Learning Journey to Simei Care Centre

On 15 November 2013, the 4th Saints Advocate had a Learning Journey trip to Simei Care Centre, which is a rehabilitation center for people with mental disorders. This was a meaningful and eye-opening learning journey as we had the opportunity to understand more about these people, and the mental illnesses that make them patients. From this experience, we also learnt to open our hearts and to remove our own stigmas that we unknowingly had concerning these patients.

4th Saints Advocate, visiting Simei Care Centre, filled with excitement!

My takeaways from the trip to Simei Care Centre:

1. I learnt that we are susceptible to such mental illnesses too and a substantial number of in-patients used to be professionals and very accomplished in their career or studies. They have the capabilities of normal people and most importantly, they are normal people, the same as you and I. In line with this, we should respect them and not discriminate against them.  Stress can get to us and we might also be victims of mental illnesses, which is why even as we have no right to judge them, we should care for them and help them recover. (Plus, we should try to control our stress level!)

2. It is difficult for them to get back to society/the workforce due to the social stigma. It is difficult to find jobs but nevertheless many of them try their best, and some do manage to become independent and rebuild their lives. A lot of them have the ability and skill to work, if only given a chance. I think if ever I become an employer, I will surely not discriminate against such applicants and I will give them a chance to prove themselves.

3. Their handicrafts are important to them for earning a living, and is also done to enable them for better recovery and to remain active. It is with great effort that they hand-make most of the items in the MOSES Gift Shop. Therefore, buying these items encourages them and also helps them sustain a living. Hence for us, we should do our best in selling their items during Friendship Week, and also share the message of their plight (the social discrimination that presses down on them, instead of the social encouragement that should be helping them up). Even if the items are quite expensive, it is also with great expense that they were able to craft these items.

4. SIMEI Care Centre is a meaningful VWO because it helps these patients settle back to society. It helps cure these people and believes in them. That's why, now whenever I advocate for SCC, I will do it with more compassion and drive.

-Lynn Monique Co, 4th Saints Advocate

Donation Drive for Haiyan Typhoon Survivors

From 13 – 15 November 2013, the Saints Advocate planned and executed a money collection drive to help the Haiyan Typhoon survivors. The typhoon indeed caused tremendous destruction to the lives of people in the Philippines. With the heart to help and the courage to gather the school in the donation drive, we successfully collected over $2500 in one day. All of the funds went directly to Mercy Relief to buy necessities for the survivors. The Saints Advocate would like to thank the school, teachers and students who have played significant roles in achieving this success.

Upon seeing the images and videos about the Haiyan typhoon, what struck me the most were pictures of the homeless, the orphaned and the dying who had lost their homes, their family, and had everything taken by the deadly typhoon. While they are desperately struggling to survive in the Philippines, we are leading comfortable sheltered lives here in Singapore. If all our wealth and capability meant anything in the face of such a natural disaster, it would be that we have the ability to help our neighbours in the times of need. 

One of our CCA teachers-in-charge brought up an opportunity to work with Mercy Relief. Within a short duration of two nights, we planned our fund collection including getting the donation cans from Mercy Relief and engaging the teachers and students in SAJC in the donation. Given the fact that the collection was held during the last week of school, there was no time for us to hesitate or procrastinate. This was the first time I volunteered myself to make the announcement in front of the entire school. Though I often have stage fright, this time I was not scared and nervous because I knew that this would be the only chance to reach out to the students. I am thankful that the responses from the students were very positive and encouraging. 

This donation drive is one of the only ways we as students can help better the lives of the survivors. I hope that the amount we raised can bring joy to the survivors’ lives. Though we cannot bring back what they have lost, I do believe that our effort will tell them that they are not alone in the wake of the natural disaster, where everything has been laid waste to, our desire to help still stands. This intangible support, I hope, will give them strength to overcome the difficulties they are facing. 

Carrying out the donation drive in school

I am also very grateful to have the chance to work in this emergency task force where everyone has to be disciplined and on task all the time. I learnt the procedures of fund raising and have pushed myself forward to advocate for the less fortunate in the Philippines. Confidence and a deep sense of compassion are the most important lessons I have learnt.

-Do Khanh Vy 13S17, 4th Saints Advocate