in our school, the Bartley NCC (Land) Unit has been conducting the Recycling Project at the nearby Joo Seng estate since 2015.

A few weeks before the commencement of the project, a few cadets spent some afternoons going around the Joo Seng estate to give out flyers to inform the residents of the upcoming Recycling Project. Then, during the March holidays, the cadets organized the route march from our school to the Joo Seng estate, and afterwards split off to their assigned blocks for newspaper collection. The students walked around the estate to collect old newspapers, magazines, books, clothes to sell to the recycling vendor. All proceeds collected from this project were donated to the Needy Student Fund for the school, where the funds are used to help Bartleyans needing financial assistance.

Reflection

The Recycling Project at Joo Seng Estate held by NCC Land was memorable to me as I got to do something beneficial with my fellow cadets. We went to the Joo Seng Estate and my group was assigned two blocks of flats to go through. One of the challenges we faced was that there were too many newspapers to carry! This gave us the opportunity to strategise on how to efficiently deliver the newspapers to the collection point, and go through the entire block before the stipulated time. We learned communication skills and teamwork and this experience helped eventually we became leaders of our unit.

Overall it was a memorable experience to me due to the fun we had, laughing together about our slip ups and the memories I made with my fellow cadets and seniors. I hope that many others should have the chance to try out the Recycling Project at Joo Seng Estate as it is a meaningful project that help save the environment and help the needy students in our school.

Dany Hendra Mohamad Azli (4E4 2022)

Kindness 4

Cleaning Up Bartley Environment (CUBE) project (2014 – 2017)

Cleaning Up Bartley Environment (CUBE) project is our values-in-action project for our secondary 1 students. Through this activity we instill in students a sense of pride for the school by taking ownership for the cleanliness of the immediate environment. This project provides opportunities for students to show their leadership skills and to take ownership of their work. It helps to develop strong bond among students as they work together to carry out the activity.

Students went through 3 stages to carry out this project. First, when assigned the specific areas to take care of, students had to plan on how each member could contribute to the activity. Once the planning stage is done, students executed their plans led by the group leader. They captured their learning experiences in their individual VIA journal before consolidating the information in the form of posters to be shared with the school through the VIA exhibition.

Kindness 5

Neighbourhood Cleanup, by Merit Club Members

The Neighbourhood Cleanup Project encouraged students to take responsibility for their environment by picking up litter around the school, fostering empathy for cleaners and kindness towards the environment. Equipped with tongs, trash bags, and gloves, students were briefed on safety guidelines, including what to pick up, such as cigarette buds, drink cans, and paper, and what to avoid, like sharp objects and organic litter. The cleanup made the neighborhood cleaner and more appealing while reducing potential mosquito breeding grounds. Teachers observed improved cleanliness and appreciated how the hard work involved helped students better understand and respect the efforts of cleaners while showing care for the environment. The project successfully promoted environmental awareness, kindness, and civic responsibility among students.

Kindness 6

BNU Recycling Day 2015

The first rays of day peered over the horizon, red streaks permeating the tranquil blue skies, illuminating the figures in dark blue jerseys as they trudged slowly through the gates. The sound of birds chirping filled the air as the creatures of the land awoke. Yet, while others were still rubbing the sand from their eyes, a fluster of activity was already taking place. In Bartley Secondary School’s parade ground, young men in white shirts bustled in preparation for the task ahead. In the midst of them stood SSG Glenn Chng, loudspeaker in hand, his brow furrowed in anticipation of the level of coordination and control required from him and his Bartley NPCC squadmates this day – Bartley Secondary school’s annual recycling day.

Bartley Secondary School’s recycling day has been an annual affair for the Bartley NPCC unit as they plan and mobilize their peers in the school in collecting recyclable materials from the neighbouring housing estates. The benefits of this activity have been felt by multiple stakeholders, from the students and residents of the neighbourhood to nation-wide efforts at recycling. Bartley NPCC Unit (BNU) believes that recycling starts from small efforts in the local community which will aid in education and lead to greater awareness of recycling in Singapore. By leading their peers and engaging the local community, BNU hopes to promote the spirit of conservation.

On a community level, BNU aimed to engage the local residents in Joo Seng and build ties with them. By doing their groundwork before activating their peers in the school to collect the recyclable materials, the cadets were able to forge relationships with the residents in their neighbourhood. Going from door to door to inform residents of the activity allowed the cadets to act as ambassadors for NPCC as well as the school, while building their inter-personal skills and confidence. At the same time, the cadets planned instructions for residents to pack their recyclable materials, collection points and arranged logistical support to facilitate the accumulation of materials and ease the actual collection for their school mates.

Overall, it was a good experience for the cadets to lead their schoolmates in recycling as it provided them with more information on the importance of recycling as well as give them an opportunity to serve the community. It was heartening to see the residents and school work together so well towards a greater cause, and gives great encouragement to the cadets of BNU to carry on their efforts in the future.

Kindness 7

Bartleyans Against Climate Change

Our Green Champs were in the spotlight during Humanities Week 2021 based on the theme of “Bartleyans Against Climate Change”. As part of a weeklong spread of activities, they stepped up to advocate for our planet through a series of videos. In doing so, they put their knowledge into action as they passionately shared their views on the environment as well as useful tips to reduce our carbon footprint.

Caption: The reason why I wanted to be a Green Champ was so that I could teach my classmates that the Earth is important and how to take care of it. When we reduce our greenhouse emissions, we reduce the threat of global warming. - Jules, 3E4

Hello everyone! Last year, I gave an interview via video with my fellow Green Champs for Humanities Week. I wasn’t shy, as I’d already a YouTube channel, so I was no stranger to speaking on camera. When the opportunity came to be interviewed, I didn’t hesitate to volunteer, as I knew it’d be both fun, and a way to get better at presenting to an audience.

In my interview, I shared my message on how Singapore is tackling global warming. While researching, what surprised me most was how much Singapore was doing to fight climate change, especially compared to other rich and developed countries like the US. I hoped that by sharing my message, this would simultaneously raise awareness and get my schoolmates to take action, so as to turn the tables in our favor.

As the saying goes, “If you can break it, you can fix it”. The Earth is neither flat nor perfectly round; it is destroyed. It’s our responsibility to fix it and not harm it. I hope we all realize what we must do to fight climate change and take action together.

Jules Migell Mapaye Ampo, 3E4 (Green Champ 2021)

Caption: Fighting climate change is important. One way we can do so is by taking public transportation over driving. - Prescott, 4E2

Being a Green Champ has taught me to appreciate and care for the environment. We got to do productive activities such as understanding the importance of upcycling and collecting recyclables. The most memorable experience was when I got to make a video as part of Humanities Week last year. It allowed me to learn and share eco-friendly habits we can all develop to defend our planet from global warming and save our very own world.

Prescott Goh Song Lin, 4E2 (Green Champ 2021)

Kindness 8

Appreciating a Happy Class_2E3 Peer Support Leaders

Overview

As Peer Support Leaders (PSLs) of 2E3, Eugena and Ishaq believe it is their duty to show care and concern towards their classmates. Yet, how could they do so in a tangible way?

Putting their heads together, they decided to pack birthday gift bags by purchasing snacks and rallying their friends to create hand-written notes of encouragement for every single student in 2E3. From start to finish, this thoughtful project was entirely initiated and helmed by both PSLs, much to the delight of their form teachers. Let us hear what they have to say about this simple yet impactful deed of kindness that put words into action.

Student reflections

In 1E3 last year, some people did not know when each other's birthday was. Through this project, I wanted our classmates to know each other better so that we can be a source of support to one another. In each of the gift bags, we included handwritten notes by our classmates. I find this very meaningful as the different letters have many encouraging things written by our friends. I learnt two things in planning this project. Firstly, time management. We wouldn’t have been able to finish planning and packing the gift bags otherwise. Secondly, teamwork. I would not have been able to complete this project alone, but only with the help of others. (Eugena Ooi, 2E3 PSL 2022)

We decided to pack these gift bags for our classmates celebrating their birthdays as we believe that each of them has made the class more interesting and fun – either by making us laugh, or by making us more interested in a particular subject. Thus, I strongly believed that a small token of appreciation such as a snack or candy in each bag will help them feel recognized for helping to make the class a happier place. When we gave out the gift bags for January to May birthday babies, I think it went well as the whole class was happy and joyful at the end of the session. I would also like to thank my form teachers for their support. (Nahvi Muhammed Ishaq, 2E3 PSL 2022)

Kindness 9

Friend of Singa

Through creative initiatives, Friend of Singa (FOS) ambassadors at Bartley encouraged the student body to express gratitude to the school’s cleaners and security guards. Students conducted one-on-one interviews with the attendants and transformed the information into vibrant posters to help the school community connect with them. Appreciation notes and thank-you messages were written on paper leaves, with students even carrying a billboard to gather participation from peers, teachers, and the Principal. These paper leaves were later used to craft 14 personalized origami flower bouquets for the attendants, each accompanied by heartfelt notes. Students from all levels participated enthusiastically, creating meaningful gifts and cherished memories for the school attendants.

Students' Reflection

“This project has been meaningful because we got to know the cleaners better. We also got to learn what they do to help keep the school clean and safe.” - Ming Yuan , 3T1, 2019

“This project really is meaningful to me. Throughout three years of my life in Bartley Secondary, I have never really talked to any of our school cleaners or knew their names. When this project started, I thought about how this project might impact our school cleaners. The day we distributed the flowers to them, all of them had smiles on their faces. They thanked each and every one of us, one by one. After the project, I actually saw more students communicating with our cleaners, which I believe was the true success of our project. I hope everyone will continue appreciating elderly not only in our school but outside of school as well.” - Chloe Ng Wei Lin, 3N2, 2019

“The Project has been very meaningful to me as I got to know the cleaners better and actually interacted with them. I feel that the project has enabled me to understand the struggles of the cleaners better. This has helped me to be more mindful of what I do so as to not burden them with more work. It was very satisfying to see the smiles from the uncles and aunties upon giving them the flowers. From now on, I'll try my best to keep the classroom and canteen as clean as I can so as to support them.” - Daven Cheong, 3E1, 2019

Kindness 10

Service Learning Project to Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India

On 3 June 2011, 29 cadets and four teachers embarked on a service learning project to Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. It was not only a chance for the cadets to serve and to learn, but also a chance to build camaraderie between the various uniformed groups as cadets from the NPCC, NCC (Land), NCC (Air) and Red Cross Youth spent six days working together.

The project was initiated to meet the needs of the local community. Currently, women and youths from 84 villagers gather under a small tentage in the herbal farm for training. Our cadets were there to help to construct a training centre to accommodate more people for conducive learning to take place.

No time was wasted as we started work the very day we reached the village. It was in the sweltering heat of 38 degrees Celsius that the cadets slogged away the afternoon, carrying bricks and planks, sifting sand, transporting cement. It was hard work but the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the chance to help in every little way.

Accommodation was at CREA, a school for the poor in the rural area. Although all of us bunked in the classrooms with our sleeping bags on the hard grounds with minimal fans, having a relatively clean sleeping compound with toilets was already considered a luxury. The cadets could not wait to shower after a long and hot day of work. It was thus a real damper when about 10 were not given that chance as the water in the water tank had been used up by those who bathed earlier. Lesson learnt – water is precious, conserve!

The next day was again a day of hard work but on top of that, the cadets were given a tour at the herbal farm. They learnt about the different uses for the different herbs and best of all, get to try them. In fact, some of them tried the bitter leaves which they could only get rid of the taste after a couple of hours! Talk about learning the hard (bitter) way…

Another interesting experience was visiting the village school. The students in the school took turns to perform, singing, recital, nothing fazed them. Our cadets also took the chance to teach them some English action songs and the Indian children followed along sportingly. Language barrier? Music takes down all barriers.

Meals were a myriad of Indian food, idly, chutney, briyani, naan, just to name a few. They were new to the taste buds for many but greatly enjoyed nonetheless. There was always a sense of anticipation, wondering what delicious food would be served for the meal, and they never fail to satisfy.

The last day at the village finally came. A ceremony was held to officially open the centre. The cadets also took the chance to distribute the stationery and clothes which we had lugged all the way there. The smiles on the children’s faces as they received these were simply priceless.

The next day was spent in Chennai. First, we visited a huge handicraft shop where you could find all sorts of handicrafts. The rest of the day was spent at Express Mall, a mall which will not lose out to those at Orchard Road. The cadets had so much fun shopping, perhaps also relishing at being back to the city.

Many lessons were learnt, especially how we should appreciate what we have in Singapore. New friendships were forged, old friendships were strengthened. May we have more of such collaborations with the different uniformed groups!

INSP (NPCC) Gan Pei Ling

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