I spent this recent weekend visiting my possible ward. On Saturday, 9th Apr 11, I went to Chai Chee to meet the residents in a simple get-together and to visit Sunlove Home
(http://www.sunlovehome.org.sg/ChaiChee.php) which is situated there. The residents are from one room rental flats. There is a disproportionate number of elderly. Some are on their own while others seem to be staying with their young grandchildren.
There are many heart-rending stories there but this one was inspiring. There was this small-built feisty lady in her 40s (or 50s perhaps) who was living with her paralysed mother. She shared that she had 6 siblings but only saw them once at year at the most. But when you hear her tell it, there was no trace of rancour or bitterness. "I am the eldest, it is my duty." It was as simple as that. She works as a cleaner and makes do with $600 plus a month. About quarter will go to rental, utilities etc. She manages...just about. What struck me was her spirit. There was a sprightliness about her and she was almost radiantly positive in that dark spartan flat of hers. (You see, lights in these flats are often turned off where possible to help save cost.) She spoke glowingly of her employer who donated a special needs seat for her mum to use in the toilet. When asked what she needed, she just smiled and said that some adult diapers would be helpful. In a world where we are often cynical, critical and dissatisfied with the much that we have, there is perhaps some precious lesson we can learn from her?
As you walk along the corridors, you can see the credit in the utilities meter counting down. The residents pay for credits and insert the thumb drive to top-up the meter. I saw one which showed $1.51. I can imagine that if not topped up, that family would be soon be living without electricity and water.
Mr Wee Lin, Chairman of Sunlove@Chai Chee shared with me that often, there is a vicious cycle where the residents find themselves stuck in. Because of low income, they are not always able to pay as much attention to hygiene; bed bugs become a chronic problem (You can tell when you see small streaks of blood along the walls or floor...bugs that have been squished). It keeps the children up and they do not always sleep well. Saving on electricity also limits the children's time to study. Odds that have been set against them have just stacked up a little more.
But simple VWOs like Sunlove make a difference. They work with the local Ansar Resident's Committee, with funds from MCYS and other donors. They provide free medical services, food for the needy, an environment downstairs for the residents to gather and a study center where the kids receive tuition from volunteer student teachers from nearby JCs like VJC etc. Wee Lin emphasised that it was important to provide a space outside the confines of the four walls of the single room flats. Little communities are formed when they gather in the converted void deck downstairs, and the tuition helps provide whatever leg-up it can for the children.
On Sunday 10th April 11, I visited Eunos area. We had an 'integrated' center converted from a block of low-rise flats. Comprising the Tembusu Health Center and other VWOs like SOMC and the San You Wellness Center. There was also a Tembusu Senior Activity Center nearby. Simon-Peter Lum, Manager for the Tembusu Centers, shared that free health care, food, employment, therapy etc. are provided for the needy. Because it is an almost all-in-one set up, they identify the vulnerable individuals quickly and point them to the relevant set-up to assist.
Nearby, the local RC worked together with Lions Club to bus in the elderly and needy from around the ward for their monthly haircut by hairdressers who volunteer their time. As they wait their turn, food is catered as the residents chatted with each other and played Bingo. It is as much about personal grooming as it is about providing more nutrition and community living. Most will not be able to afford a good time in town, but this seemingly simple haircut exercise is no less meaningful for them in more ways than one.
There is much to learn about and reflect in this area of outreach. When we step forward to help, the beneficiary is not just those in need, but I believe those who are helping as well. I think the Government along with other partners are already doing good work. Let's see what can be replicated, what good practices that can be shared and proliferated, and how best to involve our community. Working with schools would, I imagine, be an important component of these efforts. It potentially is an important nurturing journey for our young.
I believe that as we begin to reach out to care for others, we begin to build something special in this place we call home.
