Sunday, November 9, 2008
Excursion to Labrador Park (8 November 2008)
For this month's Mensa Y Outing, our volunteers supported the Y-Citi Nature Walk with the Handicaps Welfare Association as facilitators. Participants include volunteers from Citi as well as Uni-Y @ NUS.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Mensa Y Outing with Handicaps Welfare Association (8 Nov 2008)
The next Mensa Y Outing will be on 8 November 2008, Saturday. We will be going to Labrador Park for a nature trail and some games.
The details are as follows:
Date: 8 Nov (Saturday)
Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm
Initial Meeting Point: Handicaps Welfare Association, 16 Whampoa Drive
Outing Venue: Labrador Park
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice mensa org sg. If you have friends who are interested, please bring them along.
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
The details are as follows:
Date: 8 Nov (Saturday)
Time: 8.30am – 12.30pm
Initial Meeting Point: Handicaps Welfare Association, 16 Whampoa Drive
Outing Venue: Labrador Park
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
Friday, October 17, 2008
No Outing in October
The Handicaps Welfare Association are busy for the month of October, so we will be taking a break. The next Mensa Y Outing will be on 8 November 2008. Look out for the announcement!
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration at HWA (20 September 2008)
For this month's Mensa Y Outing, we visited the clients of the Handicaps Welfare Association to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with games, karaoke and of course, mooncakes!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Change of date for Mensa Y Outing with Handicaps Welfare Association to 20 Sep 2008
Please note that the next Mensa Y Outing will be on 20 September, instead of 13 September.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the clients of the Handicaps Welfare Association on this special evening where we will be having mooncakes, games and a night lantern walk.
The details are as follows:
Date: 20 September (Saturday)
Time: 7pm - 11pm
Outing Venue: Handicaps Welfare Association, 16 Whampoa Drive
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice mensa org sg . If you have friends who are interested, please bring them along.
The Mensa Y Outing programme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for various activities, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with the clients of the Handicaps Welfare Association on this special evening where we will be having mooncakes, games and a night lantern walk.
The details are as follows:
Date: 20 September (Saturday)
Time: 7pm - 11pm
Outing Venue: Handicaps Welfare Association, 16 Whampoa Drive
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice
The Mensa Y Outing programme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for various activities, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Mensa Y Outing with Handicaps Welfare Association (23 August 2008)
The next Mensa Y Outing will be on 23 August, Saturday. It is on the fourth Saturday because the second Saturday is National Day. Future Y Outings will continue to be held on the second Saturday of every month at the same time.
The details are as follows:
Date: 23 August (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Initial Meeting Point: YMCA International House, 1 Orchard Rd
Outing Venue: East Coast Park
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice mensa org sg . If you have friends who are interested, please bring them along.
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
The details are as follows:
Date: 23 August (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Initial Meeting Point: YMCA International House, 1 Orchard Rd
Outing Venue: East Coast Park
Sign up by sending an email with your name and contact number to communityservice
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Change of date for Mensa Y Outing with HWA to 26 July 2008
The next Mensa Y Outing has been postponed to 26 July, Saturday, instead of 12 July. This is only for the month of July; future Y Outings will continue to be held on the second Saturday of every month at the same time.
The details are as follows:
Date: 26 July (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: East Coast Park
Sign up by sending an email to communityservice mensa org sg . If you have friends who are interested, please bring them along.
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
The details are as follows:
Date: 26 July (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: East Coast Park
Sign up by sending an email to communityservice
The Mensa Y Outing programnme is a collaboration with YMCA of Singapore where volunteers from Mensa Singapore accompany beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (http://www.hwa.org.sg/) for outings to various places of interests, giving volunteers meaningful opportunities to bond with and care for them. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
Outing to T3 on 14 June 2008
This week our group of volunteers from Mensa went out with the beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA). This time, the experience was different from the last because of the different group of volunteers and beneficiaries.
About the beneficiaries: They were mostly aged, in their late 50's and early 60's, except two young men who were in their 20's. There were 13 of them in total. Three of them had to move dependently in their wheelchairs as they were immobile. Others were mobile to some extent and thus were more independent. Through the whole trip to Changi Airport Terminal 3 (T3), all of them moved around in their wheelchairs despite T3’s keeping with the usual grand scheme of architecture in Singapore. They were all well educated and could communicate what was on their mind.
Two of them who were permanently dependent on their wheelchairs were traders and had their own interesting views on the current price rise. There were a couple of spouses who seemed to be made for each other (no pun intended) and then there was James, who though vocally challenged, enjoyed the trip as much as others and has only one love – bowling.
This time our volunteer group was very diverse, we had Rachel, Isabella , Clarence and Adriel who are school-goers. We had our usual YMCA representative, Valerie. We had Adi, Pearl, Chujia and Adriel’s parents too. Most of them have been members for quite some time but this was their first time volunteering with Mensa.
Once we were introduced at the HWA, we left in the buses for the T3. When we reached there, everyone started chatting with their buddies. We strolled around viewing the new MRT connection and the huge number of shops available – the chocolate shops especially. We took pictures in front of the fountain and spent quite some time idling at the viewing gallery. This is the place where everyone was speaking their hearts out. We were the silent audience listening to their stories; and when we were discussing stories among ourselves, the roles changed.
They were listening to a younger generation to get a feel of how things have changed. Finally, we had our lunch at the MacDonald’s before saying goodbye; how time passed out chit chatting, we never realised it.
By Subhajit Mandal
subhajit.iitkgp@mensa.org.sg
About the beneficiaries: They were mostly aged, in their late 50's and early 60's, except two young men who were in their 20's. There were 13 of them in total. Three of them had to move dependently in their wheelchairs as they were immobile. Others were mobile to some extent and thus were more independent. Through the whole trip to Changi Airport Terminal 3 (T3), all of them moved around in their wheelchairs despite T3’s keeping with the usual grand scheme of architecture in Singapore. They were all well educated and could communicate what was on their mind.
Two of them who were permanently dependent on their wheelchairs were traders and had their own interesting views on the current price rise. There were a couple of spouses who seemed to be made for each other (no pun intended) and then there was James, who though vocally challenged, enjoyed the trip as much as others and has only one love – bowling.
This time our volunteer group was very diverse, we had Rachel, Isabella , Clarence and Adriel who are school-goers. We had our usual YMCA representative, Valerie. We had Adi, Pearl, Chujia and Adriel’s parents too. Most of them have been members for quite some time but this was their first time volunteering with Mensa.
Once we were introduced at the HWA, we left in the buses for the T3. When we reached there, everyone started chatting with their buddies. We strolled around viewing the new MRT connection and the huge number of shops available – the chocolate shops especially. We took pictures in front of the fountain and spent quite some time idling at the viewing gallery. This is the place where everyone was speaking their hearts out. We were the silent audience listening to their stories; and when we were discussing stories among ourselves, the roles changed.
They were listening to a younger generation to get a feel of how things have changed. Finally, we had our lunch at the MacDonald’s before saying goodbye; how time passed out chit chatting, we never realised it.
By Subhajit Mandal
subhajit.iitkgp@mensa.org.sg
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Mensa Y Outing with HWA (14 June 2008)
The next Mensa Y Outing will be on 14 June with 18 beneficiaries from the Handicaps Welfare Association (HWA) - the beneficiary organization that we will be working with on a long-term basis. The clients of HWA are physically challenged and most are on wheelchairs.
The details are as follows:
Date: 14 June (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: Terminal 3, Changi Airport
Subsequent outings will take place on the second Saturday of every month at the same time.
Sign up by sending an email to communityservice mensa org sg . If you have friends who are interested, please feel free bring them along too.
The details are as follows:
Date: 14 June (Saturday)
Time: 9am - 2pm
Venue: Terminal 3, Changi Airport
Subsequent outings will take place on the second Saturday of every month at the same time.
Sign up by sending an email to communityservice
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder
On 19th April 2008, a few of us Mensans joined another small group from YMCA as volunteers to accompany ten beneficiaries from the Association of People with Special Needs (APSN) to the Community Games Day held at Anglo-Chinese Junior College. I will not bore you with the details as to how we reached there, how we took a bus to the carnival and back, stayed for about one and half hours etc. etc.
What I am going to write is about the people I met and my personal experience. First of all, what amazed me about the volunteer group was the age range. Valarie, who is still waiting for admission to a university, has been with YMCA for about 2 years. Then we had our own university goers - Andrew, Gabriel, Justin and James. We also had Josef, Engineering Management tutor at NUS, Dr. Ohl, a Physics professor at NTU and his partner, Siew Wan who just earned her PhD.
Our beneficiaries have an IQ range of 50-70, below average but enough to allow them to be specially educated, trained to be independent and in the successful cases, be gainfully employed. All of them were highly conversant. They all had a little childishness around them. Most of them travelled from their homes to the school alone.
Playing my part, I will summarise against the prevalent notion that one will feel sad when they attend such events. It was never sad. It was a matter of joy to see that there are people out there who ‘actively’ care about the ones who have not been well endowed to care about themselves. It was a matter of faith to see that somehow they were able to be a part of the society and not shunned away. It was a matter of happiness to see that they were all smiling and laughing and giggling away, alien to materialistic issues and ambitions. They are being taken care of and are happy. So the next time you get a chance to volunteer for such an event, please do so against all inhibitions as I am sure some of the joy from them will spill over to you, eradicating all your worries for a few hours.
By Subhajit Mandal
What I am going to write is about the people I met and my personal experience. First of all, what amazed me about the volunteer group was the age range. Valarie, who is still waiting for admission to a university, has been with YMCA for about 2 years. Then we had our own university goers - Andrew, Gabriel, Justin and James. We also had Josef, Engineering Management tutor at NUS, Dr. Ohl, a Physics professor at NTU and his partner, Siew Wan who just earned her PhD.
Our beneficiaries have an IQ range of 50-70, below average but enough to allow them to be specially educated, trained to be independent and in the successful cases, be gainfully employed. All of them were highly conversant. They all had a little childishness around them. Most of them travelled from their homes to the school alone.
The lady I was escorting is Jacqueline. She was always smiling and thoroughly enjoyed the dance group that was teaching a few steps at the carnival. She would also constantly tell me about her "Holy Spirit Church brothers and sisters" with whom she seemed to be very comfortable with.
Another beneficiary with Dr. Ohl was thrilled while playing the Praxis financial literacy board game and was so enthusiastic and competitive that their table attracted the largest crowd for quite some time. Our other lovely beneficiaries, just like us, enjoyed the most when they were having their free ice creams.
Another person whom I spoke to for quite some time was Haiti, a teacher to these special individuals, a mother of a two-and-a-half year old girl, and who is totally dedicated to the cause of the People with Need for Special Education. She said although the wages were not that attractive, it seemed like "it is her calling".
This is about the gist of the people we met. However, that is what questions me. I could summarise the gist of people within this small space. Is this supposed to be the way? Is it possible for more and more people to go out and spend a mere few hours in a month with someone who will probably not remember even their name a few hours later? I think yes, and with the hope that Andrew keeps on to this, we will soon have a larger turnout of volunteers from our end.
Playing my part, I will summarise against the prevalent notion that one will feel sad when they attend such events. It was never sad. It was a matter of joy to see that there are people out there who ‘actively’ care about the ones who have not been well endowed to care about themselves. It was a matter of faith to see that somehow they were able to be a part of the society and not shunned away. It was a matter of happiness to see that they were all smiling and laughing and giggling away, alien to materialistic issues and ambitions. They are being taken care of and are happy. So the next time you get a chance to volunteer for such an event, please do so against all inhibitions as I am sure some of the joy from them will spill over to you, eradicating all your worries for a few hours.
By Subhajit Mandal
(This article was extracted from Menews, Mensa Singapore's monthly newsletter.)
Thursday, March 6, 2008
New Programme with YMCA to Benefit the Intellectualy Disabled
Dear all,
The Mensa Volunteer SIG is currently working with YMCA Singapore to start a new long-term programme to meet the needs of one of the beneficiary organizations that they are serving. We are looking for committed individuals who are willing to be part of this programme, either as part of the main planning committee or as a regular volunteer.
We are now exploring a possible initiative - monthly Y Outings where we bring intellectually disabled beneficiaries from the Christian Outreach Home to different places. The objectives are: (1) to allow the beneficiaries to apply what they learn in school, e.g. social skills, in real life experiences and (2) to allow volunteers to have a meaningful and fulfilling involvement in community service.
The tentative details are as follows:
Day: Third Saturday of every month
Time: 9am - 1pm
Meeting Venue: YMCA House, One Orchard Road
Our target is to launch the programme on 19 April with an outing to a carnival at Anglo-Chinese Junior College.Friends of Mensans are welcome to participate in this programme too. If you are interested, please email Andrew at communityservice mensa org sg . Please indicate whether you want to be in the main planning committee.
Thank you!
Regards,
Andrew Leo
The Mensa Volunteer SIG is currently working with YMCA Singapore to start a new long-term programme to meet the needs of one of the beneficiary organizations that they are serving. We are looking for committed individuals who are willing to be part of this programme, either as part of the main planning committee or as a regular volunteer.
We are now exploring a possible initiative - monthly Y Outings where we bring intellectually disabled beneficiaries from the Christian Outreach Home to different places. The objectives are: (1) to allow the beneficiaries to apply what they learn in school, e.g. social skills, in real life experiences and (2) to allow volunteers to have a meaningful and fulfilling involvement in community service.
The tentative details are as follows:
Day: Third Saturday of every month
Time: 9am - 1pm
Meeting Venue: YMCA House, One Orchard Road
Our target is to launch the programme on 19 April with an outing to a carnival at Anglo-Chinese Junior College.Friends of Mensans are welcome to participate in this programme too. If you are interested, please email Andrew at communityservice
Thank you!
Regards,
Andrew Leo
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