On the 24th March 2024, I volunteered for Guide Dogs Singapore's annual Flag Day, joining fellow volunteers across the island for street collections. This initiative was dedicated to raising awareness and crucial funds for the visually impaired community and their guide dogs, ensuring they receive essential lifelong support.

Despite initial apprehensions about approaching the public, I pushed past my fears and actively engaged with passersby. I passionately shared information about supporting the visually impaired and emphasized the importance of donations, despite concerns about facing rejection.

Participating in Guide Dogs Singapore's Flag Day was an eye-opening experience that underscored the significance of community outreach and advocacy. It taught me valuable lessons in resilience and demonstrated the impactful results of collective efforts in making a tangible difference in people's lives.

During this program, I had the privilege of introducing basic sports skills like running, kicking, and throwing to children, creating an inclusive and enriching environment that enhanced their motor skills and fostered emotional and social development.

Over the past 4 weeks, being a buddy to my assigned child, Dana, has left an indelible mark on me. It was through this experience that I learned the true value of giving to others, emphasizing that it is in giving that we receive the most. Dana's journey also opened my eyes to the blessings I have in my life, and how fortunate I am to be in a position where I can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

This experience also heightened my empathy towards others in my society. I now recognize the importance of inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging for all individuals. I have become more aware of the diverse challenges people face, and I am committed to promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society. I aim to inspire more young people to engage in volunteer work and discover the profound value of giving back to the community. By sharing my experiences and encouraging empathy, I hope to contribute to the creation of a more empathetic and inclusive society where everyone's unique needs and perspectives are valued and respected.

On the 13th Of August 2023, I had the privilege of participating in the Youth Corps Migrant Badminton program, an initiative designed to foster a deeper understanding and connection with migrant brothers at Terusan RC. This eye-opening experience provided a unique glimpse into the lives of a significant segment of Singapore's population. With 1.1 million foreign workers in Singapore, 600,000 of whom reside in dormitories, the program aimed to bridge the gap and connect with these individuals.

Many of these migrant workers endure grueling work schedules, laboring for 14 to 15 hours a day, six days a week. The prevalent stereotype of them being cold and unfriendly was quickly shattered as I discovered their spontaneity, kindness, and willingness to share their cultural knowledge, including teaching us traditional games like carrom.

Throughout the program, we engaged in sports activities like badminton and carrom with the migrant brothers, fostering a sense of unity and shared experiences. We also offered our support to enhance the quality of their lives, acknowledging the challenges they face. Terusan RC, established in 2019 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, played a crucial role in providing a safe recreational space for these individuals who were often restricted from leaving their dormitories.

One striking revelation was the living conditions of the migrant workers, with 16 of them sharing a single room. This stark contrast to the typical Singaporean lifestyle, characterized by access to public transportation like the MRT and buses and more spacious living conditions, highlighted the disparity in living standards.

This experience served as a stark reminder of the importance of inclusivity and awareness within our community. It underscored the need to create connections and build bridges that allow us to better understand and support the migrant workers in our midst. As a society, we should strive to be more inclusive, empathetic, and aware of the diverse challenges individuals face, promoting a sense of belonging and unity for all members of our community.

Regenerate

Volunteering at the SATA CommHealth Flag Day on July 8, 2023, was a significant and rewarding experience for me. It allowed me to contribute to the community and support SATA's programs that benefit its beneficiaries, particularly the elderly.

Participating in this event also provided me with valuable life lessons. Overcoming the initial fear of rejection and gaining the satisfaction of contributing to a worthy cause taught me the importance of perseverance. I had the chance to travel around Singapore, interacting with various people from different walks of life, which broadened my perspective and deepened my sense of community and social responsibility.

Helping to raise funds for the elderly during this event has made me more empathetic towards their needs and challenges. It has heightened my awareness of the importance of providing support and care to the elderly in our community. I am truly honored to have had the opportunity to serve the community through events like SATA CommHealth Flag Day, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of others, particularly the elderly, in our society.

On August 13, 2023, I had the privilege of participating in Potong Pasir Constituency's R.O.S.E Programme, which stands for Rice, Oil, Salt, and Essentials. This program aims to assist families in need by distributing daily necessities to them. As a volunteer, I played a part in the distribution of these essential items to residents at PTP.

Engaging in the R.O.S.E Programme not only provided vital support to families requiring assistance but also allowed me to interact with the residents and gain insights into their needs and challenges. This experience highlighted the significance of community engagement and helping those who may be facing difficulties. It reinforced the importance of empathy and extending a helping hand to those in need within our community.

On 8th August 2023, my friends and I had the opportunity to take part in a volunteer-driven initiative located near Redhill, that is dedicated to creating a healthy, safe, and clean living environment for the disadvantaged seniors living in Singapore. The primary objective of this initiative is to enhance the mental and physical well-being of seniors through various home improvement projects. These projects encompass spring cleaning activities in areas like the living room, bedroom, toilet, and kitchen, as well as painting projects.

Engaging in these initiatives has made a profound impact on my life. It has not only allowed me to contribute to the betterment of the living conditions of disadvantaged seniors but has also significantly increased my empathy and compassion. Witnessing their living conditions as well as hearing the challenges faced by these seniors, this experience has undoubtedly opened my worldview. This has made me more aware of the importance of community support and the significance of helping those who are less fortunate. This experience has reinforced my commitment to creating a more inclusive and caring society for everyone, particularly for our elderly, which is further reinforced by the context that Singapore faces an ageing population.