A First Time for Everything
SAYYID Harith Bin Mohd Haron, College of Design & Engineering
My name is Sayyid Harith. I am a Year 3 student taking up Project and Facilities Management in the College of Design and Engineering. I am also taking up a Minor in Urban Studies.
When NUS decided to roll out the Communities & Engagement (C&E) pillar, I was very excited as I felt that this was a great opportunity to engage with different communities in Singapore and to understand the challenges that may be unique to children, youth, seniors and families. There were five service-learning courses offered under the C&E pillar, one of which is known as Community Link (ComLink) Befrienders which caught my attention.
Taking GEN2070X Community Link (ComLink) Befrienders presented an opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and engage in meaningful service-learning. Having the opportunity to experience and apply the skills of befriending, the course has helped to develop new skills and make a tangible impact on the lives of others. The course comprises academic and service-learning components, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings while contributing positively to the community.
I was particularly drawn to the course because of its emphasis on fostering communication, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity. These are essential skills not only for befriending but for any collaborative and interpersonal endeavour. The structured objectives and support from supervisors provided a clear pathway for making a difference, which aligned with my desire to contribute to society in a purposeful way. Moreover, the opportunity to work closely with a unique family, understand their unique challenges, and support their integration into a new environment was both intriguing and motivating. The teenage children of the family had just moved to Singapore recently and helping them fit into the new environment made it a unique experience. This course provided the opportunity for both personal and academic growth, while also, while also giving back to the community, making it a compelling choice for my educational journey.
ComLink+ is a nationwide initiative to befriend disadvantaged families with young children by providing comprehensive support that would help propel families towards realising their own aspirations. In this course, we learn key concepts in volunteerism, and essential skills, including communications, collaboration, conflict management, and family befriending. Through consistent befriending sessions we can better connect with our families. The number of sessions we meet our families would vary as different families have a different set of schedules. We would try to visit the family about 2 to 3 times a month. A typical befriending session with a family could last between 30 minutes to 1 hour as it depends on the activities being planned for that session. Activities being done during the session also varies from tutoring, playing with the toddlers, accompanying the seniors or just as simple as having a chat with the family to check in as each family have a different set of needs which is unique from family to family. We may be assigned to multiple families but that depends on the number of families the Social Service Office of that town is managing. We apply these skills as ComLink Befrienders through regular home visitations, needs assessment, and connecting the families with community resources, and journeying with them towards stability, self-reliance, and social mobility. We thus develop character, empathy, and personal effectiveness.
Photograph by Sayyid. With my NUS GEN2070X buddy, Dewi Nur Marlyna
Throughout the past 8 months of service learning, I have had many memorable experiences with my family which I am befriending.
The first occasion was when my befriending buddy, Dewi, and I celebrated Hari Raya with the children as it was a heartwarming and enriching experience. It was a memorable moment as this was their first-time celebrating Hari Raya in Singapore, the children shared their cultural traditions as well as us sharing ours too. Despite their initial language barriers where they spoke a different dialect of Bahasa, the universal language of celebration and community brought us closer. It was a joyous occasion, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange and the warmth of shared festivities. They too made Hari Raya cards for the teachers and friends.
Photograph by Sayyid. Hari Raya Card making
The second memorable moment was one afternoon, we decided to take a break from our usual routine and ventured out to try some new food for lunch. We headed to a food establishment which served various kinds of food. They managed to try some new cuisines which they had not tried before. After a satisfying meal, we headed to West Coast Park to enjoy the rest of the day. The park’s green spaces and scenic views provided a perfect backdrop for relaxation and fun. We played at the playground, especially at the swings, and shared stories, creating lasting memories and strengthening our bond in the process.
My journey in this course has been transformative, marked by new experiences and personal growth. Initially, I had no experience in providing academic support and tutoring, making the prospect daunting. However, as the saying goes, “there is always a first time for everything,”.
The initial challenge was assessing the English proficiency of befriending family. We began with worksheets ranging from kindergarten to primary levels, identifying their starting points. This process highlighted the necessity of effective communication and adaptability. I learned that to be an effective tutor, I needed to articulate concepts clearly and listen actively to their questions and concerns. For instance, when teaching the topic of time, I improvised by using a visual clock with movable arrows. This method proved more effective than verbal explanations, helping them grasp the concept more easily. Similarly, when they struggled with learning colours, I adopted a visual-based approach, using colour pencils and encouraging them to colour animals and items. This method not only engaged them but also made the learning process enjoyable. These experiences underscored the importance of adaptability, allowing me to tailor my teaching methods to suit their unique learning styles.
I learned to understand the significance of cultural sensitivity and how this helped me to empathise with the challenges and motivated me in help the family build a supportive learning environment for the children. Their father’s ability to communicate in both English and Bahasa allowed us to bridge the cultural gap and better understand their needs and experiences. Throughout this journey, I also realized the importance of patience, such as in the teaching basic vocabulary. Celebrating small victories, such as completing a worksheet or correctly identifying colours, became essential milestones.
For those considering taking this course in the future, I offer this advice: embrace the learning process and be open to personal growth. The course may present challenges, especially if you lack prior experience in befriending, but it is also an opportunity to develop critical skills such as effective communication, adaptability, and patience. There are many kinds of activities that can be done with the families depending on their needs. One of the activities that I did with my family was tutoring to enable them to better communicate in English. Hence, be prepared to tailor your teaching methods to the unique needs of each learner, and take the time to understand and respect their cultural backgrounds. This inclusive approach will create a positive and empowering learning environment for both you and the learners.
My service-learning journey has been a profound learning experience. It has taught me the importance of adaptability, effective communication, cultural sensitivity, and patience. Through continuous self-reflection and a commitment to ongoing learning, I aim to evolve into a more effective and impactful befriender. This course has not only allowed me to contribute to the community but also enriched my personal and professional development, leaving me better equipped to face future challenges.