Dear Friends, “In school, you’re taught a lesson and then given a test. In life, you’re given a test that teaches you a lesson.” This is the difference between life and school articulated by author Tom Bodett. As of midnight today, all gatherings outside school and work are to be limited to 10 persons or less as directed by our multi-ministerial task force against COVID-19. Hence, “How do we continue to support children with their schoolwork?” was a test and the answers emerging are the lessons we are learning. Before sorting out the practicalities of tutoring via a face call, …
Another Week Beyond – 2012
Dear Friends, In cooperation with the Central Singapore Community Development Council, the Employment and Employability Institute (e2i), we organised a talk on skills upgrading and employment-related resources provided by the government. 26 breadwinners filled up our classroom and we had to stop registration early in the week because places were taken up quickly. The enthusiasm and full attendance yesterday was great from a programme management point of view but sadly, it also indicated the sense of anxiety during these trying times. Over the past month, we have been engaging our members and getting a grasp of how COVID-19 is impacting …
Another Week Beyond -2011
Dear Friends, “I am Generation Equality – Realizing Women’s Rights” is the United Nations theme for International Women’s Day on 8 March. Thus, it was fitting that 16 teens commemorated the day with their mothers by attending a conversation with body building champion Melissa Sarah Wee.Mel runs her own dessert business catering for the likes of FB, Twitter and Spotify and while she has made a promise to share some recipes, she came to our premises to deliver a more important message. “You can be the most beautiful girl in the world but if you are unhappy with how you look, …
Another Week Beyond – 2010
Dear Friends, We are gradually restarting our learning programmes as we now have thermal thermometers, sanitizers and a limited supply of surgical masks that enable us to take the necessary precautionary measures. For these resources, we thank the many organisations and individuals who reached out to us asking how they may help. We were touched by the concern and encouragement of many and their practical gestures such as asking family and friends living overseas to secure a thermometer on our behalf. Just before a homework support programme began, we had to stop an enthusiastic volunteer from entering our premises. She …