The inaugural Provost 3H Fund – Community Impact Award (CIA), which recognises and spotlights the social/community impact of SUSS students’ collaborative efforts with the community, was awarded to The More We Get Together (TMWGT) project team.
The TMWGT project consists of 22 members and it encourages intergenerational bonding through monthly celebrations that bring children, youths, and seniors together. The project utilises a multi-stakeholder engagement approach to fulfil community priorities.
Professor Cheah Horn Mun, Dean of the College of Interdisciplinary & Experiential Learning, commended the TMWGT project for “demonstrating SUSS students’ dedication to working closely and sustainably with key community members, and across age groups, for long-term positive outcomes in the community.” He affirmed, “This project is one of the many student achievements that collectively enhance SUSS’ vision to be the leading university of social good.”
Since 2017, TMWGT has collaborated closely with Care Corner Active Ageing Centre and New Life Childcare Centre, to alleviate social isolation and other issues faced by seniors, and aid young ones in developing their social skills and becoming more comfortable interacting with seniors.
Children from the New Life Childcare Centre performing for seniors from the Care Corner Active Ageing Centre.
During the pandemic, TMWGT adapted to convert its physical programme to an online version. Mr Edward Tang, Assistant Manager from Care Corner Seniors Services who oversees the Active Ageing Centres in Woodlands, shared insights into the project’s development over the years and how it was essential to the community during the pandemic. “We have come a long way since our first engagement with SUSS students. The young add vibrancy to the events, and our seniors enjoy the engagements with them. When the pandemic hit Singapore, the programme was adapted to a virtual one. It was not easy but when we had our first online session, it was a heartwarming scene when the seniors saw familiar faces over the video calling apps as students and children alike waved to them from the screen. It also spurred our seniors to adopt technology and smart devices more readily, a timely move in the pandemic to combat social isolation”.
TMWGT student team conducting hybrid activities for seniors from the Care Corner Active Ageing Centre.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms Teow Yong Qing, the student leader of TMWGT said, “I was excited to start the project and plan unique activities with my team. However, as the months went by, I learnt that even though activities planning may be important, it is the interaction between the partners and seniors that is the most valuable. It has been a fruitful journey working with all partners and the team, as well as leveraging the strengths of different parties to make the project a success.”
The TMWGT project is a Community Service-Learning initiative curated by the Office of Service-Learning in SUSS. By engaging in Service-Learning projects such as TMWGT, SUSS students are empowered to learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully-organised service experiences that meet actual community priorities and are coordinated in collaboration with the University and community.
As the staff advisor of the TMWGT project, Ms Chia Ming Huei, Specialist, College of Interdisciplinary & Experiential Learning, SUSS, noted the importance of the collective efforts from various stakeholders by coming together to support the ageing community in Woodlands and Marsiling neighbourhoods. She shared, “We are humbled to journey with the seniors and community partner mentor from Care Corner Active Ageing Centre to co-create meaningful learning experiences.” Looking ahead, Ms Chia added, “TMWGT is an ongoing community project, and the team hopes to scale up the outreach to more seniors in other neighbourhoods across Singapore."
Team members of The More We Get Together. From left to right: Mr Edward Tang (Community Partner), Chen Zhengliang, Cheong Wei Ting, Teow Yong Qing, Yeo Yong Ting, Ms Chia Ming Huei (SUSS Staff Advisor), Eugene Hsu Jia Hao.