Winning Entry

I would sign us up to be volunteers for Human Library Singapore. The organisation provides a safe platform for individuals to share their opinions, converse with others from different walks of life and challenge the stereotypes and prejudices that they may have.

I feel that everyone has a story to tell and something to offer to anyone who is willing to listen. With the current social distancing measures in place due to COVID-19, we are deprived of daily face-to-face interactions beyond our immediate family members or close social circles. This is a good way for us to get out of our shells, have meaningful conversations with others and learn an interesting thing or two along the way.

Low Yen Peng, LTA

Congratulations, Yen Peng! You win $100 worth of BooksActually vouchers to support even more local stories.

Other Winning Entries

I would rally my colleagues to start a “Birthday Donation” social trend. During their birthday month, each person can start an online donation rally by informing their friends and relatives to donate to a chosen charity with the amount they had planned to use for buying a gift.

They can still send love and well wishes to the birthday boy or girl, and help someone in need at the same time. Some people might scratch their heads thinking of presents to buy and give, while the receiving party might not find them useful at times. With a birthday donation, it will be meaningful for both parties and be helpful for a cause.

Jessica Tan, HDB

I would rally my colleagues to support the migrant workers. We could engage in a two- to three-day event to gather donations for clothes and reusable items from the various donation organisations in Singapore. Subsequently, we would run a ground census for migrant workers in the dormitories to ascertain the ones most in need among them. We can then distribute the goods accordingly.

The migrant workers would be able to send home the more expensive items. This would ease the burden for their families in their home countries, give the migrant workers a sense of satisfaction and help to show that we care.

Mohd Faizal Osman, MOM

I would like to rally a group of volunteers to hold storytelling sessions for children at void decks.

When I was a little kid, there was an aunty or an uncle who sat at the void deck or playground to read a story once a week to the children. I did not know who they were or where they came from, but I enjoyed listening to the stories. Every month at a particular day and time, we would all go downstairs and wait for the aunty/uncle to come and tell us a story. All of us would sit on the floor and listen. That was where I picked up my storytelling and reading skills when I was in primary school as I was unable to go to the library by myself since both of my parents were working.

I hope children today won't miss the opportunity to learn by listening through storytelling. Besides storytelling sessions for them at void decks, I would also like to bring storytelling to their doorstep, especially for those with parents who are too busy to bring them to the library.

Melody Joy Lim, GovTech

I would like to encourage my colleagues to take the elderly from the old folks’ homes for a tour around Singapore, from famous tourist spots to heritage places to nature trips. This will bring a smile to the elderly’s faces and it’s a great way to show our appreciation for their years of hard work and dedication that brought us to what we are today. There would be a mutual benefit to both parties as we would be able to learn from their stories and experiences about life and careers. In turn, the elderly would benefit from making new friends as well as having the chance to explore modern Singapore.

Mubaraka D/O Yusuf, A*STAR

If I were to rally colleagues to volunteer for a cause, it would be to help get strays dogs off the streets and into shelters.

Without humans, the dogs lead tough, uncertain and dangerous lives outside. They also face more challenges during treacherous weather conditions.

Volunteer work can include taking care of their basic needs at shelters or walking them. The more challenging task of protecting the dogs out in the open could involve trapping them to attend to their medical needs.

As we interact with the strays, they will begin to trust humans. This will help them socialise with people so they become less wary or timid, preparing them for possible adoptions. Besides keeping us active, spending time with animals will help us manage our stress levels.

Julie Ng, MOE

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• Engaging Library Users In Novel Ways