What a Day of Joy and Excitement at YWCA HeART Beats!
25 Booths
25 Performers
5 Workshops
And 1 Heart in solidarity with our beneficiaries
Contents
- What is YWCA HeART Beats?
- What We Experienced at YWCA HeART Beats – A Music and Arts Charity Festival
- The Coming Together of Women Entrepreneurs Excites Us
- Looking Towards the Future
- You Can Still Participate in our Charity Festival!
- A Big Thank You!
- Check Out Our Wonderful Partners
- A Call To Collaborate
Hello YWCA Family, we have concluded our first Music and Arts Charity Festival, ‘YWCA HeART Beats’! It was a wonderful day of individuals, organizations, and businesses coming together for a good cause.
What is YWCA HeART Beats?
At its core, YWCA HeART Beats is a testament to community collaboration to impact lives, where over 50 vendors, performers, and workshops converged!
The collective effort raised funds that serve as a beacon of hope for over 2000 households, empowering YWCA women and children and extending essential support to the elderly, disabled, and struggling families.
What We Experienced at YWCA HeART Beats – A Music and Arts Charity Festival
Right at the entrance of the festival, attendees were greeted by a captivating collection of over 100 artworks graciously donated by 52 talented young artists from Studio Haroobee, our Art Partner.
The artists conceptualised and crafted their artworks for over a month, drawing inspiration from beloved animals, idyllic landscapes and cherished storybooks. We celebrate these young ones for their creativity, philanthropy, and the power of art to inspire hope!
A guest viewing paintings by students of Studio Haroobee
As attendees appreciated the walls of art, familiar pop songs and excited chatter drew them nearer to the main event at the Sophia Cooke Ballroom.
The excitement stemmed from a full day of non-stop music performances by various performing groups in the Ballroom! First up were our talented YWCA preschoolers, who performed dances to songs like Oh Hallelujah and Butter by BTS. Their excited voices and dance moves filled our hearts, setting the mood for the day! All their parents, relatives, and friends cheered them on as they sang and danced their hearts out.
We also had young, talented pianists and violinists from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and Fisherman Music School, as well as a lineup of seasoned bands like The Breeze, International Baptist Church (IBC) Handbells Group, and The Klassics. They played various music, from well-known classical to oldies and Christmas music.
These musicians have committed to pledge their performances with a dedicated campaign on giving.sg.
With the vibrant atmosphere hinting at an early Christmas, people wanted to give back to the community by buying booth products.
The booths were all laid out, surrounding the audience. There was something for everyone from different age groups; the little ones enjoyed adorable cake pops to munch on, while the adults could indulge in tasty snacks or get their hands on custom-made wood décor! It was a great mix of Food & Beverage, Craft and Beauty booths.
To top it off, our friends from Pause For A Cause came by in their Superhero costumes. Parents and children alike had pictures taken with their favourite Marvel heroes. Check out Green Lantern and Scarlet Witch here!
Guests taking a fun shot with cosplayers from Pause For A Cause
So many joyous voices and delighted faces exchanged smiles in the venue, bringing like-minded hearts together.
We had many heartfelt conversations about how we were working in our communities, trying to provide warmth and hope. These conversations gave us an understanding of the importance of community and the difference we can and have made.
While hopeful, it reminded us of our responsibility to the community and the work that the YWCA of Singapore can still do. There are still varied and novel ways of engaging and empowering the community!
The Coming Together of Women Entrepreneurs Excites Us
Bakery Brera
Bakery Brera’s booth
Speaking of booths, who could miss the community’s favourite, Bakery Brera by Thrina? While her bakery sold exquisite artisanal pastries like Christollens, Penettones, and Sugee Cakes, what drew people in was her heart for serving the community by championing community projects, persons with mental health needs and mission work.
Maia Made
Maia with her family and friends
Did you catch Maia from Maiamade.sg? Tini runs the social media account with her daughter, Maia, who has Down Syndrome. Maia became obsessed with beading after her cataract operation in 2017, and Tini hoped to showcase how talented kids with special needs could be! What beautiful beads from an outstanding girl!
We hope you had the chance to check out craft booths like Crochet with Love and Hello Jayne; these women entrepreneurs inspired us, too!
Crochet with Love
Crochet with Love’s booth
A group of full-time moms of children with special needs started Crochet with Love. They found friendship through crocheting and shared challenges. To embrace inclusiveness in Singapore, they showcased and sold crochet animals and flowers that they and their little ones lovingly made. How inspiring!
Hello Jayne
Jayne from Hello Jayne showcasing her designs
Jayne has a heart for community, which she expresses through her creative talents in captivating infographics and imaginative illustrations. It is no wonder she hopes to “bring a little joy and provide support to the community” with her participation here.
Such is the atmosphere at our charity festival, YWCA HeART Beats, where like-minded women entrepreneurs and small businesses came together to inspire hope through their work whilst raising funds for a good cause.
Awesome Women Series
Priscilla and Shawn Tan of Awesome Women Series
Priscilla and Shawn Tan, founders of the Awesome Women Series, wanted to help parents and educators raise smart, confident, and resilient girls through interactive games and inspirational stories about female role models.
The power couple energised us with their innovative ideas and approach to women’s empowerment. Their series of books on women leaders affirms our work at YWCA. Awesome Women Unite!
Distilled Word
Over on Level 3, where workshops were held, Adeline Ang, founder of Distilled Word, shared her passion for calligraphy with her participants.
Participants enjoying their calligraphy class
“Distilled Word was incepted amidst the pandemic back in 2020, and calligraphy was what kept me going then and while abroad, missing home. Calligraphy illuminated hope for me when I was focused on writing each stroke and word, “she said.
Participants enjoying their calligraphy class
For Adeline, there was no better way to give back to the community than to share the same hope she felt through a calligraphy workshop at YWCA HeART Beats!
Looking Towards the Future
YWCA HeART Beats isn’t just a charity festival; it’s a promise for the future. It’s a commitment to continue the legacy of the YWCA of Singapore, which spans 148 years. This legacy is not just a chapter in history; it’s a living, breathing testament to our dedication to empowering women, uplifting at-risk children and youths, and supporting needy families. We will continue to answer this call to serve the community through our programmes.
This inaugural festival marked the prelude to a series of upcoming activities designed to enrich the lives of our community. Anticipate announcements in the coming months as we unveil innovative programs, collaboration opportunities, and activities that beckon you to volunteer and advocate for our beneficiaries.
Singers from The Breeze
You Can Still Participate in our Charity Festival!
While the event has concluded, our fundraising is still ongoing. Donate generously to support YWCA’s programmes for mums and children. Every dollar raised will be matched one-for-one by the Tote Board.
View our Giving.sg page here. Hurry! Our donation campaign closes by the end of February 2024.
A Big Thank You!
To our invaluable partners, dedicated staff, and selfless volunteers, your contributions are the notes that have composed the symphony of the YWCA for 148 remarkable years. We extend our deepest gratitude to each of you. Your unwavering support has fueled our mission, allowing us to make a lasting impact on the lives we touch.
Mrs Kueh’s booth
Check Out Our Wonderful Partners
Art Partner – Studio Haroobee
Venue Sponsor – YWCA Fort Canning
Grant Partner – Tote Board
Superhero Partner – Pause For A Cause
Performance Partners
- YWCA Preschool @ Ang Mo Kio
- YWCA Preschool @ Outram
- YWCA Preschool @ Marine Drive
- YWCA Preschool @ Pasir Ris
- YWCA Preschool @ Bedok
- YWCA Preschool @ McNair
- YWCA Preschool @ West Coast
- YWCA Preschool @ Bishan
- YWCA Preschool @ Bukit Gombak
- Zhou Ningze
- Zhou Linxi
- Chen Jiayi
- The Breeze
- Fisherman Music School
- Isaiah Kum
- Heidi Ng
- Audrey Foo
- Yang Yizhou
- Handbells Ensemble by International Baptist Church
- Candice Zhang
- Riverie Lau
- XinTong
- Brynice Liw
- Brilyn Liw
- The Klassics
Workshop Partners
- Awesome Women Series
- Soul Purpose
- The Gingerbread Pan
- School of Concepts
- Distilled Word
Booth Partners
Food & Beverage
- Bakery Brera
- Mrs Kueh
- Chateaux
- Café Lodge by YWCA Fort Canning
- Tree Owls
- Mei Tang Soup
- Amboi Trading
- Hodunamu
Crafts
- Tiny Green Ones
- Crochet with Love
- hapiPomPom
- lil2leaves
- Mitoboru.club
- The Cheep Cheeps
- hello jayne
- Boutiquet Lah
- Maiamade.sg
Beauty & Others
- Dashing Diva
- J-rophe Skin Care
- SoapCeuticals
- ABRY
- Gillian’s Treasure Hunt
- Rachel’s Upcycle
- Ms Tan’s
For more quotes and stories from our partners, check out our Instagram page!
A Call To Collaborate
As we stand on the precipice of a new chapter, we extend an invitation to all who carry the torch of service in their hearts. Join us as collaborators in this ongoing symphony of love, where each note represents a commitment to compassion, empowerment, and positive change.
Reach out to us via email here!
All net proceeds from YWCA HeART Beats – A Music and Arts Charity Festival will go towards supporting the following causes:
In the heart of Orchard Road, the beautiful grounds of YWCA Fort Canning played host to the YWCA Charity Carnival on 12 November 2022. Three floors were transformed that Saturday into a fun carnival ground, where community groups and volunteers showcased their talents and homemade produce through food and games stalls as well as lively performances, to help raise funds for YWCA’s community programmes.
As this was the first time that the much-anticipated YWCA Charity Carnival returned after a few years of absence during the pandemic, we were extremely heartened to see a record turn-out of children, families and our YWCA volunteers and members. It was a great day of family bonding and fun whilst doing something good for our community.
The excitement and energy that filled the atmosphere were infectious! Kicking off the event was a series of performances by the 9 centres of our YWCA Preschool.
Our talented YWCA Preschool children braved the stage, singing and dancing to the likes of “Fight Song”, “听我说谢谢你”, and “Jesus Loves Me”, to name a few. For many of our children, this was their first performance on a grand stage, some of whom were only 3 or 4 years old! Yet, all of them displayed great stage presence, truly displaying the YWCA Preschool core values of Confidence. Parents beamed with pride and joy at what their young children had achieved, a testimony of the wonderful coaching and nurturing from the YWCA Preschool teachers. It was indeed a heartwarming moment for all of us at the YWCA, and we could not be prouder of our children.
YWCA Preschool children performing on stage
The K2 children at YWCA Preschool @ Marine Drive impressed the audience, too, with their magic show performance. They engaged the audience with mind-boggling tricks. Kudos to our YWCA Preschool children who certainly had more than a few tricks up their sleeves!
Magic show performance by YWCA Preschool @ Marine Drive
Such was the vibe at the YWCA Charity Carnival, where many heartwarming moments were peppered throughout the day. Upon finishing her performance on stage, 6-year-old violinist, Kai Le, waited patiently with a smile as her 2-year-old sister toddled up the stage to present her with a bouquet of flowers. And that is why the YWCA Carnival will always be such a special event for us – a precious time for us to celebrate family love.
Our young violinist, Kai Le, performing on the grand stage
Meanwhile, the foyer was getting busy with people patronising stalls set up by our staff and volunteers. One such contributor was Addict Bakers. In collaboration with Bakery Brera, an artisanal bakery well-known for its indulgent bakes, Addict Bakers brought a range of freshly baked croissants, cruffins and sourdough bread, which were a hit as they quickly flew off the shelves and became one of the top fund-raising stalls! Thanks to our YWCA President Ms Janet Tan for blessing us with your beautiful bakes!
Addict Bakers– a group of baking enthusiasts comprising of Ms Janet Tan, President of YWCA (right), Thrina Low (not pictured), owner of Bakery Brera, and a few friends.
Besides Addict Bakers, our carnival-goers also had the opportunity to indulge in decadent Nyonya pastries made by Mrs Maureen Nguee, a director on YWCA’s Board and Founder of Mrs Kueh. At Mrs Nguee’s stall, business was brisk, as her popular Kueh Salat was sold out by noon.
Another crowd favourite was our very own YWCA Café Lodge’s Laksa with Abalone. People who tried it for the first time relished the authentic “lemak” flavour and were pleasantly surprised to discover a mini abalone in each bowl of laksa! This dish is a mainstay on Café Lodge’s menu, so you can still enjoy our signature laksa at the café even after the carnival!
YWCA’s Fort Canning kitchen staff serving Laksa with Abalone
Over at the lobby, the Green Corner set up by Ms. Pauline Boey was a soothing sight to behold. When you walk into her booth, it feels like you have stepped into an enchanted garden surrounded by lush greenery and tiny succulents.
A first-time volunteer and contributor with the YWCA, Pauline conceived the idea of a green corner and rallied 10 friends to help in propagating beautiful plants just in time for the carnival.
However, her story does not end here. Pauline shared with us how this event also turned out to be a blessing for one of her biggest contributors, Aunty Irene. Aunty Irene is 88 years old and used to be an active volunteer for her church. In recent years, she became isolated from social activities and was mainly homebound during the pandemic.
When invited to help with the Green Corner, Aunty Irene got on her feet and spent all day in her garden propagating plants. Her daughter described her as “coming alive again”. Aunty Irene has since returned to her active lifestyle, socialising and being busy with her newfound hobby. Thank you, Aunty Irene. You remind us of what the YWCA is about—that through our little contributions, we can be a blessing to others, and be blessed in return. You remind us also that every one of us have been blessed with gifts and talents and are empowered to contribute, whatever our age!
Pauline, at the Green Corner
Another therapeutic retreat at the Carnival was the stall set up by our team from the YWCA Weaving Programme. At the Coasters Weaving Experience, participants received a crash course on weaving on a Saori loom and got to take home their very own unique piece of a handwoven coaster. The regular weaving workshop is usually 2.5 hours long, so a crash course like this was a rare and unique experience that our carnival-goers had the chance to experience!
Participants received a crash course on weaving
Back at Sophia Cooke Ballroom, Ronald and Friends were stirring up feelings of nostalgia as the audience grooved to familiar old tunes like “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John and “When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating. Although first-time volunteers with the YWCA, Ronald and his friends were no strangers to the stage, having performed at other charity events. We thank Ronald and Friends for hyping up the carnival with your great music.
Our live band, ‘Ronald and Friends’
During the stage performance interval, a young chap confidently stepped on stage with a ukulele and serenaded the audience with popular hits like “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. If he looked familiar, it was because he was a proud alumnus of our YWCA’s Workz-on-Wheels programme. We are so glad that Brayden (who joined our Workz-on-Wheels when he was just a mere boy at age 11) has now blossomed into a fine young 18-year-old man, and has returned to give back to the YWCA, volunteering not only for the carnival but for the Workz-on-Wheels programme as well. Thank you, Brayden, for truly exemplifying the YWCA motto of “By Love Serve One Another”.
Brayden, serenading the crowd with his euphonious voice
At the back of the ballroom, the energy in the air was heightened as children squealed with delight, being treated to unlimited fun at our giant bouncy castles and art activities.
Children enjoying themselves at the bouncy castles
Children participating in glue art
On the 3rd floor, excitement filled the room as children and adults were treated to a range of carnival games. There was even a game console corner where the kids could indulge in popular multiplayer digital arcade games, whilst munching on popcorn and candy floss.
A group of children playing Mario Kart at the game console corner
The biggest attraction of the Charity Carnival was the Sure-Win Raffle. For $5 per try, participants were guaranteed a prize with each spin. Thanks to our generous sponsors, prizes such as bicycles (sponsored by Menarini Asia Pacific), Kiztopia tickets (sponsored by Kiztopia), a Nespresso coffee machine, Swarovski jewellery, branded fashion items, children’s toys as well as home appliances were given out throughout the day. The grand prize was won by a mother-daughter duo who were rewarded with a 2D1N staycation at the suite room at YWCA Fort Canning worth $500 (sponsored by YWCA Fort Canning). Winning a prize, whilst donating for a good cause, what a great way to end the Charity Carnival.
A mother-daughter duo’s win: a 2D1N Staycation sponsored by YWCA Fort Canning
The YWCA Charity Carnival was also a magical day for our beneficiaries. Thanks to the kind donation of carnival tickets by the YWCA Board and Committees, we sponsored a group of beneficiaries to an all-expenses paid fun-filled day and many were excited they had a chance to enjoy the carnival!
Our beneficiaries were invited to attend the carnival
“By Love, Serve One Another” – the people behind the scenes all had one thing in common—a heart to serve. The Carnival activated close to 40 volunteers and brought the YWCA staff from across our National Office, YWCA Fort Canning and YWCA Preschools together to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible, with everyone working with passion and solidarity for the single purpose of serving the YWCA communities.
The YWCA Charity Carnival could not have been such a resounding success without your support! We managed to raise more than $120,000 (thank you to the dollar-for-dollar matching by Tote Board), and we are so grateful for every one of you who came and made a difference. The monies raised from this Charity Carnival will surely go a long way in benefitting the communities we serve!
We hope all our beneficiaries and the attendees at the Carnival have been blessed, for this was also such a blessing for all of us here at the YWCA to have served.
By love, serve one another.
The camaraderie among YWCA staff in serving and bringing joy to our beneficiaries
All net proceeds from the carnival will go towards supporting the following causes:
Bursary Scheme
Financial Assistance Scheme
A big Thank You to our sponsors:
The inclusive culture creates good vibes in our preschool environment, and everyone enjoys coming to work.”
—Mdm Ho Mee Khuen
In this month’s Staff Spotlight, we speak to Mdm Ho Mee Khuen, one of our longest-serving staff with YWCA Preschool. Mdm Ho has served YWCA for 40 years and is currently the Centre Leader at YWCA Preschool @ Pasir Ris. We ask her about her journey with YWCA and to share with us her thoughts about the workplace culture and team dynamics.
Q: Tell us about your journey with YWCA Preschool. How did it start, and what is one thing you like about working at YWCA?
A: I started my career as a teacher aide before going through courses, from foundation certificates to a diploma and a degree. I started working at Marine Drive and was transferred to Bedok, and then eventually to Pasir Ris to set up the centre with the Centre Leader. It was at Pasir Ris that I was promoted to Senior Teacher. In September 1999, I was promoted to Centre Leader.
I like the culture in my centre, especially the diversity, teamwork and respect we have for each other. We do not impose our religious beliefs on our colleagues. For instance, when our Muslim colleague is fasting, we empathise and help to conduct physical exercises on her behalf, and we try not to plan field trips during the fasting month. The inclusive culture creates good vibes in our preschool environment, and everyone enjoys coming to work.
Q: Of YWCA Preschool’s 4 core values– Compassion, Competence, Confidence Respect — which resonate with you the most?
A: Respect.
I believe that mutual respect creates a positive work environment and motivates staff to increase their productivity and collaboration. When the staff feel respected, it boosts their self-esteem, and they will show the same amount of respect for others.
Teaching a class of young children
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you have faced in your role?
A: Manpower management, recruiting teachers and staff.
Q: What is the most exciting thing you are working on right now?
A: Working towards SPARKS re-certification. SPARKS re-certification is essential for our centre as this will enhance our preschool’s image and motivate our staff.
Q: How do you empower teachers to be leaders and role models for the children?
A: Delegate duties according to the teacher’s capabilities and skills and send teachers for professional development courses. I’ll always remind my teachers to lead by example and show care, love, and concern to the children so they can learn these behaviours from them.
Working closely with families
Q: How do you build a positive school culture?
A: Listen to the voices of the teachers and encourage and motivate them when needed. Giving staff a flexible schedule for work will enable them to manage their commitments effectively.
To motivate the staff, allow them to work at their own pace while meeting their deadlines and goals. Trust that your staff will do great and try not to micromanage them.
Q: What would you do at YWCA Preschool to ensure team success?
A: I value my team, and I explain how we can work together to ensure everyone is working towards the same goal. It is helpful to set specific goals to ensure everyone understands their role. It is also helpful to break complicated tasks into smaller components and assign staff to complete them according to their strengths. I will schedule regular checks with my staff and discuss their progress and difficulties.
Q: What vision do you have for YWCA Preschool and your students?
A: My vision for YWCA Preschool is to grow our Inclusive Preschool Programme and empower our children to develop holistically by equipping them with life skills. On top of that, I would also like positively impact each child by making sure all children have the opportunity to learn and grow, reach their potential, and become moral people.
Q: In your opinion, what qualities should a good leader possess?
A: A leader should be supportive, encouraging, and able to guide and motivate a team. They should be a role model and delegate tasks to the most appropriate staff based on their strength and knowledge while sharing their expertise and knowledge with their team, giving employees autonomy and ownership over their work.
A good leader is a good communicator, so her team is clear on the goals and will know what exactly is expected from them. She is also an active listener, open-minded and able to accept ideas and suggestions from her team. She is patient, empathetic and dependable and supports her team emotionally.
A leader is also a trusted person with whom her team can build a meaningful working relationship and share without hesitation.
We thank Mdm Ho for her dedication towards her work, her commitment to our organisation and her passion for nurturing young children. We hope that in the years to come, her work will continue to be a blessing towards her colleagues, as well as the children and parents at YWCA Preschool.
At YWCA of Singapore, we believe that people are our greatest asset. It is the driving force that keeps our organisation going. Whether you are an educator, a service staff, or a support executive, every employee contributes to fulfilling the YWCA mission of outreach and empowering the lives of others.
Join our YWCA family today! Email us at hr@ywca.org.sg to find out more or click here to apply.
“If they can’t learn the way we teach, then we should teach the way they learn.”
– Lee Miao Pei, Learning Support Educator
Indeed, it takes a big heart to shape little minds. Here at YWCA Preschool, we are very proud of our dedicated team of transdisciplinary Learning Support Educators who provide an inclusive, supportive and conducive environment for children with learning difficulties.
Our Learning Support Educator, Ms. Lee Miao Pei shares more about her work and passion for helping every child reach their full potential and feel accepted in their communities, no matter how they break the mould.
Q: Tell us about your journey as a Learning Support Educator. How did it start and what made you choose to be a Learning Support Educator for children with developmental needs?
I started working as a therapist for young children with developmental needs after graduating from university. In that role, I witnessed many positive changes in young children with developmental needs after they attended intensive one-to-one interventions, and these sessions helped them to enter mainstream schools.
I was also given the chance to shadow some of them in mainstream schools and that was when I realised that without someone providing more attention and assistance to the children with developmental needs, it will be very challenging for both the teachers and child to manage within a mainstream setting.
Hence, I decided to try and be the ‘bridge’ between these children and their mainstream counterparts in the hopes that they can be integrated successfully!
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
It is very fulfilling to see children with developmental needs achieve as much as their counterparts!
Teaching a child to sort colours with bean bags
Q: What are the biggest challenges or obstacles you have faced in your role?
While it is great that we have Learning Support Educators who can consistently provide weekly intervention and support, having more educators around these children and providing them with more attention within the mainstream classes would be very beneficial for them.
Oftentimes, we want to accept more children into our program but are unable to do so due to limited manpower resources. Our waitlist is long, but because of manpower shortage in this area, it is difficult for us to bring in more children who can benefit from our integration programmes.
Therefore, I would say that my biggest challenge or obstacle is the lack of manpower to help carry out strategies in mainstream classes for these children, as it is not easy to hire educators nowadays.
Q: How do you keep yourself going in the face of all these challenges?
Firstly, seeing the children improve bit by bit motivates me.
Secondly, having understanding and capable colleagues inspires me to do better and allows me to think of ways to help ease their load in class.
Lastly, I try to ‘switch off’ after work to give myself a break so that I can achieve better results and clarity when I return to work.
Q: How do you try to integrate children with developmental needs in the mainstream classes and that all the children are kept equally engaged during the lessons?
I use a lot of concrete and visual representations to signify how much the children have to do so that they also have an idea of what to expect. For example, I implement token systems when children do their work, or timers to count down the time. Sometimes, I sit in with them during their lessons so that I can provide repetitions or break down the information teachers are bringing across in class. Behaviour charts also help these children better understand what is required of them, especially during large group lessons.
As for the teachers, it can be challenging for them to focus on a few specific children when they have so many to care for during the lesson, so they would help the child to catch up during downtime periods.
It is also important to integrate the children socially and hence, I may ask their peers to initiate play with them and facilitate to help ‘promote’ their relationships. Teachers do that too as well.
Q: What are the misconceptions or misunderstandings about children with developmental needs that you have come across that you would like to address?
I think that there is a misconception that children with developmental needs avoid work, or in layman terms, are deemed as being lazy. Very often, these children behave in such a way as the lesson is not delivered in a way that is suitable for them. Many children are visual learners so if the teachers only educate without visualization, it will be difficult for these children to absorb any information.
As for children with higher needs, I think a misunderstanding is that they do not communicate and hence just throw tantrums. However, it is not that they do not want to communicate, it is that they really do not know how to and will need to be explicitly taught.
They may have also learnt that crying gets them attention. Therefore, we should teach them effective ways of communication that works for them. For example, we would use pictures to communicate if a child is unable to speak.
If you are unable to express yourself all the time to get your needs and wants satisfied, you would get upset too, right?
Using sand tray therapy to help the child practice his pre-writing strokes
Q: How do you think we can help to make society more inclusive for children with developmental needs?
There should be more training for people who are interested in assisting in classes with children with developmental needs. With more assistant teachers in classes, teachers would be able to carry out their teaching plans and these assistant teachers can help put in place strategies that the Learning Support Educator has for the children with developmental needs. With more manpower within a single classroom, more time and attention can be given to the children with developmental needs.
As a society, we should also be more willing to accept them and not look at them through a different set of lenses. Educating the public to be more accepting is also essential in building an inclusive society.
Q: Do you have any advice for parents of children with developmental needs?
I have utmost respect for the parents of children with developmental needs. (Not to say I don’t for other parents!)
Being here in YWCA Preschool Singapore has allowed me to see the struggles that these parents face, even in basic needs like getting a school placement for their child. They may face multiple rejections, but they always get back up and try again. And if they get accepted, they will then have to work much harder to bridge the gaps between their child and their peers.
My advice for them is to always celebrate the little things that their child achieves and never give up! Also, where possible, sending them to extra therapy services may provide additional help in their progress!
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from your journey as a Learning Support Educator?
Learning Support Educators can definitely help close the gap between children with developmental needs and typically developing children. With the extra time and effort put into the children with developmental needs, we can help ease the teachers’ workload on specific children. The children also help themselves become better day by day.
Miao Pei has provided us wonderful insights into her day and career as a Learning Support Educator. It is certainly challenging, yet extremely rewarding to see her work directly impacting and positively influencing the children.
About YWCA Preschool’s Inclusive Preschool Programme
YWCA Preschool’s Inclusive Preschool Programme, formerly known as Educational Support Unit (ESU), was launched in 2004 to help integrate children with mild learning difficulties into the mainstream education system in a supportive, conducive, and nurturing environment.
Our qualified transdisciplinary Learning Support Educators work closely with parents and medical professionals to develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for each child and provide 1-to-1 intervention sessions using natural and multisensory techniques to ensure learning needs are being addressed.
Speak to us to find out how we can help your child reach their full potential today! Email preschoolenquiry@ywca.org.sg or call 6223 1227.
Join Us
Do you share Miao Pei’s passion in empowering children? Join us at YWCA Preschool today! Click here to apply or email us at hr@ywca.org.sg to learn more.
When Sophia Cooke, a British missionary, founded the Young Women’s Christian Association of Singapore (YWCA) in 1875, she created a ripple which continues to grow and touch the lives of women in Singapore today. Sharing the vision of the original namesake movement from England, the Association’s mission was to advance the development of women in mind, body, and spirit.
As Singapore became more industrialised and women became more educated, more women began entering the workforce. The YWCA saw that much of a woman’s needs revolve around their families, and in particular, their children. The Association then pioneered the first-of-its-kind childcare services in the country to help working mothers integrate back into the workforce.
Therein began a new era of outreach for the YWCA. The ripple continued.
YWCA believes that all children, regardless of their financial standing and backgrounds should have the opportunity and resources to realise their full potential.
Creating access to quality childcare and early childhood education
YWCA pioneered the childcare concept with a humble mission- to help alleviate women’s caregiving responsibilities and provided them with peace of mind at work, while their children received an education. Since 1960, YWCA’s childcare centres have not only focused on providing affordable and reliable service for mothers, but they have gone the extra mile to ensure that the education children receive at the centres are effective and of good standard.
Today, these childcare centres, which have been rebranded to YWCA Preschool, still stays true to its original purpose. As an appointed Partner-Operator by the Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA), YWCA Preschool has improved access to funding, thus enabling it to keep school fees to the minimum so that most families in Singapore will be able to afford them.
Despite the minimal school fees, YWCA Preschool ensures that its teacher-to-student ratio is kept low so that there could be high quality interactions between teachers and students. A low ratio not only allows teachers more time to focus on each student but also reduces a pressing issue in the teaching profession today- burnout.
I firmly believe that children thrive in a caring environment. This is why I always watch the tone of voice I use with them. I also make special effort to nurture their self-esteem by creating opportunities for them to try new things and discover their strengths so that they may gain confidence in their potential.
– Senior Teacher Mrs Sive, YWCA Preschool @ Bedok
In addition, YWCA Preschool’s proprietary curriculum, StoryJoy™, is regularly refreshed to ensure that children receive a quality education that is holistic, relevant, and effective. StoryJoy™ provides an integrated learning approach using storybooks to make lessons lively, engaging, and relatable. Using the Ministry of Education’s (MOE) Nurturing Early Learners (NEL) framework as a guide, the curriculum focuses on 6 learning areas; Language and Literacy, Social and Emotional Development, Motor Skills Development, Discovery of the World, Numeracy, and Aesthetics and Creative Expression.
YWCA Preschool today
Enhancing inclusion and educational support for children
In 2004, YWCA saw that children with mild learning difficulties could benefit from a mainstream education if they had access to professional care and support in the learning environment. Thus, an early intervention department, the Educational Support Unit (ESU), then the first of its kind, was established to address the need for such services.
ESU has since evolved into today’s Inclusive Preschool Programme (IPP). In this programme, children are provided 1-to-1 intervention sessions and in-class support by a qualified team of transdisciplinary Learning Support Educators to ensure that they assimilate well into the natural learning environment. The educators also use effective and proven methods from psychology and therapy to provide early intervention to a wide range of learning difficulties.
Integrating children with mild learning difficulties into the mainstream learning environment not only helps them achieve their full potential but will also help them feel more accepted in their communities. Meanwhile, children who are not in the programme learn to be accepting of differences and diversity, and benefit from the virtues of compassion and inclusion.
Addressing physiological needs
YWCA believes that no one, especially children, should have to go to bed hungry.
In 2006, YWCA launched the Meals-on-Wheels (MOW) programme for children from low-income families to provide them with free nutritious dinners from Monday to Friday. These meals ensure that children have the nutrients they need for healthy growth in their formative years and their families do not have to worry about putting food on the table for them. Today, Meals-on-Wheels for Children has continued to serve more than 120 children a year.
Meals-on-Wheels for Children
Additionally, YWCA is one of the few social service agencies in Singapore that provide special items like children’s milk powder and diapers to low-income families through our Sustenance for Families programme. This programme helps alleviate financial burdens by providing families with basic sustenance and care needs.
Diapers and milk powder for disadvantaged children
Empowering disadvantaged children with holistic after school care programmes
YWCA believes that all children, regardless of their financial standing and backgrounds should have the opportunity and resources to realise their full potential.
Through our Meals-on-Wheels (MOW) outreach, YWCA found that many of our MOW beneficiaries were latch-key children who were left unattended at home as their parents worked to make ends meet. During these important formative years, they often did not have the supervision nor the access to resources that could make a difference to their growth and long-term success.
Thus, in 2016, YWCA set up the Kids’ Weekday Care (KWC) programme to address the need for a holistic after school care programme. Running every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the thrice weekly programme covers two-way transport from school, halal lunch and a structured care schedule at a highly subsidised rate.
Beyond an after school care service, the KWC also provides socioemotional, moral, and academic support to beneficiary children by creating a rewarding and conducive environment to develop their character, discover their self-worth and unique potential, and strive for excellence. It gives them access to activities that include tutoring, mentorship, enrichment, workshops, outings and group work. It also allows mentors the opportunity to identify and address bullying issues and serves as a safe space for children to share, find social support, and have someone to intervene.
Through this programme, YWCA has provided outreach to more than 120 children over the last 5 years, with faithful support from our volunteers and corporate partners.
Kids’ Weekday Care Children
Supporting children and youths through life-giving workshops
Since 2012, YWCA’s Workz-on-Wheels (WoW) has been working closely with our community partners and institutions to provide outreach to disadvantaged children and at-risk youths from age 5 to 19 by equipping them with essential life skills to manage their own cognitive and socio-emotional needs for life adjustments.
With support from our volunteers and corporate partners, WoW workshops are carefully tailored to fit each group’s needs. Topics include Anger Management, Stress Management, and Emotional Health, Resiliency, among others. Each session is fun and engaging and provides a safe space for open sharing.
To ensure the effectiveness of the programme, each session of WoW encompasses a feedback system to enable facilitators to update our partners about each participant’s progress. The open communication channels have also been proven helpful in identifying alarming issues such as abuse and self-harm and creates the opportunity for early intervention.
Our Workz-on-Wheels participants
Salihah Amirudeen, Vice-chairman of Tiong Bahru Youth Network, one of YWCA’s close community partners, shared his thoughts on a recent programme run,” The trainer was approachable and understanding and was able to handle a group of 25 children in calmness. We have received numerous positive feedbacks from the 25 children stating that they like the workshop and they find it useful to their day-to-day situations. Most of them shared that they are able to handle stressful situations in life after the workshop.”
To date, the WoW programme has impacted over 1000 children and youths.
Join us in supporting our causes
The success of our programmes is highly dependent on the faithful support and contributions from our volunteers and donors. To find out how you can join us in these meaningful and rewarding causes, click here for individual volunteer opportunities, or here to donate.
To enquire about corporate partnerships, get in touch with us at ywcavolunteer@ywca.org.sg.
Almost three decades ago, a zealous youth, fresh from completing her diploma stepped into YWCA Preschool @ McNair (then known as YWCA Child Development Centre) after being persuaded by a friend to help. What she didn’t know then, was how that glimpse of the Early Childhood industry would lead her to find her lifelong calling and passion in teaching children.
“Children’s responses are so unpredictable and it’s what makes teaching fun and exciting.” -Mrs Salleh
Today, Mrs Salleh, 46, is one of YWCA Preschool’s longest-serving teachers. She is a familiar face at the organisation and at our preschool at McNair and is well-known for her bubbly character and her unwavering dedication to teaching.
Indeed, Mrs Salleh’s passion for teaching stands out above all else. When asked what about the early childhood field attracts her, she said, “Children’s responses are so unpredictable and it’s what makes teaching fun and exciting. Every day I get different responses from my children and sometimes I learn from them. We are teachers, but it doesn’t mean we know everything. Children nowadays are so exposed, and we learn from one another.”
In the early childhood teaching profession, every day is full of surprises and uncertainties because of the unpredictable nature of children’s behaviours. No one day is the same and Mrs Salleh often starts the day wondering how her day will unfold and whether her lessons will go well.
“I used to question the outcome of my lesson and set certain expectations for the children. However, I came to realise that children need time to find their own footing. Instead [of questioning the outcome], I would reflect on the way I responded to my children and ensure that the tone of voice I used with them was appropriate. If I want to go home happily, definitely the children want to go home happily. Having the right tone of voice helps in getting the attention of the children and getting better outcomes,” she shares.
There is never a dull moment in Mrs Salleh’s classroom. The vivacious educator actively engages her students through lively story-telling sessions, songs and drama. We watched her teach a lesson on numeracy using a popular storybook, ‘The Very Quiet Cricket’ by Eric Carle, and were surprised at how engaging a math lesson could be. There was hardly any sign of disorder as one would expect in a room full of energetic children as her K1 class listened attentively and took part in counting storybook insects and answering math questions. It was surely satisfying to see that the children were enjoying their lesson.
Mrs Salleh believes in creating a positive learning environment for children. She defines success as the ability of children to complete tasks with confidence on their own. “It is rewarding to see a child gain confidence in completing tasks independently and showing improvement in different areas of learning. Every child is special in their own way, and as educators, we should not limit their learning capabilities, but instead, we should allow children to grow at their own pace, encourage them and let them learn to express themselves in their own way”, she added.
“Even though I might sometimes come across as firm, I believe it is good to instil good moral values in the children. Good cooperation is key to ensuring a healthy classroom environment too.” -Mrs Salleh
What happens then when a conflict between children arises in class? Mrs Salleh shares that she does not believe in becoming the mediator. “I believe that children can resolve disputes by themselves, and I will step in when I think it is necessary. They quarrel and I’ll get angry but later on, they turn around and become the best of friends again, playing happily together. Sometimes, it is better to let them decide what is the best solution to resolve a conflict,” said Mrs Salleh, jokingly.
Perhaps her reputation as a disciplinarian helps put things in order. She shares in amusement how her playful children will sometimes get up to some mischief or chit chat during nap time when she steps out of the classroom, but all will be peace and quiet as though nothing happened the moment they hear her coming back.
“Even though I might sometimes come across as firm, I believe it is good to instil good moral values in the children. Good cooperation is key to ensuring a healthy classroom environment too,” she explained.
Early childhood educators play a big role in helping parents support their children’s learning and well-being. Like all teachers at YWCA Preschool, Mrs Salleh provides frequent updates of children’s progress to parents and shares with them her observations of their child’s day in school whenever the opportunity arises.
It is not always easy, however. Mrs Salleh recalled a time when a K2 child poured his heart out to her and the entire class about his parents’ quarrels at home. The child was visibly troubled and shaken. She was deeply concerned for him and felt she could not standby and not do anything about it. Despite her best intentions, the parents did not take well to her feedback that they refrain from arguing in front of their child. “Sometimes, you tend to lose yourself in the process of helping a child. It is important to learn how to manage your emotions and to remain neutral when resolving the issue,” she added.
Mrs Salleh’s care for her children and dedication to teaching is truly an inspiration to us all. YWCA Preschool is indeed blessed to have her with us all these years.
So, what does she like about working with YWCA Preschool? “My colleagues at YWCA Preschool are open to ideas, and we constantly learn from one another. We work well together and mutually respect one another since we only have each other to depend on,” she laughed. “I am a fan of YWCA’s moral values because they helped shape me into who I am today.”
To all budding educators out there, Mrs Salleh has some final tips to share:
- Tip 1: Manage your expectations about the role
Ask yourself what your expectation and goal as an Early Childhood Educator is. Put yourself in the shoes of a child and do not force your ideas on the children. Instead, work and learn alongside them. Teaching becomes fun and enjoyable when you start rediscovering things through their eyes. It is helpful to re-evaluate your expectations for the children and design effective strategies to bring out the best in every child.
- Tip 2: Shower children with encouragement
Children gain confidence in learning when teachers constantly shower them with encouragement. A teacher who understands the child’s needs and makes a conscious effort to encourage them will make their learning experience more wholesome.
- Tip 3: Model ideal behaviours and maintain good eye contact with the children
Children learn best from example, and it is essential that a teacher behaves in a way she expects children to behave. Maintaining good eye contact makes communication more effective.
YWCA Preschool is always on the lookout for passionate educators like Mrs Salleh, who are willing to make a difference in the lives of our future generations. Start a career with us today! Drop your resume off at hr@ywca.org.sg or check out our careers page for more details.
If you are a parent and would like to find out more about our enrolment process, contact us at cdcenquiries@ywca.org.sg! Also, follow us on Facebook & Instagram for some insightful tips and behind-the-scenes work at our preschools.
YWCA’s history is rich with the many strong women who formed and contributed to the organisation’s work since its inception. We have been blessed with driven and talented women who all had one thing in common – the desire to better the lives of others. Dr Anamah Tan, who has been a member since the early 1970s, is a fine example of a trailblazer YWCA was privileged to have as a leader. She was presented the Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer Award by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) earlier this year.
Now 81 years of age, Dr Anamah has been volunteering since she was in secondary school. She fondly recalls her first experience, which involved performing first aid on the villagers in Potong Pasir. It sparked a lifelong passion for volunteering and giving back to the society, even until today. She now volunteers at the Singapore Association of Women Lawyers, having stepped down as President to give the younger women a right to lead.
The vivacious Dr Anamah’s first project with the YWCA was during the late Mrs Julie Tan’s leadership of the YWCA.
“Julie asked if I wanted to help in the early childhood programme we were going to start,” Dr Anamah said, “We were pioneers back then. We were the very first preschool in Singapore.”
Dr Anamah is passionate about ensuring equal access to early childhood education, which is something the YWCA still practices these days by keeping our preschool fees affordable. The very first preschool was set up in Marine Parade and she remembers the snaking registration queues and the full enrolments.
The first YWCA Child Development Centre was set up at Block 80 Marine Parade on 1 March 1977.
In her late 30s, Dr Anamah was elected as Council Member of the World YWCA, representing the YWCA of Singapore and served finally as Vice-President of Asia from 1977-1985. It was an opportunity she cherishes to this day as it gave her the platform to work on key global issues such as human rights, the environment and disarmament.
How did she find the time to volunteer amid her hectic schedule as a lawyer?
“You’ll find the time and make it count,” Dr Anamah sagely advised, “When you see someone whose life isn’t going well, wanting to help make a difference is just being a good neighbour.”
Her parting words of wisdom for our readers? “If you can’t make a hundred people happy, then just aim to make one person happy. Sometimes, that person is yourself.”