Simple interactions can make a difference to others
I refer to Ms Sheila Pakir’s commentary “Investing in the ‘little things’ for the benefit of Singaporeans” (Dec 21).
I was heartened to read about the efforts of the Pioneer Generation Office ambassadors to engage and communicate with seniors and clarify perceptions of government support for them.
As a grassroots volunteer, I often experience how such face-to-face interactions can make a difference in the lives of residents.
Grassroots volunteers are often the first point of contact for residents from all walks of life with diverse needs, as we are familiar faces in the neighbourhood.
We are glad to receive training from the People’s Association in staying updated on various government schemes available to support different groups of residents.
Resources such as the Ask Kopi Kakis booklets help us to share relevant, accurate information with Singaporeans and guide them towards getting the help they need.
During one of my house visits, I met a family struggling to make ends meet. The husband was a storeman earning S$1,400 a month and his wife was a part-time bus attendant earning S$600. They were raising three young children.
His wife was keen to upgrade herself so that she could take on a higher-paying job.
I assured the family that there were schemes in place that supported skills upgrading and training.
She eventually agreed to sign up for a course to get her Class 3 and 4 driving licences. After attending the subsidised course, she managed to find a job as a bus driver, which tripled her monthly income.
Inspired by the change, she shared knowledge of such schemes with her family and friends to encourage them. Her husband will soon be taking up a course to obtain a forklift licence, to upgrade himself and further improve the family’s finances.
While the Government is doing more to reach out to and engage residents, all of us also have a responsibility to look out for and help one another in our communities. It does not take much to find out more about others around us.
It can be as simple as striking up a conversation with our neighbours, providing a listening ear for those in need or sharing information so that they can better their lives.
