Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home
What are children? The dictionary described children as a person of either sex especially one between infancy and youth, hence one who exhibits the characteristics of a very young person, as innocence, trustfulness, obedience and with limited understanding.
Isn't it true to say that where you were born makes a big difference to a child's life? The country that you were born and the family you were given birth determines how fortunate we are and in our growing up years. Yet in successful countries, there are still many cases of children who may be orphaned, abused or grow up without parental love and guidance.
Of course we need to take care of the elderly but children are completely innocent. Like you and me, they did not asked to be born yet in the right environment with love, care and guidance they could grow up as bright, happy and useful young men, women and citizens. When I was young, I heard this song "Nobody's Child" especially the one from a vinyl album I have from teeny-bopper Agnes Chan that made me cry and think of defenceless and innocent children.
(Please highlight the link, right click, from the box click "go to:" or "search for:" to access)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUY2c214DWk
We have been doing things for the elderly:
http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2014/02/charity.html
http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2014/03/lee-fun-nam-kee-chicken-rice.html
So a few of us asked: "Why not the children?"
We do not wish to just give money as we do not have a lot to give. To lend greater meaning, we wanted to be involved in the little things for charity.
There is no greater leadership than leadership by example. Show the children love and happiness then we will have a future world of love and happiness. Teach them hatred and anger and we will have a world at war. So we had chosen to do something for "Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home". You can find out more about "CSLMCH" from their website link here:
http://www.cslmch.org.sg/index.html
We did a simple thing of sponsoring a catered buffet meal for tea break for the children and staffs at Chen Su Lan so that the children can have a fantastic time to enjoy the food and that the staffs can join in the fun. There was also a contribution of vouchers for children to purchase books.
I am writing this so that we can recognise that we are despite the various problems we have in life, still a rather fortunate lot but at the same time, we could also have been vastly different due to circumstances. So while we are able we must do something for the lesser off in our society. I believe children are a gift from God in heaven and we are their temporal custodians on earth.
What Does Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home Do?
They care for children whose parents cannot care for them due to a number of different reasons (e.g. the parents have financial difficulties, parents are in prison, the children have been abused, the children are special needs).
Isn't it true to say that where you were born makes a big difference to a child's life? The country that you were born and the family you were given birth determines how fortunate we are and in our growing up years. Yet in successful countries, there are still many cases of children who may be orphaned, abused or grow up without parental love and guidance.
Of course we need to take care of the elderly but children are completely innocent. Like you and me, they did not asked to be born yet in the right environment with love, care and guidance they could grow up as bright, happy and useful young men, women and citizens. When I was young, I heard this song "Nobody's Child" especially the one from a vinyl album I have from teeny-bopper Agnes Chan that made me cry and think of defenceless and innocent children.
(Please highlight the link, right click, from the box click "go to:" or "search for:" to access)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUY2c214DWk
We have been doing things for the elderly:
http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2014/02/charity.html
http://gforce-guru.blogspot.sg/2014/03/lee-fun-nam-kee-chicken-rice.html
So a few of us asked: "Why not the children?"
We do not wish to just give money as we do not have a lot to give. To lend greater meaning, we wanted to be involved in the little things for charity.
There is no greater leadership than leadership by example. Show the children love and happiness then we will have a future world of love and happiness. Teach them hatred and anger and we will have a world at war. So we had chosen to do something for "Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home". You can find out more about "CSLMCH" from their website link here:
http://www.cslmch.org.sg/index.html
We did a simple thing of sponsoring a catered buffet meal for tea break for the children and staffs at Chen Su Lan so that the children can have a fantastic time to enjoy the food and that the staffs can join in the fun. There was also a contribution of vouchers for children to purchase books.
I am writing this so that we can recognise that we are despite the various problems we have in life, still a rather fortunate lot but at the same time, we could also have been vastly different due to circumstances. So while we are able we must do something for the lesser off in our society. I believe children are a gift from God in heaven and we are their temporal custodians on earth.
What Does Chen Su Lan Methodist Children's Home Do?
They care for children whose parents cannot care for them due to a number of different reasons (e.g. the parents have financial difficulties, parents are in prison, the children have been abused, the children are special needs).
-They offer these children:
1. Temporary care (they sleep in dormitories at the Home and our operational staff ensure that they go to school, are fed, washed, behave and are cared for when they are sick or unhappy);
2. Counselling (their team of 6 social workers monitor and counsel the children and their parents to help them deal with their trauma and solve their difficulties);
3. Reintegration (if and when the child and parents are ready to live together again we bring them back to their homes. We generally reintegrate about 80% of the children within 6 months to 5 years. The remaining 20% stay at Chen Su Lan until they have finished school and started working).
They only accept children between 5-16 years old and only via MSF or social workers at Family Service Centres, Schools and Hospitals. There are currently 89 children and youths (46 boys and 43 girls) staying at the Children’s Home: 5-11 years old: 31 (16 boys/15 girls); 12-14 years old: 28 (17 boys/11 girls); 15-21 years old: 30 (13 boys / 17 girls).
1. Temporary care (they sleep in dormitories at the Home and our operational staff ensure that they go to school, are fed, washed, behave and are cared for when they are sick or unhappy);
2. Counselling (their team of 6 social workers monitor and counsel the children and their parents to help them deal with their trauma and solve their difficulties);
3. Reintegration (if and when the child and parents are ready to live together again we bring them back to their homes. We generally reintegrate about 80% of the children within 6 months to 5 years. The remaining 20% stay at Chen Su Lan until they have finished school and started working).
They only accept children between 5-16 years old and only via MSF or social workers at Family Service Centres, Schools and Hospitals. There are currently 89 children and youths (46 boys and 43 girls) staying at the Children’s Home: 5-11 years old: 31 (16 boys/15 girls); 12-14 years old: 28 (17 boys/11 girls); 15-21 years old: 30 (13 boys / 17 girls).
What we can do to help
them:
1. Donations: Money in cash or cheque (which is tax deductible) or donations in kind. For the latter, our needs change every month, but they usually include food items, cleaning products and stationary. They can send us their needs list every month if we would be interested in helping them this way. They especially like receiving vouchers for stores like the Popular Book store because it allows them to buy items that they need for the children (like clothes, stationary etc..), it gives them more flexibility and it saves storage space. Some organisations simply donate without any fanfare on a monthly or adhoc basis, others combines a donation with a company event (like a gold tournament or a Christmas dinner).
2. Events for the Children at Chen Su Lan:
An event for the children with different activities depending on the number of volunteers, budget and age group of the children (eg sports, games, face painting, bead making etc..)
A meal (lunch, dinner or a tea break) depending on the time of day, budget and age group;
Goody bags / presents for the kids (depending on the time of year, budget etc..)
Operational help: some groups/companies help us by coming over to Chen Su Lan with a team of colleagues to help to clean, paint, fix things or do other major works.
Outings: You can invite a group of our children on a sponsored excursion to do something fun or interesting (go to the zoo, cinema etc.) However we usually only do this with organisations who we know well and have worked with in the past.These options involve more work and planning, but the advantage is that you get to meet the children and you can combine it with a team building outing for your employees.
3. Educational / employment help: The older children are finishing their studies so we would really like to introduce them to different companies and vocations in order to stimulate them to choose a vocational direction and find employment. So we are always interested companies who are willing to give our older children and youths a tour of their workplace, holiday employment opportunities or traineeships / work attachments depending on their age, educational background and interests.
1. Donations: Money in cash or cheque (which is tax deductible) or donations in kind. For the latter, our needs change every month, but they usually include food items, cleaning products and stationary. They can send us their needs list every month if we would be interested in helping them this way. They especially like receiving vouchers for stores like the Popular Book store because it allows them to buy items that they need for the children (like clothes, stationary etc..), it gives them more flexibility and it saves storage space. Some organisations simply donate without any fanfare on a monthly or adhoc basis, others combines a donation with a company event (like a gold tournament or a Christmas dinner).
2. Events for the Children at Chen Su Lan:
An event for the children with different activities depending on the number of volunteers, budget and age group of the children (eg sports, games, face painting, bead making etc..)
A meal (lunch, dinner or a tea break) depending on the time of day, budget and age group;
Goody bags / presents for the kids (depending on the time of year, budget etc..)
Operational help: some groups/companies help us by coming over to Chen Su Lan with a team of colleagues to help to clean, paint, fix things or do other major works.
Outings: You can invite a group of our children on a sponsored excursion to do something fun or interesting (go to the zoo, cinema etc.) However we usually only do this with organisations who we know well and have worked with in the past.These options involve more work and planning, but the advantage is that you get to meet the children and you can combine it with a team building outing for your employees.
3. Educational / employment help: The older children are finishing their studies so we would really like to introduce them to different companies and vocations in order to stimulate them to choose a vocational direction and find employment. So we are always interested companies who are willing to give our older children and youths a tour of their workplace, holiday employment opportunities or traineeships / work attachments depending on their age, educational background and interests.
They say that a picture paints a thousand words. So here it is for a few thousand words:
The entrance to the home at 202, Serangoon Garden Way. From the famous Chomp Chomp at Serangoon Gardens, go straight pass Pow Sing Restaurant and all the way in.
The entrance to the home at 202, Serangoon Garden Way. From the famous Chomp Chomp at Serangoon Gardens, go straight pass Pow Sing Restaurant and all the way in.
Chen Su Lan Methodist Childrens' Home.
The place is immaculately maintained and spotless.
A small chapel is located right in the middle of the compound.
I said a little prayer for all the children and and I thank God for all the dedicated staffs and I yearn for all children to grow up with love and to be great parents.
A staff and a few uncles were so kind to turn service providers.
I realised that only the older folks love vermicelli (bee hoon) but younger people these days prefer the other western style diet like hot dogs. I found a soul mate here who loves bee hoon.
As I haven't had my meal and was hungry, I, too shared a meal of bee hoon which the uncle gladly served me. Thank you uncle, two "siew mai"please.
There were various types of food to satisfy different tastes.
It brought a quiet joy and warmth to our hearts that it was quality time well spent to see the children occupied and enjoying the food.
Unspeakable joy if we can do a little, even just a little. A drop in a pond can create a ripple. The Bible says: "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he shall not depart from it". Proverbs 22: 6 (NKJV)
Children may not do what you say but they shall surely do what you their parents do.
The old children of yesteryear. Still children actually, blessed children. Teach Your Children as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young would say.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkaKwXddT_I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkaKwXddT_I
Even the most successful countries in the world have people that need our help, where circumstances and time passed them by but he ain't heavy, he's my brother even though the road may be long with many a winding turn that leads us to who knows where. But I am strong, strong enough to carry him. (Here are the Hollies):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jl5vi9ir49g
For I am saddened that everyone's heart is not filled with gladness, even for just one heart that is beating. All this world needs is for us to love one another.
These are just children we see at the home. What about those young ones who are troubled but are not here? Whose parents could be abusive, gamblers, drunkards, drug addicts or who may be having affairs and breaking up a family? Why do young children have to bear the brunt of their parents' indiscrimination? Start to change the world by being good parents. You cannot guarantee how your children will turn out but you increase their chances if you lead by example.
Children's needs are not your money, expensive gifts and iPads and toys, etc. They need your time, for you to be around for them when they are growing up. It is the most precious gifts. Even the most precious gift for family and friends is your time not money or gifts.
http://www.lifebuzz.com/child-draws/
Change the life of a child forever - at least we must try. We have to ask ourselves - If not now, when. If not here, where? If not you, who?
I shall leave you with a beautiful song from White Lion - When The Children Cry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAFH2_3o-oo
"Little child, Dry your crying eyes. How can I explain, The fear you feel inside? 'Cause you were born, Into this evil world. Where man is killing man, And no one knows just why. What have we become?
Just look what we have done, All that we destroyed, You must build again.
Just look what we have done, All that we destroyed, You must build again.
When the children cry, Let them know we tried. 'Cause when the children sing, Then the new world begins.
Little child, You must show the way. To a better day, For all the young. 'Cause you were born, For all the world to see, That we all can live, With love and peace. No more presidents And all the wars will end. One united world, Under God.
When the children cry, Let them know we tried. 'Cause when the children sing, Then the new world begins.What have we become? Just look what we have done. All that we destroyed, You must build again. No more presidents, And all the wars will end. One united world, Under God.
When the children cry, Let them know we tried. When the children fight, Let them know it ain't right. When the children pray, Let them know the way. 'Cause when the children sing, Then the new world begins."
You and I have been fortunate. So spread the love.
You and I have been fortunate. So spread the love.
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