RAYZ organizes a talk for its clients on the subject of money.
Contributed By Jacobe Lim
Christine Taye (extreme left) participates in a money game. PHOTO COURTESY OF LIM YANNI.
“Your monthly income has just been credited into your bank account. What do you do with it?” This was the question posed to some 480 individuals with special needs at a seminar organized by RAYZ on Sep. 25.
Keeping away from financial jargon and technicalities commonly associated with such events, the seminar, titled Money Matters, proved to be an interesting and fun-filled way for the participants to learn more about managing their money.
Through the use of creative games, RAYZ workers set the tone of the seminar right from the start. Participants had to compete in teams to correctly match the cost of the items shown on the LED screen with the amount of money each team had. Lim Yan Ni, 27, a pre-school teacher who facilitated the game, commented that the participants were very enthusiastic and fast to respond with their answers.
The rest of the program involved educating the participants on practical tips of saving money and the importance of budgeting. Breaking down information into “bite-size” portions, the innovative team at RAYZ prepared a humorous skit to capture the crowd’s attention and highlight important values such as, “Don’t buy what you don’t need”; and “Don’t buy what you cannot afford.” RAYZ also engaged inspiring individuals to come and share their experience with the participants.
Justine Lee, founder of Soule and one of the winners of 2011’s Stars of SHINE awards, was one of the speakers invited to talk about the power of money in helping to achieve one’s dream.
Soule is a social enterprise set up by Lee and two other friends, John Tay and Lim Jing Ying, to provide school shoes to needy children in China. Lee shared that he had always been heartened by RAYZ’s work among people with special needs and was happy to be given the opportunity to speak at the event. Lee himself grew up with a background of financial lack; however, he followed the examples of those who have inspired him and applied life principles gleaned from these individuals.
“Success is not measured by what you can get, but rather, by what you can give,” he told the crowd, before urging all present to be more giving of their time and their encouraging words to loved ones.
Another invited guest was Joli Tjang, head of the Mathematics department of City College, whose topic was “Spend Smart.” Tjang spoke on being careful with one’s money. She introduced budgeting to the audience, a skill that not only helps them to allocate their money wisely but also encourages them to keep track of their expenditure.
Albert Tirtohardi, founder and managing director of Edgeworks Solutions Pte Ltd, was also invited to speak about being a “Super Saver.” Tirtohardi provided the audience a savings formula and showed them mathematically how their savings can amount to greater wealth for the future. He also highlighted to the audience various savings options such as saving in a bank and buying endowment plans. As he is an entrepreneur, Tirtohardi’s message was very convincing.
The clients of RAYZ came away from Money Matters with better understanding and resolve to save up and spend their money wisely.
RAYZ is a social service provided by CHCSA, reaching out to 450 clients. With the mission to improve the quality of life of their clients, RAYZ regularly puts together enrichment programs to impart their clients with important and practical life skills. For more information, visit www.chcsa.org.sg .
