Doing Good Deeds From Young

Helping others brings meaning and joy to one’s life and it is never too early to start doing good deeds. At the launch of the “Start Small Dream Big” project, over 1,500 children from some 150 pre-schools will take part in six-month long community service projects initiated by the Early Childhood Development Agency. The project aims to have pre-school children help the less fortunate and build compassion from a young age.

Children may not understand how a small contribution can make a difference in their communities now, but the project encourages teachers to nurture a spirit of giving thanks and plant a seed of kindness in every child.

Some pre-school centres are already involving children in community projects. At Living Sanctuary Kindergarten, 350 children participated in Project “Bringing Education to Life”. From writing stories, drawing to craft-making – pre-school children did their part to put artefacts together to raise funds for the elderly and patients in St Luke’s Hospital. With the funds they raised, the children planned what to buy and visited the elderly with daily necessities such as Milo, rice, cereal, toilet paper and towels. Through the five-month long project, they learnt to care for the less privileged and understood their needs.

“This project helps to nurture values and encourages our children to be more aware of the things happening around them. The children also realise that they can do their part in small ways and these gestures would mean a lot to those whom they have helped. At a young age, they learnt to put their thoughts in action and contribute to meaningful causes,’ said Mrs Elsie Tan-Chua, Principal of Living Sanctuary Kindergarten, who kick started the project in 2014.

At MOE Kindergarten @ Blangah Rise, the children embarked on a project to assist security guard officers and cleaners who work diligently to keep the kindergarten and primary school a safe and clean place. To show their gratitude and love, they helped in cleaning tables, sweeping the floor and emptying bins.

The “Start Small Dream Big” project will culminate in an exhibition of completed projects at ECDA’s Early Childhood Conference and Carnival 2015 in September 2015. An e-book documenting these projects will also be displayed.

To learn more about the “Start Small Dream Big” project, click here!