The work of legal and social service practitioners often goes hand-in-hand when it comes to supporting communities in need. That’s what fuelled our Law students from the School of Law and Social Work students from the S R Nathan School of Human Development to engage Mr Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Social and Family Development, and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in a lively discussion.
![SUSS School of Law faculty and students with Mr Eric Chua SUSS School of Law faculty and students with Mr Eric Chua](/images/default-source/news/2024/bridging-hearts-and-laws-the-power-duo-of-social-work-and-legal-aid/suss-school-of-law-faculty-and-students-with-mr-eric-chua.tmb-600_315.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=fdbd31ea_1)
SUSS School of Law faculty and students with Mr Eric Chua (first row, fourth from left). (Photo credits: Ministry of Social and Family Development)
From the session, our students gleaned valuable insights into Singapore's social support systems and the lives they can touch.
![Mr Eric Chua in an engaging discussion with SUSS law and social work students Mr Eric Chua in an engaging discussion with SUSS law and social work students](/images/default-source/news/2024/bridging-hearts-and-laws-the-power-duo-of-social-work-and-legal-aid/mr-eric-chua-in-an-engaging-discussion-with-suss-law-and-social-work-students.tmb-600_315.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=42aa10a_1)
Mr Eric Chua in an engaging discussion with SUSS law and social work students. (Photo credits: Ministry of Social and Family Development)
Shared Ren Kai, a Year 2 Bachelor of Law student, "I learnt that it is not a one-size-fits-all, but a 'screwdriver' approach used by social workers to customise support for each family.”
![Ren Kai, a Year 2 SUSS Bachelor of Law student, posing a question to Mr Eric Chua Ren Kai, a Year 2 SUSS Bachelor of Law student, posing a question to Mr Eric Chua](/images/default-source/news/2024/bridging-hearts-and-laws-the-power-duo-of-social-work-and-legal-aid/ren-kai-a-year-2-suss-bachelor-of-law-student-posing-a-question-to-mr-eric-chua.tmb-600_315.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=80661bbe_1)
Ren Kai, a Year 2 SUSS Bachelor of Law student, posing a question to Mr Eric Chua. (Photo credits: Ministry of Social and Family Development)
Affirming this is Wendy Ong, a Year 4 Juris Doctor student, who described the session as a ‘wake-up call’ to understand the real needs of the community. “For me, the epiphany was learning that lower-income households only needed to pay $3 a month to send their child to preschool. And yet they don't."
This revelation struck a chord in her and caused her to ponder her role as a future community lawyer and the tangible changes she can effect.
![Wendy Ong, a Year 4 SUSS Juris Doctor student, exchanging views with Mr Eric Chua Wendy Ong, a Year 4 SUSS Juris Doctor student, exchanging views with Mr Eric Chua](/images/default-source/news/2024/bridging-hearts-and-laws-the-power-duo-of-social-work-and-legal-aid/wendy-ong-a-year-4-suss-juris-doctor-student-exchanging-views-with-mr-eric-chua.tmb-600_315.jpg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=58792093_1)
Wendy Ong, a Year 4 SUSS Juris Doctor student, exchanging views with Mr Eric Chua. (Photo credits: Ministry of Social and Family Development)
Inspired to make an impact on our community? Check out our law and social work programmes!