Listen more with your heart and sincerity will become a bridge between people of different walks of life, including those with special needs. The outing to Botanic Gardens with those from Bishan Home on 12 March was an experience that was beyond meaningful, opening my eyes to this.
Meeting our new friends from Bishan Home.
Designing paper fans together as an ice breaker.
Designing paper fans together as an ice breaker.
It was a little awkward at first for most of us as we were uncertain of how to go about interacting with them. However, they were extremely outgoing and were excited to carry out the activity with us. Through this simple task, we managed to break the ice. I personally got to understand the person I was partnered with a lot better as he told me many stories about the pets he used to own. Despite my inability to understand him well in dialect, I still managed to find out that he really loved fishes. The smile on his face when we talked about the fishes in the ponds around us as we drew together on the fan was extremely heart-warming.
Me (right) listening to stories from our new friend from Bishan Home.
On a tour – walking through Botanic Gardens together. Credit: Stanley Chee.
Games were also held amongst teams and the contagious joy from our new friends got me to realise that the simple things in life can bring us genuine happiness. This made me reflect on how contentment can come even from the smallest things.
Playing games after the tour. Credit: Stanley Chee.
Lastly, we also fed the fishes in the pond together. It was a pleasant surprise for the person I was partnered with as he loves fishes and was yearning to feed them since the start of the day. It was truly a real blessing to see that he was enjoying the moment.
This humbling experience made me realise that giving back to the community can begin with the people around us. I finally understand that having empathy gives us a deeper understanding and connection to others. Everyone deserves to be loved and accepted, and working towards a more inclusive Singapore begins with you and me.
Our group photo after the games with Minister Grace Fu.
~ Written by Valerie, a Youth Corps Singapore volunteer
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Author: Valerie, a Youth Corps Singapore Volunteer
