Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会

kidsREAD Tuning-in Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Sat, 31 Dec 2016 06:24:00 +0000

Have you seen a kappa, a kappa,

A kappa, a kappa

Have you ever seen a kappa

That lived in Japan It lives in the water

And munches cucumbers

Have you heard of this song?

To draw the attention of children to our storytelling, our co-volunteer, Kok Siong led us to sing the above song to the tune of ‘The More We Get Together’ during a recent kidsREAD (KR) session. This was a tuning-in activity recommended for the book, ‘The Last Kappa of Old Japan, a Magical Journey of Two Friends’ (Last Kappa) by Sunny Seki.

The National Library Board has specially developed the Resource Guide to help us in conducting our KR sessions. We can refer to the lesson plans designed for various selected books. If we like, we may create our own activities to suit the level of our children’s understanding or to make the sessions more interesting.

For example, Kok Siong will write on the white board some key words about the story he is going to read and ask the children some questions to rouse their interest and attention. For the book, ‘The Crane And The Crab’, Kok Siong gathered the children to play a game in pairs with one of them being blindfolded. The child without the blindfold would communicate verbally and guide his or her partner to walk a distance. After the game, the children shared on how they felt while walking blindfolded. Some said they were scared while some said it was fun! When Kok Siong asked if they believed that their friends would guide them safely back to the classroom, they said yes! Kok Siong then introduced the word ‘TRUST’ to the children and started the storytelling. Through these, I believe the children would have a better understanding of the definition of ‘trust’.

Another tuning-in activity we do during the sessions is to discuss emotions or things that children are familiar with. Before reading Maurice Sendak’s story, ‘Where The Wild Things Are’, Mr. Ho, another co-volunteer, asked children to describe what they normally do at home and how they feel when being punished or praised by their parents. The children shared their feelings freely. One said he felt sad when scolded by his parents while another said he was scared. A little boy said he was upset. Of course they were happy when being praised. I have read an article Kids Matter on a website, where it says that ‘children who can understand and manage their feelings, stay calm and enjoy their experiences, are more likely to develop a positive sense of self and be confident and curious learners’.

As the children talked about their experiences, Mr. Ho mentioned words such as ‘sad’, ‘scared’, ‘upset’ and ‘happy’ to help children label their emotions. I think Mr. Ho has done a good job in helping the children learn better.

There are many more tuning-in activities we do. What about yours? Please share them below!

by Yan Oi Leng, a regular volunteer with CDAC kidsREAD Programme & Blog Editorial Team

CDAC 'Ready for School' Project 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 28 Dec 2016 05:47:00 +0000

6,300 low-income families and their school-going children received help in preparing for the new school year. This year saw a 5% increase in the number of families attending this event.

Organised by the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), the annual Ready for School event entered its 13^th year on 4 December 2016. It was a bright and sunny day. About 800 volunteers and 24 partners, including schools and government agencies, got ready at the different activity stations at Nanyang Junior College to welcome the beneficiaries and their families.

Guest-of-Honour, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Masagos Zulkifli Bin Masagos Mohamad, Chairman of CDAC Board of Directors and Minister for Health, Gan Kim Yong and Parliamentary Secretary, Minister of Culture, Minister of Culture, Community and Youth, Baey Yam Keng, distributed family packs and vouchers at the event.

This year, the beneficiaries were given Family and School-Ready packs. Each Family Pack contained $140 worth of transport and NTUC FairPrice vouchers, while the School-Ready packs held $80 worth of vouchers for school supplies.

Packing of snack pack for the beneficiaries

From left: Mr Wong Kwok Kwong and Mr Lim Gow Tee

Wong Kwok Kwong (65 years old) was at the event with his 16-year-old daughter, said "We have benefitted from the vouchers and I would like to inculcate in her the value of giving. We benefit from society, and when she grows up, she should also give back to society and care for the less fortunate."

Another beneficiary Lim Gow Tee (56 years old, odd job worker), whose younger son is enrolled in CDAC's Supervised Homework Group, said, "The stationery and vouchers help to offset costs for school and lessen my financial burden."

Seah Huang Gek (71 years old) brought her granddaughter and grandson to the event. She said, “My son is the sole breadwinner and doesn’t earn much. The vouchers will be of help to him.”

Besides collecting the Family and School-Ready packs, the families and their children had the chance to participate in parent-child games and activities, building stronger bonds. Some of the popular activities were Laser Combat Game, Photo Frame Craft Décor and PapaMamaCha Challenge & Cake Deco.

Parents took part in ‘Healthy Eating towards Healthy Ageing!’ workshop or get a Health and Eye Screening. Some children joined in the DIY Animal Lantern Workshop while some had a free haircut before school reopens. Others selected second-hand books to enrich themselves.

CDAC volunteers who volunteered their time at the Ready for School event were also glad that they have spent their time meaningfully.

From left: Ms Pearlyn Cheong and Mr Kelvin Erh

Pearlyn Cheong (32 years old, in Supervised Homework Group at CDAC@ Tampines) has been participating in the volunteering event over the past five years. She said," This is one of the special events where volunteers from all the different programmes come together for a common objective to help the beneficiaries." Pearlyn also commented that the event was well planned and it promoted family bonding.

Another returning volunteer hairstylist, Kelvin Erh (46 years old, in Family Befriending) said that he typically cuts hair for over 20 people at the event and this was his sixth year participating in the event.

"I am happy that the beneficiaries can enjoy the privilege of having their hair cut by a professional for free. I will participate as long as I can."

From top: Stage programme – Korzy Dance by NYJC students; Magical Mask Change

Volunteer Emcee, Tan Hong Wei (40 years old, in ad-hoc projects and Management Committee) has also been volunteering for several years. "I like people listening to me. It gives me a chance to practise my emcee and public speaking skills."

From the smiles of the beneficiaries and volunteers, the annual Ready for School event was indeed a success and everyone enjoyed a meaningful Sunday.

Written by: Kok Siew Huan, a member of the Blog Editorial Team

HoHoHo - It's Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Sat, 24 Dec 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Wishing all peace and joy this wonderful holiday has to offer.

May this incredible time of giving and spending time with family and friends bring you joy that lasts throughout the year!

*Merry Christmas!*

Game of the month - December

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 21 Dec 2016 02:06:00 +0000

Project Food

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 16 Dec 2016 08:02:00 +0000

It is Project Month! This year, we, the kidsREAD volunteers at CDAC@ Sengkang kickstarted our project and named it Project Food. We selected Dou Dou the Little Imperial Chef by Linn Shekinah. The children learned about how Dou Dou through her keen observation, resourcefulness, and hard work succeeded in learning how to cook.

We also had a chance to pay a visit to Pastamania as a hands-on activity. The children were excited to know that they were going to cook one of their favourite food – pizza! To let them have a better idea about the history of pizza, one of our volunteers, Kok Siong read the book, Pizza in Pienza by Susan Fillion to the children before the outing.

At Pastamania, the facilitator, Aunty Mimi shared on some fun pizza facts and asked questions. Some of the children impressed her by giving the correct answers. I was surprised too!

Fiona’s hand shot up immediately when she heard the question, “Who was this colourful pizza named after?” Her answer was Queen Margherita. Fiona was right! In the 19th century, the pizza bearing the Italian flag colours of red (tomato), green (basil) and white (mozzarella cheese) was the Queen’s favourite.

Though sometimes the children might seem to be mischievous and inattentive during class, they had shown us that they have been listening and learning from our storytelling.

Fun Fact 1: Do you know which animal produce the milk for making mozzarella cheese? Yes, our children knew it was from buffalos.

Auntie Mimi’s sharing was very informative and interesting, even for adults. I learned that tomatoes were not eaten in ancient times because red-coloured food was deemed as poisonous at that time.

Fun Fact 2: Do you know that International Pizza Day falls on 9th February?

During the visit, the children also got to dress like a chef. Very quickly, all the children were promoted to be Little Chefs!

The promotion brought responsibilities. First of all, Little Chefs were responsible for their own safety. They were to walk but not run in the kitchen where there were many food items and utensils such as huge dough mixers and the most dangerous of all, very hot ovens.

The Little Chefs also had the responsibility to make our lunch – pizzas. Under the expert guidance of Chef Pizza Man and Aunty Mimi, they learned to press dough into round ‘pancakes’. They had to turn and stretch the pancakes, add tomato sauce and cheese before decorating it with ham and mushrooms. Look how serious the Little Chefs were at work!

After the ‘pancakes’ were baked, we had a sumptuous feast of pizzas made by our very own Little Chefs. Of course, we could not go home without taking group photos. After the ‘pancakes’ were baked, we had a sumptuous feast of pizzas made by our very own Little Chefs. Of course, we could not go home without taking group photos!

***

Our Project Food did not stop at reading, cooking and eating. We brought it one step further to learn how to grow our own food! This special activity was part of the kidsREAD Day 2016 which also saw some of the children graduating from the kidsREAD programme.

On that day, we began with an ice-breaker game named Singapore Food. Children together with their families at the same table would list down the many types of food found in Singapore. It was heartening to see them putting their heads together as team members!

Once the families were warmed up, our co-volunteer, Chiew Guek told us a story, Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola. The book was about Strega Nona (Grandma Witch) and her helper, Big Anthony. Being absent minded, he almost flooded their town with flowing pasta because Big Anthony did not know he had to blow three kisses to the magic pot to stop it from cooking automatically. Chiew Guek’s interesting storytelling kept the children captivated. Many hands shot up quickly when we played the crossword puzzle on the story. They were so enthusiastic in answering!

For the special activity during kidsREAD Day 2016, Lyon and Joanne from Gardens-With-Purpose conducted a workshop on how to plant vegetables. After Lyon had given us several tips about planting, the parents worked enthusiastically with their children. With bare hands, they mixed sand and compost, and filled up cups which were later used to plant seedlings of chai xin, lettuce and others. They were definitely not afraid of getting their hands dirty at all!

The highlight of the day was the presentation of Certificates of Participation to the eight-year-old students who were graduating from the kidsREAD programme. We hope that through this programme, the children would continue to read and engage in live-long learning.

During group-photo taking, we, the volunteers, were pleasantly surprised to be presented cards that were specially made by the children.

Finally, we concluded our Project with Food with a bento set of fried noodles!

Photos by: kidsREAD co-volunteers of CDAC @ Sengkang
Written by: Yan Oi Leng
A regular volunteer with CDAC kidsREAD Programme & Blog Editorial Team

Our family's story of perseverance

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 09 Dec 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Mdm Ng and her two sons, Hans and Bryan are beneficiaries under CDAC Project RAISE (Realising Aspirations through Skills and Education), a social mobility scheme through skills training, education and mentorship to parents and/ or children. They open up their heart to share their stories and hope to encourage those who faced challenges to not give up and stay positive.

We hope to share in this article about our family’s story of perseverance. It is about how our family has met with many challenges, but overcome them and emerged stronger to face the future. We also wish to share how CDAC has helped our family along the way, with the kindness, support and friendship they have given us.

We are a family of four including myself, Mdm Ng, my two sons Hans and Bryan, and my elderly mother. I separated from my husband in 1993, with Hans only an infant. I gave birth to Bryan without my husband at my side. I have taken care and custody of my two children ever since and raised them as a single mother with no alimony from their father.

I struggled hard to provide for my family, and to raise and nurture my children. It was challenging, having to work and devote time and energy to look after my children’s needs. I thought at first that looking after the children would be easier as they grew, but new challenges arose with each developmental stage. I had to fulfil the role of both a mother and father, look after my children’s emotional needs, coach them in schoolwork and do my best to help them find their path to a fulfilling future.

My children initially struggled with their primary school education. My younger child Bryan also had to cope with dyslexia, a learning difficulty which affected his reading and writing. But working patiently with my children, encouraging and motivating them, helped them to persevere. By the time they reached secondary school, they eventually developed their strengths and discovered subjects they liked. Still, the path ahead was uncertain and I could only hope to be by their side to guide them as best I could.

My health became severe in 2008. It was a particularly stressful year which found me changing jobs and working under adverse conditions. In that year, the stress took its toll and I had to cope with hypertension, a severe pancreatitis attack, and a surgery to remove an ovarian cyst. While recovering from surgery I was struck with hyperthyroidism, which left me almost completely debilitated. I was unable to work and could no longer provide for my family. I thought I was all alone, and developed anxiety and depression.

Thankfully, I did not have to face these difficult circumstances alone. In my family’s time of need, CDAC provided welfare assistance to look after my family’s basic needs, through cash grants, rice donations, transport vouchers and ready-for-school packages for my children. This assistance greatly relieved my financial burden, allowing me time to recover from my illness and pay more attention to my children’s education and personal development, as well as to look after my elderly mother.

My family also benefitted greatly from CDAC’s Project RAISE (Realising Aspirations through Skills and Education), a social mobility scheme. Thanks to Project RAISE, we could afford to pay for the dyslexia assessment which was crucial to provide Bryan with extra time in his polytechnic examinations, so as not to deprive him a chance to excel in his studies. Hans received a scholarship from a philanthropist to pursue a Degree in Life Sciences in NUS, as well as a mentorship from Mr. Sam Tan, who gave him much guidance and confidence in himself.

Beyond the assistance that was given to us, CDAC was a pillar of psychological support and motivation for our family. We met many kind people through CDAC, who have touched our lives. Among them is Ms Diong, our family counsellor. She has been a very warm and caring friend to our family, who has always been willing to provide a listening ear to understand our struggles, and has been there for us every step along the way.

From right: Mr. Sam Tan, Hans and myself

Another is Mr. Sam Tan, who has been very patient and nurturing as a mentor to Hans, and served as a much needed positive role-model for him in his life. Despite his busy schedule, Mr Tan has been very committed in keeping his correspondences with Hans and always keeps our family in his thoughts. We are very grateful to have made such friends in CDAC. Just knowing that there are people like these, who care for our family, has been an immeasurable source of courage for our family in going forward to face the challenges in our lives.

With thanks to CDAC, my family found the strength to overcome our difficulties and was able to realise our cherished dream of seeing the children flourish and enter university. Bryan has completed his Polytechnic Diploma, and has since gotten a scholarship to pursue a Degree in Materials Science and Engineering in NUS. Hans has recently completed his studies in NUS, and graduated with an Honours Degree in Life Sciences and Second Major in Philosophy. He now hopes to contribute back to society by working for the public service.

From right: Bryan, Hans and myself

As for myself, I have been recovering from my illnesses, and seeing the children grow up prepared to face the challenges of the future gives me great relief. I look forward to being able to work once again, and also to do my part to contribute back to society.

We wish to thank CDAC for all that they have done, and hope that CDAC will continue their inspiring work to uplift the lives of many others in the community.

By Mdm Ng and family

Having hope for Dyslexia Kids

Since I was young, I was noted for being lazy and inattentive, especially at school. When it came to book learning, I would rather sleep. Unsurprisingly, throughout my lower primary education I was placed either last or second last in class. My teachers thought I simply had a poor aptitude for learning.

It did not bother me much, for I was cheerful and happy-go-lucky. I was also fortunate to have a very loving and understanding mother, who loved me all the same and did not get angry when I came home with poor grades. She only encouraged me to do better each time, and told me the most important thing for her was my happiness. She was genuinely concerned for my well-being of course, but thought that the reason for my poor learning was my playfulness, which I would outgrow, and even if I did not do well at school there would be other pursuits which I could excel at in life.

But we discovered the real reason for my poor performance at school, when I was diagnosed with Dyslexia in Primary 5. It is a learning disorder and children with Dyslexia are of normal intelligence, but have difficulty in processing the written language. This gives rise to problems in reading, writing, and spelling, making it difficult to concentrate. So it was not simply a matter of me having a poor aptitude for learning. Indeed, my reading, writing and spelling abilities were ranked 2-3 years below my peers of the same age. But I compensated by having listening abilities that were 2 years ahead of my peers.

On realising this, my mother started to read my textbooks aloud to me. To accommodate my short attention span, she let me play and relax for the same number of hours for every 2-3 hours of study time. This arrangement worked, and to our surprise, I did very well in school, placing first in my class in Primary 6. My mother carried on to read my textbooks aloud to me in secondary school for the language-heavy subjects such as social studies, history, geography and science. I did well for my ‘O’-Levels, getting 3As and 3Bs.

Considering my difficulties with language and my natural strength in the sciences, my mother decided to put me on the polytechnic route instead of a junior college one. She had spent a year scouring prospectus handbooks and websites for the right course, and decided that with my curiosity and playful interest in experimentation, I was suited for the course in Materials Science offered by Singapore Polytechnic. She was right, as I soon developed an interest in the course, and grew to love it once I realised I was good at it. I did not have to be pushed to study, and paid the fullest attention to my classes. I graduated with a Diploma (with merit) and 21 distinctions.

Since then, I have gained admission into NUS to pursue a degree in Materials Science and Engineering under a scholarship. I believe that advancing the understanding of materials is relevant to many human endeavours and can make significant contributions in the field of defence engineering. I hope to be part of Singapore’s homegrown engineering expertise. I also look forward to a career as an engineer, so as to utilise my background in material sciences to contribute to the defence and security of our nation.

I believe that my experience growing up and my struggles with school as a Dyslexic have taught me several important things, which I hope have made themselves clear through this sharing. I believe that every child is different, and some might learn best through a different technique. For any individual to fulfil their potential, they would have to understand this, as well as their weaknesses and strengths. Leveraging on one’s strengths can take one far, but regardless of whether one’s strengths are natural or cultivated, it is genuine interest that really motivates us to go further and when these things align, we can truly shine. But most important of all, to have motivation and remain motivated we need to remain positive and have hope for the future, just as my mother did for me despite my learning difficulties.

By Bryan Lim

An interview with CDAC Volunteers' Day 2016 Awardees - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 02 Dec 2016 03:28:00 +0000

Following this year’s Volunteers Day, the Blog Editorial Team interviewed a few volunteers to know more about their thoughts on receiving the awards and their volunteering service so far.

Koh Shi Min Annabel
Supervised Homework Group, CDAC@ Tanjong Katong
Volunteer Commendation Awardee

What led to you volunteering with CDAC at the young age of 20?
I started volunteering with CDAC when I in my first year at NUS. I had only volunteered in ad-hoc events since secondary school and was looking to join a regular volunteering programme at that point in time. The opportunity to volunteer with CDAC came when my friend who was also a SHG volunteer asked if I could help out with tutoring for a few sessions as the P6 students' PSLE exams were round the corner but there were insufficient volunteers. I agreed to volunteer initially to help the P6 students tide through their PSLE. However after experiencing the mentoring programme for myself, I like and appreciate the intentions of programme - how it strives for a balance between studies and character development. In addition, I really enjoyed the interactions with the students as well as with like-minded and big-hearted volunteers. All these factors led me to make the decision to stay on and continue contributing in every way possible. This decision has since kick started an amazing journey for me and I have not looked back since.

What inspirations for your future do you derive in winning the award?
I am very grateful to CDAC for the affirmation given to my contributions as a volunteer. At the same time, I am deeply humbled as I feel that I could not have achieved this without the continuous encouragements, support and help from my fellow volunteers and CDAC staff over the years. The award reinforces my belief in volunteering which is to serve from the heart. I also find it meaningful to be involved in mentoring work and have always enjoyed working with children and youth. Going forward, I hope to continue volunteering in this area and do my part in helping and supporting young people.

What challenges have you faced during the course of your volunteering?
One of the main challenges is volunteer retention. Over the years, we witnessed many volunteers joining and leaving the programme due to various reasons or commitments. It creates instability in our volunteer strength and affects the morale of our students and volunteers. However, we have come to realise that we can only do our best to give new volunteers a pleasant volunteering experience. Ultimately, it is their personal choice whether they can find their own reason to stay on and contribute or to move on. Fortunately for us, we have managed to build up a core group of dedicated volunteers over the years who have become good friends in this volunteering journey together.

Another challenge is the management of students with specific studies and/ or emotional needs. Every child is unique in the way he or she learns, copes and relates to people around. Thus, our way of teaching and managing them has to be adjusted accordingly, based on our understanding of them. It takes a lot of patience and there is a lot of trial-and-error in the process as there is no one-size fits all programme. As our students learn, we are also learning more about them, our way of managing them and even about ourselves. What I have learnt is that rapport with our students is very important and it serves as an important foundation for effective learning to take place. The communication and understanding from our students' parents is equally important as it allows us to understand our students better and this facilitates our mentoring role.

What is your most memorable experience volunteering in Supervised Homework Group (SHG) in CDAC@ Tanjong Katong?
My most memorable experience is seeing former students of the programme returning as volunteers to mentor their juniors. It is very heartening to see them grow up and return with the intention to help the current students, like how their volunteers had helped them in the past. It is also a form of positive reinforcement and encouragement for those volunteers who have taught them before. It makes me think of the analogy of volunteers being gardeners.

As we go about mentoring our students, we are actually planting seeds, watering and cultivating them, giving them room to discover their potential and for possibilities to grow. The impact may take time to manifest, but so long as we have done our part to help and care for each and every student, the seeds have been planted. The next step is to let them grow and see what happens! :)

邱诗敏
华助会@ 丹戎加东功课督导小组
义工表扬奖得主

你年仅20岁就成为华助会义工，原因是什么？
其实，我中学时代就开始在某些特别活动中帮忙，当时很希望能加入固定的义工项目。机缘巧合，我在大学的第一年，由于小六会考来临，需要更多人手督导学生，一位督导小组义工要我暂时帮忙。从此，我就喜欢上这项工作，觉得它很有意义，能平衡学生的课业和人格发展。此外，我也喜欢与学生以及义工朋友们交流互动。这种种原因，促使我决心留下来继续服务。

得奖对你的未来有什么启示?
我很感激华助会肯定我的付出，如果没有义工朋友和华助会工作人员多年来的鼓励、支持和协助，我无法取得今天的成就。这个奖项让我坚信，义工服务要发自内心。我觉得从事督导的工作很有意义，我也享受与小孩和青少年相处的时光。我将尽心尽力，义无反顾地在这个领域里作出贡献。

在义务服务过程中，你曾遇到些什么挑战？
最主要的挑战是如何挽留义工。这些年来，我们看到许多义工因为各种原因而离开。这不仅造成人手不足，也影响了士气。不过，我们能做的，只是尽量给新加入义工一个愉快的工作体验。最终，他们是否留下来，是个人的选择。幸运的是，这些年来，我们已建立了一个合作无间的核心义工小组，大家携手并进。

另一项挑战是如何督导有特殊课业或情绪的学生。每个小孩都有自己独特的学习、应对和与人相处的方式。因此，我们得做出调整，这需要耐心和不断尝试。在过程中，不仅学生在学习，我们也在学习。与学生建立关系非常重要，这样，他们才能有效地学习；与学生家长沟通也很重要，这有助于我们了解学生，并妥善地执行任务。

在华助会功课督导小组的义工经验中，什么是你最难忘的？
最难忘怀的是，看到督导过的学生回归小组成为义工，指导学弟学妹们。他们长大了，并自愿协助其他学生，这种行为令人鼓舞。对教导过他们的义工来说，这也是一种积极的鼓励。这令我想起一个比喻，义工如同园丁，我们指导学生，就好像播种。我们辛勤灌溉，培养他们发掘潜能和追求成长空间。过程或许漫长，但我们尽力了，接下去就是等待开花结果！

Yee Wei Ling Jeanne
Family Befriending

Volunteer Commendation Awardee

What tips do you have for CDAC volunteers?
Volunteer in an area that interests you or an area where you can tap on your strengths. If not, be open to different areas to find out more. Most importantly, you must enjoy the experience and be able to find time to do it.

What inspirations for your future do you derive in winning the award?
Firstly, I am very grateful for the recognition and award. I will still continue to volunteer with a sincere heart to reach out to people who need a helping hand. This has not changed since the day I joined.

How have you yourself benefitted from the volunteering experience?
Volunteering is not all about giving up your time and effort. My personal volunteering experience has been very rewarding and enriching. It has helped me to become a more mature and patient person. It has also helped me to better appreciate and cherish what I have.

What is the driving force behind your unwavering support in volunteerism?

Interest. I hope that through some small actions, I am able to bring comfort and smiles to the people who need help.This has also not changed since the day I join.

余讳玲
家庭义务辅导
义工表扬奖得主

你要给华助会义工什么建议？
你可以选择一个深感兴趣的项目当义工，发挥所长。当然，你也可尝试其他项目。最重要的，你必须充分利用时间去工作，并且乐在其中。

得奖对你的未来有什么启示?
首先，很感激华助会的认可和颁发奖项给我。我会继续秉持初衷，诚心帮助他人。我深信，真诚是缩短人与人距离、传递善意和表达尊重的最佳途径。因此，从成为义工的第一天，我就不断鞭策自己，以诚待人。

成为义工后，你有哪些体会和收获？
义工必须付出时间和精力。但从工作中，我获益良多，成为一个更成熟和更有耐心的人。我珍惜所拥有的，并深深感恩。

什么动力支持你不间断地义务付出？
最大动力是兴趣。我希望能通过一些小小的动作，给人带来慰藉与欢笑。从加入义工的第一天，我的信念始终没变。

Contributed by Blog Editorial Team members, Shinyi and Hwee Hoon

Game of the month - November

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 02:52:00 +0000

Answers below

An interview with CDAC Volunteers' Day 2016 Awardees - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 18 Nov 2016 06:33:00 +0000

Following this year’s Volunteers Day, the Blog Editorial Team interviewed a few volunteers to know more about their thoughts on receiving the awards and their volunteering service so far.

Yuen Chee Kong and Hoi Mei Siew Michelle
Family Befriending
15 Year, 10 Year Long Service Awardees

Is there any reason to volunteer together in the same programme? How have both of you benefited from volunteering together?
It is easier for couples in terms of coordination and time arrangement. Our “faithful and honest” looks make us even more approachable and convincing as volunteers. From our volunteering stints, we have learnt to listen, tolerate, understand, share, and also to be confident and to respect others. Besides these, we have also come to realise the different philosophies in life. It is indeed fruitful.

How have you sustained your energy for volunteering throughout the years?
We see the passion and sense of gratitude in others at the end of the day. When our students hold us tightly to express gratitude, we feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. This is probably what keeps us both going. Till today, we are still in touch with many “fans” (beneficiaries)!

How do you balance your volunteering work with your normal work, family and other aspects of life?
We are lucky to have good supervisors and colleagues who support and accommodate our work arrangements. Our family has also given us full support and understanding. Of course, we try our best to avoid affecting their schedules. All these are made possible through give and take, communication and coordination. “Love” is also the enabler that gives unlimited motivation.

What challenges have you faced during the course of your volunteering?
One challenge faced is how to react to and handle situations in a suitable manner. During a home visit in the early days of volunteering, a child yelled and swore at his mother for mistreating his grandmother. Everyone was taken aback and felt “helpless”. We could tell that the problem in the family had been brewing for a long period of time.

Anything to share to encourage family volunteerism?
Family bonds can be strengthened through encouraging family members to do voluntary work together and contributing to society. In the process, you will also become more mature. It is lovely and warm when everyone (in the family) can talk it out. The key is to help others with love, confidence, perseverance and joy. The right attitude and a grateful heart go a long way.. As the Chinese sayings go, “Helping others is the basis of happiness” and “One who respects others will always gain everyone’s respect”. Let’s work hard together towards this.

袁志光与许美笑
家庭义务辅导
十五年、十年长期服务奖得主

夫妻参与同一个计划，是否有特别原因？有何获益？
在时间与运作方面，夫妻挡较容易配合，加上我俩 “忠诚憨厚”，自然更有亲和力及说服力了。在义工生涯里，我们学习聆听、包容、体谅、分享、自信与尊重等等。我们也悟出了不少人生哲理，获益良多。

这些年来，你们如何持续服务热忱？
当我们完成任务后，看到真诚与感激的眼神，满足感与成就感油然而生。至今，我们还与不少“粉丝”保持联络呢！

身为义工，你们如何平衡工作与家庭生活？
庆幸得到上司和同事的支持与配合，使我们能够妥善安排工作。家人也非常尊重、支持与体恤我们。同时，我们尽量不影响工作伙伴与家人的日常生活。礼让，商讨与配合是先决条件。“爱”是永恒的推动力！

在服务过程中，你们遇到什么挑战？
如何应对及妥善处理问题是其中一项挑战。记得刚出道不久，在某次家访中，有位小朋友突然大声呼喝他的母亲，并粗言数落母亲对祖母的种种不是。大家都吓呆了，真有“束手无策”的感觉。“冰冻三尺，非一日之寒”，我们从中得以印证。

对于鼓励家人结伴做义工，你们有什么看法？
鼓励家人结伴做义工，造福人群的同时，自己的家庭也会变得更有凝聚力。在处理问题的过程中，自己也会变得更成熟。大家有商有量，太可爱了，太温馨了。我们要经常带着爱心、信心、恒心，以愉快，正确的心态去帮助别人。“助人为快乐之本”、“敬人者，人恒敬之，重人者，人恒重之”，让我们以此共勉。

Contributed by Blog Editorial Team members, Shinyi and Hwee Hoon

茶渊品茗

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 02:49:00 +0000

茶渊品茗10月8日下午，来自宏茂桥、武吉班让、勿洛及油池中心《陪你看报纸 / 陪你知天下》的义工，齐聚牛车水的《茶渊》，走一趟茶文化之旅。

《茶渊》茶馆的江志平茶艺师给大家上了一堂生动有趣的茶艺课。他讲解了茶的历史、种类及功效，并演示如何泡茶、斟茶、使用茶具和品茶。大家席地而坐、全神贯注地聆听。

茶艺师刚讲完，大家便迫不及待地开始泡茶! 泡茶的步骤可不能马虎，更重要的是“茶倒七分，留三分人情”。原来茶倒七分满，才不会水溢烫手。泡茶蕴藏了许多人生哲学，让我领略了老祖宗所讲的一句话：“活到老，学到老，还有三分没学好”。

大家深感荣幸，能品尝到“御用黄金桂”。它是1989年伊丽莎白二世莅临新加坡时品尝的茶种，味道清香。一杯好茶，配上精致的点心，当然更有趣味。大家品尝了茶渊的特色点心，如茶叶蛋，蛋挞等等，都赞不绝口。

大家边品茶，边聊天。大家都带着一颗为年长者服务的心，在华助会提供的平台相聚，真诚沟通，探讨如何同心协力地把《陪你知天下》举办得更好，让更多年长者受益。用爱心和至诚的心去为人服务，能让智慧涌现，排除困难，自己也从中获益。我深深了解，帮助别人就是帮助自己。希望更多朋友参与义工服务，让正能量充满整个社会。

谢依玲执笔
华助会@油池《陪你知天下》义工

Game of the month - October

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Mon, 31 Oct 2016 09:49:00 +0000

来揭晓答案吧！

你答对了吗？

Festival of Light

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 28 Oct 2016 16:00:00 +0000

繁星点点, 发光发热

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Mon, 24 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0000

2016年9月4日，超过600名义工参加华助会两年一度的义工日。今年的义工日，已经是第11届了。

上午9点30分，70名义工参与义工培训 -“Enneagram”工作坊。接着，10点45分的周边活动热情开张。义工们一进入会场，就像参加嘉年华会一样，既可品尝沁凉美味的雪糕，还要腾出手来，接过香喷喷的爆米花和五颜六色的小花饼干。再往里走，可见流动速绘肖像漫画。义工们也正轮流与朋友合照，留下永恒的回忆。

下午1点，华社自助理事会义工联系与发展委员会主席，马炎庆先生致欢迎词，为典礼揭开了序幕。当天的主宾，教育部代部长（高等教育及技能）暨华助会工友提升与就业委员会主席王乙康先生，也在稍后颁奖并致词。他们除了强调义工精神对社会凝聚，特别是弱势群体社会提升的重要性外，也肯定了义工们为华助会发展的贡献，并期待更多不同年龄层与专长的义工加入华助会，发挥所长和从中获得满足感。

今年的义工日节目非常丰富，大家在一起如同亲朋好友团聚。义工们真诚朴实的表演，让大家见识他们的才能；最佳着装奖，让台上的义工有机会展示自我品味，也让台下的义工过一过品头论足的评审瘾。而义工表扬奖、企业义工奖、长期服务奖的颁奖仪式，让我们感受得奖者的荣誉，见贤思齐，期望向他们学习。幸运抽奖让大家碰碰运气，同时为幸运得奖的义工高兴。一道道美味佳肴，表达了华助会对义工们两年来无私付出的感激。活动中途虽然一度音响失灵，但没有影响大家的兴致，交流反而更为热烈，可见义工们都不拘泥于形式，主办者应变能力高超。

这次，义工日筹备委员会为大家策划了一场星光熠熠的嘉年华会。主持人沈炜竣先生多才多艺，义工朋友更是耀眼明星。义工日让我们看到他们的杰出贡献。我们的社会正是靠着这些点点星光照亮和承前启后的。

张心怡执笔
博客编辑小组

The Formula 1 Fiesta - A flashback

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 03:42:00 +0000

Do you know that the race car can speed up to 260 km/h and is able to shift gears within 0.05 seconds? That is 6 times faster than the blink of an eye!

This year is the 9^th Edition of the Singapore Grand Prix since 2008, commonly known as Formula 1 (F1). In French, the term “Grand Prix’ meant grand prizes. The ‘formula’ in the term , refers to a set of rules which all participants’ cars must adhere to. It is the highest class of single seat auto racing that is sanctioned by the FIA (Federation Internationale De’L Automobile). F1 started in 1950 at Silverstone, UK and since then it has become a worldwide event. The winner of the first ever F1 was an Italian called Giuseppe Farina in his Alfa Romeo. Michael Schumacher was known to be the legendary racer who has won numerous championships in his 16 years in F1. Do you know who the champion of the race this year is? Yes, it is Nico Rosberg!

This year there were 22 drivers competing at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. It is one of the most prestigious events in Singapore, with 10 days of the fastest cars, glitz parties and global celebrities performing during the grand opening and closing ceremonies. It is promoted in almost every nook and corner of popular streets, with F1 souvenirs, dining promotions and events all around the city. From Ultra Singapore 2016 (A Electronic Dance Music Festival) to the 5^th Singapore International Photography Festival, it is definitely more than just racing! It is not surprising that the event ignites the fans and tourists like wild fire.

I visited the Grand Prix back in 2012 with my friends. I recalled the atmosphere was electrifying at the arena, with big flash lights, screens and full of spectators eagerly waiting for the race to start.

During the race, all you could hear was the loud engine roaring which became shrill as the race cars approached near to the spectators, driving them wild, cheering for their favourite racer. Everything happened in the flash of a second. We lost track of the number of laps completed and had to refer to the big screen. After an hour or two of the thrilling experience, the race ended with a presentation ceremony, where the winner and new favourite of all, Sebastian Vettle was crowned the new Singapore Grand Prix Champion that year.

After the race, we went for a yet another exciting part of the night, The Concert, where the two most amazing performances were awaiting us, first of Maroon 5 and then of Katy Perry. The enthralling songs performed by both, took the crowd to a new high, electrifying the night.

What was left behind in the empty arena were the black tire tracks on the ground and cut outs of F1 racers used for photo taking. A wonderful evening came to an end and we hope to return for this adrenaline rush the next year!

Written by: Jagariti, ad-hoc blog volunteer

References:

http://www.yoursingapore.com/festivals-events-singapore/annual-highlights/grand-prix-season-singapore.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Formula_One

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/dam/desktop/global/festivals-events-singapore/annual-highlights/GPSS-2016/GPSS%202016.pdf

http://www.singaporegp.sg/on-track/sgp-highlights

Braving the MegaZip at Sentosa

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 14 Oct 2016 06:01:00 +0000

When I first saw the above picture on the Mega Adventure website, I felt both thrilled and worried. I have checked out on the internet after learning that my co-volunteer, Avory and I would be accompanying 30 CDAC children to play on the MegaZip as part of Sentosa Gives 2016. Sentosa Gives is an annual week-long event organised by Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) to provide underprivileged children a wonderful experience at Sentosa. Our group was invited to MegaZip on 9 September 2016. Hosting us that day were three SDC staff volunteers, Catherine, Marcus and Stan.

I was thrilled because the children would have fun ‘zipping’ from a height of 75 metres through a 450-metre wire zip line, but I was also worried at the same time because I wasn’t sure if they would be game enough to do it. True enough, some of the children expressed fear when they realised what they would be going through. Fortunately, our SDC volunteers patiently explained how the MegaZip works and helped us to encourage the children to take up the challenge. The children who were quite nervous and quiet earlier had much to say after their ‘zipping’ experience. Let me share with you a few interesting anecdotes.

*********************

Before: A boy, KJ wanted to back out while waiting for his weight to be taken. An adult asked him, “How old are you?” KJ whispered, “Eight years old.” The adult said, “So you’re 6 plus 2 years old. I’m 62 and I’m up for the zip. Join me, ok?” With more coaxing from the adults, KJ finally nodded. After: KJ recalled his zipping experience excitedly, “The trees keep going pass. Very nice! Very nice!”

*********************

Before: A bubbly P2 girl, XW was talking excitedly about wanting to have fun as we climbed up the stairs to the zip-launching platform. As her turn was coming up, she suddenly grabbed an adult’s hand and said, “I’m scared. I don’t want to try.” The adult said, “No worries, I’ll go with you, ok?” XW held on to the adult’s hand all the time until their turn to zip. During the zip: XW said, “I’m flying! I’m flying! I’m very happy!”

*********************

Before: A little mischievous boy, W who was on safety harness and ready to go, suddenly burst out, “No, I don’t want! I’m very scared!” The MegaZip instructress who was attending to him gently encouraged him. But W’s face was tense and pale; he hung on to the railing tightly. After a second check that everything was safe and secured, the instructress slowly opened the gate and gently pushed W out of it. Before we knew it, little W was gliding off …. After: When we met W again on the other end of the zip, he spoke loudly, “Very fun! I like it very much! Can I go again?”

*********************

Before: RX chatted cheerfully with the adults throughout the earlier programmes, combat skirmish and cable car ride. He became quiet as we queued for our turns to zip. Suddenly, he asked an adult, “Can I go with you?” The adult who had already promised to accompany another child didn’t know how to answer. Unexpectedly JY, a girl who was as tall as RX and was standing next to him said, “I can go with you.” After: An emotional shuddering RX approached the adult. He stammered, “I… I… I am not scared… Not… scared! Fun… I… I… like it…” The adult put a hand on his shoulder to comfort him until his shivering body calmed down. When the adult thanked JY for the help, she smiled broadly showing off her white bunny teeth. She who also enjoyed the zip, said, “The wind touched my face. Itchy but nice…”

*********************

To have a better idea of our MegaZip launching experience, let’s take a look at these pictures taken.

While waiting for our body weights to be taken

Putting on the harnesses before climbing up to the zip-launching platform

Climbing up to the zip-launching platform

These children were being attached to the wire zip line at the platform, ready to go outside the railing through a small gate after all the equipment were double-checked for safety. The MegaZip staff would then pull a handle to send them gliding down the zip line.

*********************

All of us had a pleasant experience that day. We would like to thank SDC for organising Sentosa Gives 2016 and the three SDC volunteers for all the assistance rendered. They even made special delivery and sitting arrangements for our lunch so that we could save time for the children to better enjoy all the programmes. I would like to specially thank Catherine who volunteered to skip the zipping opportunity to look after our bags and two children who were adamant in not zipping to the MegaZip base tent for us.

Our MegaZip experience reminds me of a quote:
“What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?” - Vincent van Gogh

Written by: Yan Oi Leng
A regular volunteer with CDAC kidsREAD Programme & Blog Editorial Team

Game of the month - September

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Fri, 30 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Need some help?

See below

Answers below

How much do you know about yourself? - Enneagram Workshop

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 23:56:00 +0000

I guess most of us would have done personality tests before, and it could be for various reasons. Some would like to find out more about themselves, while others do it for job matching or compatibility purposes. While Myers-Briggs, Big 5, and DISC tests are some common tools that people use, the Enneagram test is unique. Thus, I decided to give it a try and participated in the Enneagram workshop on 4 September, Sunday, before Volunteers’ Day 2016. Without much knowledge and not knowing what to expect, I invited one of my friends to join me.

The notes and questions given

The trainer was Mr Chin Tze Meng, who has been analysing this tool for the last few years. The workshop was conducted using both English and Chinese .It was injected with some humour, to cater to the different groups of participants. According to Mr Chin, the core of the Enneagram has three centres- the heart, the gut, and the head. As such, there are 9 personality types that arise from these three centres. Although the session lasted for only 3 hours, Mr Chin assured us that it is quite reliable in identifying our personality types . After a brief introduction on Enneagram, we proceeded to answer two questions before Mr Chin revealed the different personality types.

Mr Chin, the trainer

A large number of us belong to the Type 2 and 7 of the personality styles. People who are under Type 2 learn to function with the family system, by being the helper or the giver of attention and nurture to everyone else. Whereas those who are in Type 7 are spontaneous and approach life with optimism. Perhaps, these two personality types are usually the ones who volunteer. Shortly after, we were split into groups based on the different personality types we belong to. While sharing and preparing for a mini presentation on our personality types, its strengths and weaknesses, I realised that my group agrees wholeheartedly with each other, which is one of the attributes listed. This applied to the other groups too! The different types also reflected different ways of presentations and sharing, with some groups laughing most of the time, while some were more confident and some were sharing with minimal words.

Groups discussing based on their personality styles

Towards the end of the workshop, Mr Chin also shared on the differences in communication styles and the common pitfalls that each personality type may get into.

Preparing for the presentation

Overall, I find this workshop engaging as Mr Chin incorporated videos, real life examples, and descriptions to help us understand our own personality better. This may allow us to take a step back to recognise how these traits have been influencing the way we work or communicate. Nevertheless, even though we may belong to the same personality type, everyone is still unique and different in his own ways.

Written by: Cassie Yung, a participant of Enneagram Workshop

Of Lanterns and Moon Cakes

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 02:06:00 +0000

The 15th day of the eighth month, in the Lunar calendar, marks a time of reunion and celebration. This year it falls on 15 September. Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated by not only the ethnic Chinese, but also the Vietnamese. Originally a harvest festival, Mid-Autumn Festival has since grown to accommodate new traditions that we now think as common practice.

Whenever the festival is mentioned, one would first think of lanterns, having moon cakes or the full moon associated with it. Of course, because of the beauty of the moon on this day, moon worship is an important part of the festival. The ancient Chinese believed that the moon was crucial for rejuvenation, and from then it went on to symbolise female health and fertility. Prayers and offerings were made to the moon deity, Chang'e as well. There are many variations of the legend of Chang'e’s escape to the moon (嫦娥奔月), but the one described below is the one I grew up hearing.

Once, there was a skilled archer by the name of Hou Yi, who had a wife named Chang'e. One year, the ten suns rose in the sky together, causing great disaster to people. Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns and left only one to provide light. Because of his good deed, he was given an elixir of immortality as a reward. However, Hou Yi did not want to leave Chang'e and be immortal without her, so he let Chang'e keep the elixir.
One of his apprentices, Peng Meng, knew this secret. On the 15th August in the lunar calendar, while Hou Yi was out hunting, Peng Meng broke into Yi's house and forced Chang'e to give the elixir to him. Chang'e refused to do so, swallowing the elixir instead. It made her float and she used the chance to escape.
She chose the moon as her new home so she could stay close to Hou Yi. When Hou Yi came back and learned what had happened, he displayed the fruits and cakes Chang'e liked as offerings to her.

Apart from Chang'e, a rabbit was also said to reside on the moon. The Jade Rabbit is constantly pounding herbs for immortals under a cinnamon tree, and is a companion of Chang'e.

Lanterns are also a big part of the celebrations. On the night of Mid-Autumn, brightly-lit lanterns dot the streets. In Singapore, children carry these paper lanterns around their neighbourhood and play with candles. In Vietnam, children normally carry carp-shaped lanterns and they don elaborate paper-mache masks too.

The swaying of the orange light in the dark night is mesmerizing. As a child, I used to go on lantern walks just to watch them float in the darkness, braving the hot wax that would sometimes drip onto my feet. In school, though, we would celebrate by guessing lantern riddles.

Lantern riddles (灯谜) are commonly played during the moon admiration (赏月) segment. This is traditionally done by writing riddles on the side of lanterns and getting people to guess the answers. In China and Taiwan, sky lanterns (孔明灯) are released to represent their wishes reaching the deities above, making the night sky a very beautiful sight.

Of course, no one can forget about the moon cakes! Snow skin, durian-flavoured, mango-flavoured, Moon cakes have evolved over the years –now there are snow-skin ones and moon cakes with durian fillings, mango fillings, chocolate fillings. However, my favourite is still the traditional ones with the lotus seed paste filling and salted duck egg yolk.

In the Yuan dynasty, though, the moon cakes contained messages instead. A folk tale tells of how Ming rebels used moon cakes to smuggle messages planning the Han Chinese revolt against the Mongolian rulers on the 15th day of the eight lunar month. In order to get the messages out, advisor Liu Bowen spread a rumour that a winter plague was spreading and only could be avoided by eating moon cakes, so that people would buy the moon cakes.

Besides moon cakes, pomelos are also eaten on Mid-Autumn, as it is thought to keep away evil spirits and ghosts. The Mandarin name for pomelo, 柚子, sounds like "having a son", is also believed to bring continuity to the next generation. Either way, it signifies prosperity and good fortune. Both these delicacies are normally paired with tea, enjoyed together as a family under the soft light of the full moon.

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival!

References:

http://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/mid-autumn-festival-tradition.htm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival

http://www.epochtimes.com/b5/15/9/23/n4534045.htm

Written by: Bevlyn Tan, an ad hoc blog volunteer

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This Mid-Autumn Festival, have you participated in an activity or visited places like Chinatown or Chinese Garden?
Or have you purchased any special moon cake?

From Durian to Maple-Glazed flavors, share with us which of them you can’t resist your sweet cravings!

Do remember to have some tea before you take on another.

Our favourite part of almost every festival is about food, don’t we? :P

Ralph Tells a Story - Our kidsREAD Children Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Mon, 29 Aug 2016 02:12:00 +0000

Teacher always says, “Stories are everywhere!” But Ralph, the little boy in Abby Hanlon’s book, Ralph Tells a Story, has a problem. No matter how hard he ponders, he could not write a story. Every day during story time, he would look out of the window, in the aquarium, on his desk... He complained to his friend, Daisy, that he could not write a story because ‘nothing’ happened to him. However, Daisy said she had written ‘ton of stories’ about Ralph.

When his teacher was not looking, Ralph even looked for ‘stories’ on the floor and would end up landing underneath his desk. Lying there, he remembered his encounter with an inchworm in a park one day. But his paper was still blank when his teacher asked him to share his story with the class. He tried in vain to escape by saying he had lost his paper. When that did not work, he said something nervously about the park and the inchworm which crawled onto his knee one day. At first, it was all quiet. Then Daisy started asking questions about the inchworm. The other classmates followed with several questions which led Ralph to think that ‘something’ did happen to the inchworm. Ralph ended up telling an interesting story about his baby brother grabbing the inchworm and tucking it into his own diaper….

Do you have the same problem as Ralph? If you do, perhaps you can try doing what our seven to eight-year-old kidsREAD children did after we have read the story.

Before the session, we have prepared some pictures from old magazines and words on folded pieces of papers. Each child would randomly pick a picture and a word. They were to write something about the picture while using the word. Initially, some of them, like Ralph, said they could not write. With some encouragement, most of them could come up with at least one, if not a few sentences. One child even wrote a short story.

Let me share with you some of their unedited works which were done within twenty minutes:

Picture: butterfly
Word: Book
The butterfly is reading the book. The butterfly’s colour is yellow. The butterfly is reading the sign to go to the flower.

Picture: Cake
Word: School
I eat the cake at the school. I like the cake because it is good. I also eat it at home. When I am at school I eat the cake. When it is recess, I buy a cake.

Picture: Two ladies (one elderly and another young)
Word: Tiger
The mother and the Daughter went to the zoo to see the tiger. The tiger roars very loudly. The tiger is very big. And it is in a cage.

Picture: Hat
Word: Market
The market has a hat. The hat is red. It was very funny! And it has a tree on the hat. And there are people!

Picture: Dog
Word: Ball
Yesterday, a ball fell onto a dog’s head. We laughed at the dog. Other people nearby also laughed. It was very funny! The dog seeing others laugh laughed too!

Picture: Flower
Word: Balloon
I saw a flower in a balloon flying in the sky. The colour of the flower was red and the balloon was blue. The balloon burst when it was flying. The flower dropped down and fell on my head. I took the flower. When I got home I told my mother about it. I gave my mother the flower for Mother’s Day. The next day I saw a present on the table I opened it. There was another balloon. I asked my mother the reason she gave me another balloon. She said that she knew my previous balloon had burst so she is replacing it with a new one ..

Our kidsREAD children sharing their stories in class

Our kidsREAD children are creative, aren’t they?

By: Yan Oi Leng
A regular volunteer with CDAC kidsREAD Programme & Blog Editorial Team

一切从微笑开始

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Tue, 16 Aug 2016 00:17:00 +0000

今天，你……笑了吗？

我们生活紧张，往往忘记把笑容挂在脸上。其实，一个微笑、一个友善的眼神，就能给旁人带来快乐，甚至改变他人一天的心情。

适时给自己和旁人一个微笑，你会发现未来的路如此宽阔。

三月，我和家人去了台湾，一个当地人的微笑让我至今印象深刻。当时，我在台中的一家餐厅，想点一份冰淇淋。向侍应生点餐时，我才发现餐厅限制每位客人的最低消费额。我只想点冰淇淋，当然达不到餐厅的最低消费额。我还不想吃午餐，犹豫了一下，决定不要在那里吃冰淇淋了。我脑海里闪过一个画面，画面中的侍应生，因我的决定而显出不满与厌烦的神情。

那时正是午餐时间，侍应生都非常忙碌，我感到很抱歉，接连向他说了几句“不好意思”。可是，他没有丝毫不满，脸上始终保持着笑容。当他知道我是旅客，只想吃冰淇淋后，主动向我介绍另一家冰淇淋专卖店。

走出餐厅后，我不知不觉地笑了。这个经历让我深深体会到笑容的魔力。那位侍应生绝对可以不理会我，但他选择了面带笑容，用亲切、友善的态度对待我。很多时候，我们习惯把他人的礼貌之举当成理所当然。一丝微笑能散发神奇的力量，它看似微不足道但却又温暖人心。

脸上的一抹笑容除了能影响他人，同时，它也能激励自己。每天早上起床后，试着走到镜子面前，给自己一个微笑。这一刻，你脸上的笑容将化成一种动力、一种勇气，让你以这样的状态开启新的一天！

努力让每一天从一个微笑开始，学会肯定自己，并且怀抱一颗感恩的心！我们也应该毫不吝啬地把正能量传给身旁的人。当你适时地给对方一个善意的微笑，他也许就会受到影响，拥有愉悦的心情。你还在等什么？从今天开始，展露你真挚的笑容！

保持一颗赤子之心，不要忘了最初的笑容。

Written by: Tina Low, an ad-hoc blog volunteer who likes travelling around different places to find out about the cultures present in different parts of the world. Believing that words are the best tool to convey her thoughts, Tina enjoys writing as she hopes to produce inspiring content that would make a positive impact on the lives of others.

[Winner] National Day Photography Contest 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Mon, 08 Aug 2016 07:43:00 +0000

The winner of the 'National Day Photography Contest' 2016 is:

"Because the future of our nation is bright"

- Tan Hui Leng

Congrats! You have won a $20 Capita Voucher!

***

The following are the submissions by other volunteers, let's us take a look!

"Democracy, peace, progress, justice and equality" - Joe Lim

"I am proud to be a Singaporean because friends of different races can live in peace and harmony!" - Sharon Ong

"I am proud of our national spirit, our love for our country." - Chris Soh

"Stay United - Be united in our goal for a harmonious and peaceful Singapore" - Dave Ong

"The anchor of our city are the people growing from an adolescents to a full pledge men and women! Majulah Singapura!" - Eric Choo

"The thrill that comes with going to pasar malams with uncle ringo rides to relive our childhoods even as we age." -Nicole Kwek

"I'm proud to have $1 ice-creams that grew up with me from my childhood! :)" - Tan Qing Lin

Watching Singapore prosper
To become where we are today,
With great people
An awesome nation
And a beautiful Singapore

- Eleanor Yeo
*****

Thank you all for the submissions!

With us celebrating our National Day tomorrow, we hope all the volunteers have a great time with their family and friends!
Wishing Singapore an advance Happy 51st Birthday!

Game of the month - August

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Can you find them? No? Scroll down for some hints!

[Closed] National Day Photography Contest 2016

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 08:52:00 +0000

Celebrate Singapore’s 51st Birthday with us!
We are inviting all CDAC volunteers to participate in this ‘National Day’ Photography Contest 2016.

Submit a photo that captures ‘What you are proud of as a Singaporean’, along with a short caption (maximum of 20 words) in English to stand a chance to win $20 Capita Voucher!

Send your entry in Microsoft Word or JPEG format, to vol@cdac.org.sg with the subject

[National Day Photography Contest 2016] by ~~Monday, 1st August 2016.~~ (Closed)

Judging Criteria will be based on:
-    Creativity/Originality: 20%
-    Composition Quality: 20%
-    Relevance to the theme: 30%
-    Significance Meaning: 30%

Points to note:
-    You must be the original author of the photo.
-    The photo must be taken in Singapore.
-    CDAC reserves the right to post the submissions on the Volunteers@CDAC blog.

Winners:
-    Winner(s) will be informed via an email on the prize collection details.
-    Winner(s) entries will be posted on Volunteers@ CDAC blog on Monday, 8th August 2016.
-    Prizes are non exchangeable for cash.

This is your chance to show your national pride and win! What are you waiting for?
Submit your entry now!

-------
庆祝新加坡从独立建国至今所取得的成就，欢迎华助会义工投稿参加
《新加坡国庆日摄影比赛》，赢取$20购物礼券!

作品必须附上简单的文字说明“身为新加坡人，让我感到自豪/骄傲的是…”
中英皆可，中文字数以50字为限。

评分标准为：

创意/原创性：20%

构图：20%

符合主题： 30%

象征性/含义：30%

请将作品存档成 Microsoft Word 或 JPEG，寄到 vol@cdac.org.sg

截止日期：2016 年8月1日 (截止)

注：

- 作品必须是在新加坡拍摄的本人原创作品。
- 华助会有权刊登所有参赛作品。

获奖者:

- 获奖者将通过电子邮件通知。

- 获奖者作品将于2016年8月8日刊登在《义工@华助会》博客上。
- 礼券不可兌换现金或其他物品。



你还在等什么？心动不如行动吧！

加入kidsRead的收获

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Wed, 13 Jul 2016 00:30:00 +0000

从4月开始加入华助会@ 兀兰的儿童启蒙阅读计划《kidsRead》，到今天已经接近3个月了。最近因为工作忙，加上6月假期的因素，有好一段时间没看到可爱的孩子们了，不禁有些想念他们。

当初，我向华助会查询时，发现义务工作项目众多，对象包括学生、年长人士等等。我选择加入儿童启蒙阅读计划，与幼儿班5 到8岁的孩子们在一起，给他们说故事，协助他们制作手工，快乐学习。

我负责两个班级，分别是小班（5到6岁）和大班（7到8岁），一班大约有10位学生。小班的学生很听话，像是家里懂事的乖孩子，活泼开朗，但不会吵吵闹闹，随意跑来跑去。在这组学生中，有一对爱争辩年龄大小的兄妹，哥哥自称和妹妹同样是5岁，其实他已经6岁了。有一个学生很有创意，用紫色或青色彩绘动物。另一个学生，本想匆匆地记下义工在白板上写的生字，我告诉他别急，接着握着他的小手一起写字，教他正确的写法。他的字体原本歪歪斜斜，笔顺错误，后来改进了，我心里真替他高兴。

大班的学生中，有些比较爱玩爱闹，不愿意安分地坐在课室前面，听义工老师讲故事。有一次，来的义工少，调皮的孩子们东奔西跑、吵吵闹闹，不容易看管。但这些学生也有害羞的一面。有一个爱玩的男生，一直不愿制作手工送给最好的朋友，扭扭捏捏地说觉得不好意思。当他接受别人送来的手工时，也会不好意思地微微笑。

临近母亲节那天，义工Pauline教学生们制作花朵送给妈妈。学生们都兴致勃勃地动手制作。他们用五彩缤纷的彩纸制作花朵。彩纸质料薄，需要小心翼翼和有耐心，彩纸才不会撕破。有些孩子彩纸撕破了，重做时显得更加专注细心。制作花朵的最后一个步骤，是在叶子上写感谢妈妈的话，点缀后就大功告成了！我想，妈妈们收到孩子们制作的花朵，心里一定感到很温馨！

爱玩闹大概是孩子们的特性。对于这群孩子，耐心教导、谆谆善诱是我对自己的期许。我觉得教材固然重要，教学法也佷重要。以身教的方式，好好引导，让他们找到自信与勇气。以鼓励代替斥责，以关怀代替不闻不问，希望能对孩子们日后的生活，产生正面的影响。

那天，那个爱玩的男孩在听故事时对我说：“老师，我喜欢你，我要和你坐在一起。”我想，这就是我参加儿童启蒙阅读计划的最佳收获吧！

Written by: Low Hong Liang, a volunteer in kidsREAD CDAC@ Woodlands

宏量是个宝爸，有时会对着家里9个月大的宝宝说故事，kidsREAD对他来说就像是进阶版。

Selamat Hari Raya!

noreply@blogger.com (Volunteers@CDAC 义工@华助会) — Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:00:00 +0000

Selamat Hari Raya to all Muslim friends!

Happy holidays to all too : )