If all of life’s a stage, then inwardBOUND is developing actors for it.

When Nora Crothers “accidentally” auditioned for a place in Nanyang Technological University’s drama and performance degree program, little did she realize she had just stumbled upon what would become her life-long passion, the fruit of which is the inwardBOUND School of Drama.

“It’s one of those stories. My friend was too ‘chicken’ to go on her own and so I went along and since I was there, I auditioned as well and got in,” Crothers, 34, recounts to City News at inwardBOUND’s premises along East Coast Road.

During her time at NTU, she not only fell in love with the various aspects of drama, excelling in acting, directing, stage managing and more, but also discovered the transformative power of the artistic medium, which over the years evolved into the core of her work with youth at inwardBOUND.

Upon graduating with first-class honors, Crothers brought drama into the classrooms of Commonwealth Secondary School, using it as a tool for students to “rehearse life.” As an English and Drama teacher, she developed drama-in-curriculum programs primarily based on a methodology called process drama, where students explore various contexts by applying the fundamentals of drama.

“For example, one of the classes looked at the story of a girl with bulimia. Over the course of eight to 10 weeks, the students examined the issue from different perspectives as they did improvisation work in roles such as the girl herself, her parents, her teacher, her friends or even the police.”

“Process drama is one of the most powerful mediums as not only are all the language and performance skills involved, but also, as students bring their own experiences to the story, they develop meaning for themselves,” she elaborates.

After leaving the teaching service in 2003, Crothers soon founded inwardBOUND, using it as a platform to bring a comprehensive battery of drama-in-curriculum programs into more schools. To date, her programs have been taught in over 20 schools with a common outcome being that participants grow in their confidence, social-emotional well-being as well as relationship management skills.

Another aspect of inwardBOUND’s work with youth is as a drama consultancy, supporting schools in staging large-scale productions, including competition pieces for the Singapore Youth Festival. Since 2001, inwardBOUND’s festival entries have garnered numerous accolades, including four out of the six Gold with Honors awards up for grabs last year.

As a consultant, Crothers has been involved in producing various genres of shows, from the classics to the contemporary. Again, it is her ability to harness drama as a form of catharsis that has resulted in her most successful pieces. One award-winning show she staged that still remains very dear to her is 4th Storey, which depicts how four students who have just received their O-Levels results start talking about their lives after getting stuck in a lift together. Reminiscing about the production, Crothers shared, “It was memorable because it involved many of the real stories of the students and the various pressures they faced, merged together. After we showcased this to their parents, many of them cried.”

What anchors her motivation behind devised pieces such as 4th Storey is a belief that theater can be a form of social therapy. “Theater is a mirror of what happens in reality but shown in a way that you may recognize it. Reality happens 24/7, but if you can see reality in a suspended period of time and examine yourself, your ideas, other people’s ideas as well as your realities, then maybe there is a possibility of change,” she reflects.

A more direct way Crothers employs drama to facilitate change is through developmental workshops for organizations and communities. Using a range of applied theater techniques that often incorporate improvisation and role-playing, participants are given the opportunity to distance themselves from situations or conflicts to examine issues in a secure environment.

From helping managers at an Indian multinational corporation better handle cultural differences when posted overseas to aiding teachers in tackling the sticky issue of racism in classrooms as Singapore’s migrant population grows, the workshops have been very effective at fostering a higher level of understanding at the various businesses, government bodies, non-profit organizations and schools where they have been run. A common feedback Crothers receives is that many participants “didn’t realize what was going on” until they saw the scenarios reenacted in front of them.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORA CROTHERS

In the near future, Crothers hopes to replicate what she is doing with youth using process drama, with a younger group—children. “We are taking the techniques which worked for older people and breaking it down into smaller parts for the kids,” she explained.

With a focus on “rehearsing little people,” Crothers has devised a series of four- to-five-day holiday programs based on the Christmas story for children aged three to 12, which will run during the upcoming year-end school break.

Next year, inwardBOUND will launch four different 10-week long children’s drama workshops. Part of her aspirations as she begins working with younger people is to be able to open their eyes to the world at large. An idea she has to help them broaden their scope is to have each class sponsor a less-fortunate child from a foreign country.

In the long-term, Crothers’ vision is to see her programs opening doors into places beyond the shores of Singapore, making a difference especially to groups of people who may not otherwise have the opportunity to be empowered through drama.

inwardBOUND
School of Drama
103 & 105 (A) East Coast Road
Singapore 428797
Tel: +65 6345 5143
www.inwardbound.com.sg

A blissful hideaway to escape from the hustle and bustle of life as one indulges in nibbles and retail therapy.

There is a pleasant sense of peace that guardian angels are watching over you at Tea Cosy, a charming café on the fifth floor of Plaza Singapura. And in a very real way, they are. Customers to this dining-cum-retail outlet can partake of tasty morsels from a wide spread of Western-style fare whilst surrounded by the adorable smiles of a myriad of cherubim figurines.

The heavenly ambience created by retail partner, Tenthousandangels’ merchandise is the perfect setting for the equally divine edibles served up by Tea Cosy owner, Daphne Tan and her team. A not-to-be-missed starter is their Baked Mushrooms (S$9.50). Bite into these shiitake mushroom shells and savor the burst of sundried tomato and parmesan cheese stuffing as it oozes onto your palate. Also noteworthy is the Decadent Salad (S$16.95)—a medley of foie gras chunks, pan-grilled shrimps and a boiled egg on a bed of garden greens, brought together with a light, creamy home-made dressing.

Tan, a journalist by training, bravely ventured into the competitive arena of casual dining a few years ago when an opportunity arose to buy over the food and beverage arm of a previous retail partner. She took on the challenge even though she had absolutely no experience in running an eatery. However, not having a recipe book of proven formulas has turned out to be an advantage. “Because this is not a normal café, sometimes you don’t want to do things normally to leave room for experimentation,” quips Tan.

The café’s selection of main courses reflects this creative exuberance, mixing classics like Bangers and Mash (S$17.95) with more novel East-meets-West fare. Those who enjoy subtle flavors should not pass up the Miso Dory (S$18.95). A perfectly pan-fried fillet of the fish forms an island amidst a pond of translucent miso gravy so tasty it begs to be slurped. A dish with a more robust Asian twist is the Laksa Pasta (S$14.95), which boasts a rich, spicy sauce expertly accented with a chorus of aromatic herbs.

The seamless fluidity of retail space and eating area encourages diners to go with the flow and shop between meal courses. So have a gander, but be warned, one of the many chubby cherubs, like Cupid, is sure to steal your heart. The angels range from the purely decorative to those that function as jewelry cases or bookends, and make ideal gifts for almost any occasion. According to retail manager, Adrian Djong, there are two meanings behind gifting angels. “One is to say ‘I want to be your guardian angel,’ and the other is to thank the recipient for being an angel to you,” he explains.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TEA COSY

Some patrons have been so enchanted by the extensive collection of angels that they have opted to use the café location as a backdrop for private events, which have ranged from a registry-of-marriage ceremony to a girl’s angel-themed birthday party. And if hosting an event at this delightfully quaint venue is not enough, did we mention that some of the furniture is available for purchase too so you can recreate the look-and-feel of the café in your own pad? Tea Cosy’s other retail partner, A Thousand Tales, will upholster any of the artfully mismatched dining chairs, armchairs or sofas you have been lounging on in a selection of exclusive fabrics.

With your appetite for shopping fully satisfied, settle back down to end your meal on a sweet note. Let the warm, chocolaty, bite-sized brownies and smooth vanilla ice-cream of Ebony and Ivory (S$8.95) melt in your mouth before washing it all down with the café’s signature Minty Chocolate Coffee (S$6.95).

It’s a blissful place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the mall while simultaneously indulging in some delish nibbles and quiet retail therapy. Don’t be surprised if you leave Tea Cosy feeling like you are walking on cloud nine, because assuredly, you have just dined amidst angels.

Tea Cosy
66 Orchard Road
#05-10 Plaza Singapura
Singapore 238839
Tel: +65 6341 9318
Website: www.teacosy.com.sg

Tedd Tripp shares how the classroom can be a theological, sociological and redemptive learning place.

“Daddy, you and mummy are always telling me I’m supposed to love my brothers, but I just can’t. They are so mean to me.”

“You’re right, honey,” Tedd Tripp responded kindly to his teary-eyed daughter, who was then only nine. “God calls you to selflessly love your brothers and it’s absolutely out of character for a human being. And that shows our need for God’s grace.”

This incident in Tripp’s life was for him a wonderful snapshot of what it means to allow the grace of the gospel not just to save young people but empower them to live out God’s standards—a key thrust of his message, The Classroom: Theological, Sociological, Redemptive Learning Place at the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship prayer meeting on June 26.

“The wonderful thing about dealing with heart issues with kids is that I can stand in solidarity with them,” elaborated Tripp, President of the Board of Directors of Immanuel Christian School in Hazleton, Pennsylvania in the United States which he founded in 1979.  “I understand how hard it is to love someone who is unwanted. I understand the temptation to gloat about my life. I know what it’s like to desire what someone else has,” he said
candidly.

TCF Chairperson, Lucy Toh, who is currently a participant in the Leaders in Education Programme at the National Institute of Education concurred, “We must never give the impression that we are more righteous than [the children] while we are correcting and guiding them.”

Tripp begun his reinterpretation of what a classroom is by drawing from a passage in the Bible—Romans 1:21-25, putting forward the basic premise that people, are by nature, worshippers.

To Tripp, this passion for worship is evident in how most of the world is immersed in soccer fever as the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2010 plays out in South Africa. “We love to see athletes perform feats most ordinary mortals can’t. It is uniquely human. There are no diving competitions for penguins,” he shared with humor and candor as laughter rippled through the audience.

Understanding that children, too, are worshippers, provides the framework for viewing the classroom as a theological learning environment where in the absence of knowing the glory and goodness of God, what Tripp terms “idols of the heart,” take over. His examples of these included power and control, pride and performance, pleasure and sexuality, possessiveness and the need for the approval of people.

The morning’s gathering, where 50-over Christian educators and parents made time to pray for the children, parents, colleagues and educational institutions in their midst was, in itself, an embodiment of how the centrality of God can be lived out. Toh explained, “God chooses to work through the prayers of His people. If we really care about the members of our school communities, we will pray for them.”

Ng Yeow Ling, principal of Northview Primary School and Chairperson of eduNet, a support organization for teachers which participated in the prayer meeting, shared Toh’s sentiments, “By committing our work for the semester ahead to God in prayer, we dedicate what we are called to do in the classroom to Him who is able to strengthen us for all good works.”

Within a sociological learning place, a Christian educator’s work extends beyond altering negative behavior to helping children understand their motivations in their interactions with each other.

“We have to train ourselves to look at the conflicts that come up between children not as dreaded, unnecessary problems but as opportunities to get children to think about themselves and others,” said Tripp, who also authored the popular book, Shepherding A Child’s Heart, put forth. To further clarify, he compared the difference between changing how a child acts and changing the reasons behind his or her actions to the difference between chopping off the heads of weeds versus pulling them out at the roots.

Referring to James 4:1-10, he demonstrated how fights and quarrels are oftentimes rooted in an idol of the heart. Recounting another funny anecdote, he shared, “We had a little girl in our school, and she was a five-year-old ‘CEO.’ She would decide the recess activity; she would be scorekeeper, coach and statistician; she had a ‘craving’ for power and control.”

Tripp concluded his message with an exhortation that the classroom can become a redemptive community where the grace of God is rehearsed and released. Practically, for Tripp, this has meant on occasion, apologizing unconditionally to his students for his own angry outbursts.

The morning’s sharing struck a chord with eduNet member, Andrew Chong, a teacher at National Junior College. He enthused, “I now envision how I can be a better educator through the way I teach values and handle conflicts among students to empower them to learn for life.”

TCF, which was formed in 1968, has been holding prayer meetings since 2006. Prayer meetings are now held once a term, usually on the last Saturday of the school holidays.

K.I.T.E. breaks two SG Book of Records with the biggest egg hunt and egg mosaic.

Peeeeet! The moment Guest-of-Honor, Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs, Associate Professor Ho Peng Kee sounded the starting alert, Nee Soon East Park was quickly submerged in a sea of little hands and feet scrambling to collect the prized treasure of the day—colorful plastic eggs.

The excitement of the 1,649 children involved in this mammoth quest for a total of 10,000 eggs was heightened by the knowledge that they were helping to set a new record for the most number of participants in an egg hunt in Singapore.

Earlier on the morning of Saturday, April 10, volunteers from City Harvest Community Services Association Services to children, Kids In Total Embrace, had transformed the park into a kaleidoscopic wonderland of eggs for this year’s biggest egg hunt. The brightly colored orbs were strewn over grass patches and exercise areas, along foot paths and the park’s wooden bridge, as well as cleverly tucked inside playground equipment, all in preparation for children aged seven and above to find.

For the younger tots six and below, their egg hunt adventure involved frisking through long swaths of cloth draped over the field of North View Primary School for the much-sought-after ovals concealed within the folds of the fabric.

As the children emerged triumphant with their booty of elliptical gems in tow, Professor Ho, who is also Member of Parliament for Nee Soon East, feted them for their part in the record breaking feat. “You can tell your friends, today you have helped to make history,” he said.

For K.I.T.E., this is the third year in a row they are holding the hunt, this time in collaboration with North View Primary School. Each year, the event has grown bigger, achieving new highs in attendance.

However, this year, to encourage the involvement of special needs children, K.I.T.E. set itself a goal of breaking a new record—creating the biggest egg mosaic. In conjunction with the hunt, 14 children from RAYZ, a partner organization of K.I.T.E. which focuses on providing services for the intellectually-challenged, helped to piece together a huge egg-shaped collage from 5,644 multi-colored plastic eggs.

Elaborating on this new feat, Eileen Toh, director of K.I.T.E. said, “We wanted those with special needs who may have difficulties competing with the rest of the children in the hunt, to still be able to stay indoors and break a record.”

K.I.T.E. and North View Primary received the awards for the biggest egg hunt and the biggest egg mosaic from Singapore Book of Records President, Ong Eng Huat.

At the heart of K.I.T.E. is a mission to inspire children toward their full potential. The annual egg hunt’s success was evident not just from the new records set but also from the beaming faces of the children and their families as they went about the day’s assignment.

Young strategists could be heard planning the best methods to amass the most number of precious orbs within the shortest time. Psychologist Susan Sullivan, 42, whose 10-year-old daughter was a budding egg-hunter lauded this camaraderie. “I think today is very good because it helps the children get involved in something together, learning to work together and not to fight,” she said.

Other eager parents fussed over the best receptacles to use to hold the hard-earned treasures—whether plastic or cloth bags, the traditional basket, or even caps. However, the most astonishing egg-holding vessel must have been that of an overturned umbrella seen at the sidelines of the hunting ground of the park under close guard of an eagle-eyed adult, filled with dozens of the shiny ovals.

“It is so good to see mothers, fathers and even grandparents here,” enthused Professor Ho. Commending K.I.T.E. on its programs which include tuition classes, home visitations and enrichment activities apart from community events like the egg hunt, he further said, “This is what we need in families, a total, holistic approach.”
During the event, Professor Ho also presented bursaries from K.I.T.E. worth S$200 each to five children from low-income families.

Commenting on the day’s activities, North View Primary’s Principal, Ng Yeow Ling said, “This collaboration between K.I.T.E. and our school has not only brought joy to our pupils and many others, but also provided the opportunity for our school to make a positive impact in the Nee Soon East community.”

CN PHOTOS: Gabriel Seow

Amongst residents who welcomed the egg hunt being held in their neighborhood were the Wongs. One mother, Eileen, 40 only learned about the event when she passed by the school that morning but wasted no time in rallying her 9-year-old son and 6-year-old daughter to participate. “It was so much fun even though it was our first time,” she said. Older boy Kai Jie succeeded in collecting a noteworthy 30 eggs.

Nevertheless, it may not have been the quantity of eggs accumulated which mattered at the end of the day as only selected orbs contained prize slips that would lead to the hunt’s true spoils—coveted toys such as bicycles, board games, frisbees and more.

Akila Deswari, 8, may have picked up a meager four eggs but was delighted to find the “golden ticket” for one of the top prizes of a remote control helicopter inside. “I love my helicopter,” she gushed.

Whether or not they walked away with a prize, every child assuredly brought back with them happy memories of an enjoyable day spent with friends and family. For the year ahead, K.I.T.E. plans to work closely with the Singapore Book of Records to explore how they can continue to push new boundaries in their efforts to foster stronger family and community ties.

Children and people with special needs prove that regardless of age or limitation, everyone can do their part for charity.

CN PHOTOS: Michael Chan

The sound of young voices singing reverberated from television sets all over Singapore as 30 children from YoungTalents, an arm of City Harvest Community Services Association, took to the stage in the opening act of the Thong Chai Charity Night.

Telecast live on Channel 8 from MediaCorp’s TV Theatre, the children, aged between five and 11, joined Campus Superstar 2009 winner, Jarod Lee, 15, and runner-up, Ai Jia, 16, to perform the fundraiser’s theme song, “Shou Hu”.

The star-studded TV fundraiser also featured international superstar Jackie Chan, and Hong Kong singer Wakin Chau. But these stars were not the only stars that night.

Also pitching in to raise funds that evening was a group of 11 individuals with special needs, representing RAYZ, a department of CHCSA that caters to the intellectually-challenged.  Their simple sincerity, seen in the expressions on their faces, touched many hearts as they used sign language to accompany veteran artiste Zhuang Xue Fang as she rendered her evergreen hit, “Gan En De Xin”.

Performing alongside them were contestants from MediaCorp’s Channel 8 reality show, Super Mummy, who were moved by what these special needs people could do despite their challenges they. “I really admire them; they picked up the tune in no time,” said contestant, Natalie Lee, 35.

This can-do attitude towards doing their part for the community regardless of age or ability lies at the heart of YoungTalents’ and RAYZ’s involvement in Singapore Thong Chai Medical Institute’s first-ever television charity show.

“We have received a lot from the community, so when there is a chance for us to do something in return, we should definitely take that opportunity,” said Santhi Singaram, program coordinator for RAYZ’s item. “Sign language is something that they are skilled at, so that was their gift to the show.”

The program coordinator for YoungTalent’s item, Constance Yong, echoed Singaram’s sentiments. “We want to ensure that we don’t just perform, but in whatever we do, we are giving back to society,” said Yong.

Other performers who did not let their limitations hinder them from making a contribution included physically-impaired dancing duo, Ma Li and Zhai Xiao Wei, as well as singers Ricky Hsiao and Kelvin Tan, both blind.

The Chinese dancers each lost a limb in devastating vehicle accidents. Even though Ma is missing her right arm and Zhai, his left leg, their heartfelt determination in overcoming their handicap is an inspiration to all, especially those who are physically-challenged. Donations poured in as the pair effortlessly careened around the stage, cleverly using Zhai’s wheelchair and crutch as props.

Hsiao, a Taiwanese singer-songwriter, and Tan, winner of Project SuperStar 2005, also impressed studio audience and TV viewers with their flawless solo and duet song items.

The strength of the human spirit expressed in these performances resonates well with CHCSA and STCMI as both organizations share a steadfast commitment to the community at large, irrespective of race or religion.

CHCSA espouses an ethos of extending practical demonstrations of love, especially to the marginalized of society, which includes the elderly, the young, the intellectually-challenged and the physically-impaired.

STCMI was started as a charitable clinic in 1867 and has been serving people by providing free medical consultation and traditional Chinese medicine for over a hundred years. The television fundraiser was held as part of efforts to expand the institution’s 33-year-old building at Chin Swee Road, housing its clinic, as well as to upgrade its medical facilities and equipment.

The theme song, “Shou Hu”, meaning “watching over,” aptly reflects STCMI’s work in partnering with the public to watch over patients in need, helping them towards recovery. The song was specially composed for the event by SuperBand 2008 runner-up, Da Feng Chui, with lyrics penned by solo artiste, Lin Jiayu.

“The song is about the challenging life that patients lead,” said Lin, 25, contemplating the words of the ballad. “If everybody can do their part in love, every patient will eventually see their rainbow,” he continued.

Da Feng Chui’s keyboardist, Estella Sia, 27, added that they hoped the song could, “encourage the patients, and also thank their parents, caregivers, and [STCMI] on [the patients’] behalf.”

Speaking about their involvement in the show, 29-year-old lead singer of the band, Zhen Liang said, “If foreign artistes like Jackie Chan and Wakin Chau can travel here just to perform for charity, all the more we should be helping our fellow Singaporeans.”

Concurring with him was young singing champion, Lee. “I don’t mind doing more charity shows because it can help more people,” he quipped.

The international guests who showed support for the event, apart from Chan and Chau, included TV star Michelle Yim and singer Sky Wu.

Renowned for his kungfu flicks and Hollywood crossovers such as Shanghai Knights, Chan, who is also STCMI’s charity ambassador, announced during the show that he was personally donating S$100,000 to the institution’s cause.

Being in such fine company, the YoungTalents found themselves starstruck. Flash bulbs went into overdrive as the friendly actor obliged the children and special needs people with a photo opportunity backstage.

Many of the YoungTalents will remember the evening because of the celebrities they got to meet. RAYZ client Jun Quan, 23, was excited to have had a chance to interact on stage with one of the night’s host, local actor Mark Lee.

Quan, 23, told City News, “I am so excited to meet all the actors and actresses in MediaCorp.” A big fan of celebrities, Quan endearingly refers to himself as Jay Chou, after the Taiwanese pop idol.

For others, participating in the show marked their maiden appearance on national television. Asked why the night was special, 5-year-old Ephraim Tan from YoungTalents gushed, “Because I got to appear on TV!”

By the end of the three-hour event, S$7.23 million had been raised for STCMI from members of the public and corporate donors.

Now, a month after the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti, some things are beginning to look up. City News speaks to CityCare’s Team Two leader Lim Meng Chin.

CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

The resilience of the Haitian people is a shining beacon amidst the staggering death and destruction of the earthquake that hit this impoverished Caribbean nation.

A mere 10 days after the devastating quake left over 200,000 dead and about a million homeless, the second CityCare humanitarian team arrived in the capital Port-Au-Prince to find citizens attempting to return to some form of normalcy.

“By the time we got there, people were already back in business, selling things in the markets,” said team leader, Lim Meng Chin, who has previously helped in three other natural disaster relief efforts, including tsunami-hit Banda Aceh in 2005 and earthquake-hit Sichuan in 2008.

“When you look at the Sichuan earthquake, after one month the people were still in a daze, not thinking. In Haiti, however, the people are very strong,” Lim, 34, added.

This same courageous spirit was exhibited by the Haitian translators that supported CityCare. Lim commended them for selflessly putting aside their personal loss of loved ones and homes to support the relief efforts. “They stayed positive and upbeat throughout,” he noted.

As the disaster-torn country bravely strives to pick up its pieces, many areas remain in need of medical aid. Over the seven days they were in Haiti, the 10-member CityCare Team Two initiated the set up of three mobile clinics in the badly hit coastal town of Gressier, located west of Port-Au-Prince.

With the clear objective of treating injuries and open wounds, the five doctors, three nurses, one medic and Lim rallied together, tirelessly tending to 80 to 120 victims daily. Some of the toughest moments they faced were when the doctors had to perform amputations and major operations.

CN PHOTO: Michael Chan

Team member, Dr. Vincent Chen, a retired senior consultant who owns his own clinic, proved an inspiration to the rest because of his resourcefulness, optimism and modesty. Lim commented, “At the age of 59 and with the kind of accomplishments he has behind him, he is such a humble person,” said Lim.

A strong esprit de corps also permeated the global disaster relief teams in Haiti. CityCare’s teams found themselves interacting and quickly formed alliances with various aid organizations from different countries. Different workers had different kinds of expertise, and they grouped themselves with the common goal of helping as many Haitians as possible.

“It was like a little United Nations coming together—[everybody was sharing] medication, doctors, food, rescue,” Lim said enthusiastically. In particular, CityCare had the privilege of working with some paramedics and firefighters from the United States who were ready to enter the most difficult places to conduct rescue operations.

The sight of crushed limbs and maggots festering on infected wounds may not be easily forgotten; but what is definitely indelible is the gratitude of the people they have helped. For Lim, one high point was “when one of the patients told our doctors, ‘Because you are here, we know we have hope to face our future.’”

The team was also touched by the appreciation of the local translators. “They said to us, words alone cannot express what we have done for the people. Just being there is already a form of support that shows them that the world has not forgotten Haiti,” he said.

Even more memorable may be the smiles and laughter the team managed to bring to the children of Haiti. The fame of Jet Li and Jackie Chan had preceded the Singapore team, and in the minds of these young ones all Chinese are kung fu experts.

Team members gamely played along, performing “martial arts stunts” and “sparring” with the children to give temporary relief from the terrible conditions of the dilapidated orphanages that these children are currently housed in.

PHOTO: MELVIN LYE

Seeing these boys and girls sleeping on hard boards instead of proper beds in less than hygienic quarters, their tiny bodies covered with flies, was especially heartbreaking for team members, especially those who were parents themselves.

The needs of the people of Haiti continue to be overwhelming. Urgently required are waterproof tents, clean water and flu vaccines to prevent widespread illness and disease during the ongoing rainy season.

To make a donation to the CityCare Haiti Relief Fund or volunteer for upcoming humanitarian trips, log on to www.citycare.org.sg.

Teachers new and old recommit their vocation at the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship Dedication Service.

CN PHOTO: Poh Yang Zheng

“Are you searching for lost donkeys?” was the curious question posed by senior educator Winston Hodge to the group he spoke to, of more than 70 teachers gathered at the Teachers’ Christian Fellowship Dedication Service, held on Jan. 30.

TCF is a fellowship that exists to encourage Christian teachers, enable them to relate their faith to education, get to know other Christian teachers, and help them formulate a biblical perspective towards educational issues. This year marked the first dedication service since 2006, when TCF took a break.

Hodge, who has been involved with education in Singapore for the last 30 years, drew his question from the Bible passage 1 Samuel 9 where Saul is absorbed in the ordinary task of searching for his father’s lost donkeys, oblivious that God has already ordained him to be king.

Speaking at the Anglo Chinese School (Primary) Drama Theatre, Hodge’s point to his audience was that, “in the midst of all the demands of our personal and professional lives, we must never, never lose sight that we have been already anointed to serve God and His purposes.”

Hodge further asserted that God’s purposes for educators are in line with the Teachers’ Vision launched by the Ministry of Education in 2009 of leading, caring and inspiring.

Quoting John 13:1-18, he illustrated how Jesus, the Master Teacher, exemplified these three attributes through the act of washing His disciples’ feet.

Mirroring his message was TCF chairperson, Lucy Toh, who works at MOE’s headquarters. Her hope for Christian teachers in the year ahead was that they would know the love of Christ more. “The closer we stay to Him, the more we can achieve for Him,” she said.

Love was put into action in the service during a time of prayer which began with representative teacher Esther Tok-Lee from Geylang Methodist School (Primary) praying for parentsand caregivers to become pillars of strength for students. She also prayed for strong home-school partnerships between teachers and parents.

A representative parent, Dawn Tan- Yip prayed for teachers to be able to respond with love to parents and the students’ various caregivers, as well as to reflect Christ in their every interaction with colleagues and students.

The teachers gathered also took time to rededicate themselves to the Lord’s service by reflecting on and reciting in unity a teachers’ pledge for Christian educators as well as a dedication prayer.

Hodge’s message resonated with teachers-to-be from the National Institute of Education Christian Union.

Teacher-in-training, Tan Soh Hi, said, “One of the points he made was about realizing that God has a purpose for us. I think sometimes as beginning teachers we are not aware of that and are quite fixed on the small things.”

Members of NIECU presented two songs during the service, “Jesus Is Lord” and “There Is A Hope”.

The tradition of holding an annual dedication service began in 1983 but ceased in 2006. This year, the tradition was rekindled as part of TCF’s overall objective of encouraging and building up Christians who serve in the field of education.

From Nov. 18 to 22, 2009, Tan Ye Peng, Deputy Senior Pastor of City Harvest Church, was in Bandung, Indonesia to share the Word of God at GBI Sukawarna.

Over 13 sessions with various groups from the 12,000 strong church, Tan engaged the congregation with passion and humor, bringing fresh perspectives to familiar biblical passages.

A key message he had for both church and business leaders was the importance of having strong Bible-based values that cultivate unity as the foundation to building enduring organizations.

Tan also encouraged GBI Sukawarna’s staff to be unafraid of trying new and even unusual methods as they strive to bring transformation to the Bandung community.

His message to the church at large was one of renewed hope to move on with God to greater things as the Scriptures promise that the latter days will always be better than the former.

A moving sermon about not needing numerous idols but only one true God who meets all our needs at the church’s Mandarin service saw around 30 people giving their hearts to Jesus.

PHOTOS: Joshua Lim

The concept of a church without walls could be seen in action at PT. Kamarga Kurnia Textile, a textile factory owned by one of the church’s pastors. Here, Tan brought the Word of God into the marketplace, preaching to business partners, suppliers and staff during the factory’s weekly chapel session.

During one youth service, tears streamed down the faces of the many young people who were touched as Tan spoke about bringing to life again dreams that have died.

The leadership of GBI Sukawarna was so appreciative of Tan’s impartation that they have invited him to visit the church again.

Teachers showing their appreciation to others on Teachers’ Day?  The unique philosophy behind eduNet was in full bloom in its latest initiative, Teacher Moment, which rallied teachers to celebrate other teachers who had made a difference in their lives.

The seeds of what today is eduNet were planted in late 2007 when a group of friends, drawn by their common profession as educators, sought to be an encouragement to the education fraternity and a catalyst for teachers to spur each other towards excellence.

Teacher Moment is the most recent event which provided an avenue for people to take a moment to touch their teachers’ hearts in celebration of Teachers’ Day this year. The centerpiece of the initiative is a commemorative booklet of personal accounts from teachers appreciating their fellow educators, mentors and ex-teachers.

Director-General of Education, Ho Peng, captured the spirit behind the initiative in the booklet’s opening message: “This collection of stories attests to the outstanding work of our teachers in touching lives. They serve to encourage us (as teachers) in our own journey in making a difference in the lives of others.”

Teacher Moment also garnered mainstream media attention when its web portal (www.teachermoment.sg) was featured in Chinese daily, Lianhe Zaobao last 27 July. The portal goes beyond the four walls of educational institutions to create a space where the public can pay tribute to teachers through messages, photos and videos.

Past initiatives by eduNet included Class Dismissed: Lessons Beyond the Classroom, a publication comprising learnings and experiences from veteran educators given out to teachers-to-be at the National Institute of Education during Teachers’ Day in 2008.

At the core of the publication is a desire to inspire a generation of new educators. Speaking with City News, Chairman of eduNet, who is also the Principal of North View Primary School, Ng Yeow Ling, shared, “The moment you’re here not just to do things day in day out, but you’re here knowing you’re touching the future, these are lives you’re moulding — so this to me is very basic, something a generation of new educators must embrace.”

Ng elaborated that these new educators would be able to, “look beyond their own students, their own classroom, to contribute to the larger professionalism of teaching by being an inspiration to the fraternity.”

For eduNet, in the near future, this means serving the teaching community better through more focused groups for segments ranging from pre-school teachers to educators at institutions of higher learning. Eventually eduNet hopes to have a presence in every school.

What will continue to guide eduNet’s work is a strong belief in optimism to overcome teaching challenges and a principle of always investing in initiatives that are life-giving, instead of life-depleting.

As Ng aptly puts in a nutshell, “deep in the heart of what it means to educate is really to make the world a better place, for generations to come.” And there is no place better to start with than with educators themselves.

Teacher Moment and Class Dismissed: Lessons Beyond the Classroom are available for download at www.teachermoment.sg.

Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back may have been published only a year ago, but the inspirational story of author, Elisabetta Franzoso’s personal transformation has certainly gotten others grooving to its life-changing insights.

The book’s first anniversary at The Pod, National Library Building on 16 September 2009 was a celebration of the awareness and action of people who have been touched by Franzoso’s powerful journey. In 1997, she courageously began confronting the pain of childhood abuse to attain wholeness as a mother, wife and businesswoman.

The evening’s guest speaker, neuroscientist, wheelchair marathon champion and philanthropist, Dr. William Tan, 52, reflected on how Franzoso’s mantra of self-responsibility recently became very real to him in his own journey from denial to commitment as he battles leukemia.

Diagnosed with the disease in April this year, Tan shared, “I’ve realized it’s important for me to allow my emotions to be released (in my) difficulty in coming to terms with my cancer, and then move on from there. So I always tell myself, I have to move on, and not only move on forward, but move up to a higher vantage point.”

Others who spoke at the event resonated with the same indomitable spirit the book inspires. Among them was fitness trainer, Lucy Lyon, 32, who related how anorexia controlled her and seemed to make choices for her until she realized how little she really cared for herself.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh

Performance coach, Marcel Daane, 42, described how he overcame his anger towards his abusive parents, which manifested in substance abuse, by becoming accountable for his own actions.

For Mongolian sportswoman and ultra marathon winner, Anne Qihui Date, 28, Fronzoso’s book was her little “miracle”, helping her unlearn the need to please people, inculcated growing up in a traditional Asian family.

Seeing how her story has influenced people, Franzoso is no longer, “walking towards her dream but living it,” as the book becomes a catalyst for abuse to be addressed openly.

Her continuing passion to help others brims as she shares, “The more you talk about this topic, the more you can take away the darkness and really enter the light. The more you can let go of the denial, the more you can do something about it.”

Stella’s Mum Gets Her Groove Back is available at Borders, Kinokuniya and Popular for S$28.80.