Thursday 3rd Dec 2009 was a day with a difference for Library Staff from Singapore Polytechnic. It was our first joint community service project with colleagues from the Dept of Corporate Communications (DCC) to reach out to the needs of the community. The idea came from our DCC colleagues and we readily agreed to it as we wanted to do something meaningful for a change, instead of having the usual ‘eat and chat’ staff welfare function.

40 students (aged 16-19) from the Bukit Batok Hostel, a voluntary welfare organization managed by Pertapis, were invited for an afternoon of fun activities at the Singapore Polytechnic campus.  2 supervisors from the Home accompanied them.  

Getting the boys and staff acquainted was easy with an icebreaker game that was enjoyable for everyone.   The staff and boys were paired together and divided into 6 groups.  Each group was given a toilet roll and members could tear off any length of toilet paper. 

Amidst fun and laughter, we had to introduce ourselves based on the length of toilet paper torn.  The longer the length of paper torn, the more we had to talk about ourselves.

The boys were then introduced to in-line skating and skateboarding by the SP Skates Club members. We were really amazed by their ‘gung-ho’ attitude as it was their first time playing it. A few who had some experience in the sports supported their friends and cheered them on. They were also undaunted by the drizzle and downcast sky halfway through their practice.

Skateboarding was followed by wushu and martial arts performances by SP students from the Wushu and Silat Clubs. The impressive performances drew lots of wolf whistles and appreciation.

When it came to “makan” time, the boys tucked into a nice meal from the KFC outlet at Food Court 5.  It was heartwarming to see them enjoying their food and the look of contentment lighting up their faces.  They were also delighted to receive a goodie bag from us. 

From our chat with them, we realized that most did not come from happy families and as a result, had gone astray.  Many said that they felt envious of our students in SP.  Their stay in the Home had strengthened their will to change for the better, with plans to further their education if they pass their ‘O’ level examinations.

In all, it was an enriching and rewarding experience for our staff as we bid them goodbye and wished them well.  Spending time with them had been a worthwhile cause as our interaction with the boys served not only as an eye-opener but also gave us all a rare chance to bond together. And for the boys, I’m sure that day made a difference to their lives too.

Contributed by Charlotte Toh
Singapore Polytechnic Library