Volunteer Work
giving back to society
2019
Migrant Workers Centre
I participated as a volunteer in a student student-led project to provide migrant workers on cases or injuries a day of respite.
​
During the project, I introduced them an arts and craft activity, paper quilling, for them to pick up as a hobby. Furthermore, I led them in a few games of captain’s ball. Through my interactions, I was able to hear bittersweet and heartfelt stories.
​
With this experience, I learned more about the challenges faced by migrant workers in Singapore. I was able to dispel stereotypes I had towards them, and truly see them as unique individuals. When we offered to deliver their letters back home, many of them declined, not wanting their loved ones to stress over their current living conditions. Although there was a language barrier, the adoration they had for their family cannot be denied.
Sep 2020
Food from the Heart
Taking advantage of Ngee Ann polytechnic’s semester break, I signed up for a day of food packaging. At the warehouse, I sorted food donation logistics, packed food packages to send to those in need, and donated food resources.
​
Food donations and rations are common nowadays. However, the process behind such initiatives is often unseen. The holidays allowed me to understand how it functions. From there, I learnt of the types of food suitable for giving out (those that have a long shelf-life, and filling in small portion). Additionally, I was able to familiarise myself with methods of tracking warehouse logistics.
Dec 2019
Youth Corps Singapore
In the diploma module of Social Psychology, I gained an opportunity to volunteer in Youth Corps Singapore. For a day, I facilitated and guided children in a programme named A Walk Around Kampung Gelam.
​
As a volunteer, I ensured the children’s safety, doing headcounts every breaktime and gathering. In addition, I helped them stay on task and answered any possible questions. In my time off, I acted as a camerawoman for Youth Corps.
​
Having little to no interaction with children, guiding the children through a buddy-system trained my adaptability and patience. From ensuring that they eat their fill of lunches to escorting them for toilet breaks, I learnt how to better communicate with those many years younger.
2019
ALife's Caterpillar Club
While undertaking the Introduction to Social Services module for my diploma, I was assigned a project to help others. As such, I reached out to Alife’s Caterpillar Club, a children daycare for disadvantaged families, with a group of classmates.
​
After getting approval from the manager, we proposed a day event, where we had various activities such as “Build the tallest tower”, “Guess the location”, “Musical chairs”, and “Charades”. While the activities may seem trivial, they hone the children’s teamwork and creativity, and help them recognise local attractions. At the same time, we were able to check for any developmental issues such as their reaction time and listening.
The event was successful, with many children asking for more at the end of the day. Moreover, the person-in-charge kindly wrote a letter of thanks to the team after the project.
​
Throughout the entire process of planning and carrying out the day event, I learned to lead discussions, liaise with the manager, and interact with the children. While it was difficult convincing the rowdier children to settle down, it was at this time that i practised a stern approach.
 |
|---|
 |
 |
 |
 |
