<![CDATA[volunteer work for children]]>err… sorry, I don’t know where should I park this query to. hope I’m on the right thread.


I was wondering if anyone know of any organisation where an adult and kid can do volunteering work. like the old folks home or children home. I check the children society website, seems like they do not encourage young ones. they only indicate 15 yrs above type.

DD is P2 this year. she has been talking so much about wanting to help people when she grow up and now she is always so helpful. I have been wanting to do volunteer work myself but didn’t have the time. since dd has the interest, am checking if there is any organisation encourage kid at such young age. we can volunteer our time over the weekend. if anyone knows where I can check out with, pls let me know. thanks!

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/topic/19446/volunteer-work-for-childrenRSS for NodeWed, 06 May 2026 12:55:06 GMTMon, 21 Feb 2011 03:49:29 GMT60<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:30:37 GMT]]>Riding for the Disabled is good for teens above 16

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1871398https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1871398Wed, 29 Aug 2018 15:30:37 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:19:54 GMT]]>https://s8.postimg.cc/5mlc1t5b9/BFE2_A811-3626-47_CD-88_AD-0904_C4898_AA6.jpg\">

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1870994https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1870994Tue, 28 Aug 2018 15:19:54 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Sun, 19 Aug 2018 08:39:06 GMT]]>Chinatown Festival: Mid Autumn Festival 2018 Volunteer Registration Form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVHZbhJALfoRj34EjGZbQlUb03mqPiuqBSs9bYuZ8vt12OVg/viewform
https://www.facebook.com/pg/chinatown.festivals/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868299https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1868299Sun, 19 Aug 2018 08:39:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 31 Jul 2018 14:54:53 GMT]]>Jurong Lake Gardens Volunteer Engagement Session


https://www.nparks.gov.sg/activities/events-and-workshops/2018/8/volunteer-engagement-session

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1862643https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1862643Tue, 31 Jul 2018 14:54:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:53:14 GMT]]>

jetsetter:
If you're only interesting in \"visiting\", i.e. not \"volunteering\" per se, i.e. no need to roll up sleeves to do dirty chores, then forget it. Just enrol your young kids in the cheapest childcare centres as they will get to mingle and forge longer-term friendship with (healthy) kids from lower-income families or single parent families. Sign them up at those subsidised tuition centres run by NGOs/RCs so they can befriend and extend help to their academically weaker less-privileged classmates there. They will learn more from interacting daily and weekly with them.

Really good suggestions! Though I don't know how many will take them. Befriending those who have less is the best way to learn what's it's like to live with less.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466502https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466502Tue, 17 Feb 2015 06:53:14 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 17 Feb 2015 03:04:33 GMT]]>Volunteering work is something serious and requires (long-term) committment.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466263https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466263Tue, 17 Feb 2015 03:04:33 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 17 Feb 2015 03:01:06 GMT]]>

Norbu:
happysheltie:

hi hi,


thanks to those who response.

this is what I saw from the children society website on the concerns.

\"Q : I would like to expose my children to the underprivileged. Can I bring them along to the centres to volunteer?
A : We generally do not encourage parents to bring along their children (especially very young ones). This is to avoid any possible conflict of interest that may arise in the course of volunteering. If you have any concerns in this area, you may wish to discuss this with your centre’s volunteer coordinator.\"

I thought visiting to the children's home is more suitable for our own kids. They will appreciate how fortunate they are and to care for the less fortunate. play with them and show them more love. on the children's home point of view, maybe it's true that the kids in the home might feel jealous in a way.

I think you defeat the purpose of volunteering. You choose to volunteer at children homes to benefit the residence there not our own children.
Imagine this, why the children is at a home, most likely due to some family issues that they need to be place there. So imagine a young kids, seeing this caring parent bringing his/her own kids happily how the residence feel? And being a parent, most of the time the instinct is always protect our little ones first. So in danger or whatever who you protect first?

Watch enough movies and read enough books to know this will happen.

Parents must be clear of the scope and objectives of volunteerism before bringing their young kids along. Homes aren't the zoo or circus for you to \"look see\" or \"visit\". Don't bring your own kids there to \"gawk at\" or \"play with\" orphans, the intellectually disabled, visually impaired or sick kids with sores, head lice or tubes sticking out of their noses.

There's serious work to be done, like carrying heavy stuffs, packing goodie bags or lunch boxes, reading a book, teaching, singing, repairing (infrastructure), holding their hands to do art/writing activities. Sometimes you need to carry the (grubby and scabby) toddlers in your arms to sayang, which can get yourself emo too. Your young kid, even if not jealous, can only look on curiously and redundantly. Some talkative ones might ask you socially unacceptable questions like \"Mommy, why are her eyes white?\" while some bored ones will say \"I wanna go home!\".

Don't forget your young kid could be at risk of being exposed to common diseases after volunteering with you for half to one day, since their immune system is weak.

If you're only interested in \"visiting\", i.e. not \"volunteering\" per se, i.e. no need to roll up sleeves to do dirty chores, then forget it. Just enrol your young kids in the cheapest childcare centres as they will get to mingle and forge longer-term friendship with (healthy) kids from lower-income families or single parent families. Sign them up at those subsidised tuition centres run by NGOs/RCs so they can befriend and extend help to their academically weaker less-privileged classmates there. They will learn more from interacting daily and weekly with them.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466256https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466256Tue, 17 Feb 2015 03:01:06 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:15:32 GMT]]>

Norbu:
happysheltie:

hi hi,


thanks to those who response.

this is what I saw from the children society website on the concerns.

\"Q : I would like to expose my children to the underprivileged. Can I bring them along to the centres to volunteer?
A : We generally do not encourage parents to bring along their children (especially very young ones). This is to avoid any possible conflict of interest that may arise in the course of volunteering. If you have any concerns in this area, you may wish to discuss this with your centre’s volunteer coordinator.\"

I thought visiting to the children's home is more suitable for our own kids. They will appreciate how fortunate they are and to care for the less fortunate. play with them and show them more love. on the children's home point of view, maybe it's true that the kids in the home might feel jealous in a way.

I think you defeat the purpose of volunteering. You choose to volunteer at children homes to benefit the residence there not our own children.
Imagine this, why the children is at a home, most likely due to some family issues that they need to be place there. So imagine a young kids, seeing this caring parent bringing his/her own kids happily how the residence feel? And being a parent, most of the time the instinct is always protect our little ones first. So in danger or whatever who you protect first?

The difference in self-centred and selfless volunteering.... :sad:

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466125https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466125Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:15:32 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:06:02 GMT]]>

happysheltie:
hi hi,


thanks to those who response.

this is what I saw from the children society website on the concerns.

\"Q : I would like to expose my children to the underprivileged. Can I bring them along to the centres to volunteer?
A : We generally do not encourage parents to bring along their children (especially very young ones). This is to avoid any possible conflict of interest that may arise in the course of volunteering. If you have any concerns in this area, you may wish to discuss this with your centre’s volunteer coordinator.\"

I thought visiting to the children's home is more suitable for our own kids. They will appreciate how fortunate they are and to care for the less fortunate. play with them and show them more love. on the children's home point of view, maybe it's true that the kids in the home might feel jealous in a way.
I think you defeat the purpose of volunteering. You choose to volunteer at children homes to benefit the residence there not our own children.
Imagine this, why the children is at a home, most likely due to some family issues that they need to be place there. So imagine a young kids, seeing this caring parent bringing his/her own kids happily how the residence feel? And being a parent, most of the time the instinct is always protect our little ones first. So in danger or whatever who you protect first?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466118https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1466118Tue, 17 Feb 2015 01:06:02 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:35:24 GMT]]>[quote]
May I know how to go about it with the above? My niece is keen ,thanks[/quote]
kidsREAD Secretariat
http://www.kidsread.sg
kidsread@nlb.gov.sg

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1457154https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1457154Mon, 26 Jan 2015 08:35:24 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:04:40 GMT]]>

Laura02:
I have been volunteering at Kids Read for a couple of years now. Its a program run by National Library Board. Volunteers basically read to children from low income families under 8yr to build up their interest in storybooks. My kid goes with me. We started when she was still in kindergarden.

There are several locations around Singapore that runs this Kids Read program. NLB provides basic training for volunteers in storytelling.
I have found that I have gained some confidence in public speaking, like a \"toastmasters\" thing. I have also learned from other volunteers skills in managing young children, and better appreciate the task of teachers in teaching a class. My kid interacts with the kids in the program, and brings home an appreciation for the things she has in life.
Its fun for both myself and my kid. And no, its not a \"kid-only\" volunteer activity.

May I know how to go about it with the above? My niece is keen ,thanks

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1442897https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1442897Mon, 05 Jan 2015 02:04:40 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Sat, 17 May 2014 16:34:41 GMT]]>http://www.thehoneycombers.com/singapor ... gapore.php



http://www.clubrainbow.org/get-involved/volunteer/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1293387https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1293387Sat, 17 May 2014 16:34:41 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Sun, 06 Apr 2014 06:11:28 GMT]]>i have recently discovered a portal for volunteering updates from my daughter's friends. They are called VolunteerNow and they send the latest CIP projects around Singapore to your email weekly.


What's great about this platform is that all the projects have been screened to fit the schedules of secondary and JC students.

I thought this is quite interesting. My daughter has joined their network and has been going for some of the programmes featured there. Very good way to get CIP hours and expose my children to the problems faced by the less fortunate in the society.

Just want to share it here with all of you. Sign-up link is http://bit.ly/vnkspc

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1258763https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1258763Sun, 06 Apr 2014 06:11:28 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:05:59 GMT]]>

Blue Pearl:
Beatrice_NoQ:

Yes, volunteering at the library is a good idea cos kids will be more exposed to books, thus more inclined to read and improve! 🙂


How to volunteer at the library? Do they accept kids?

Can start with school libraries. As for public libraries, I doubt that they do. Unless you're talking about specialized community centres or homes.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1257159https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1257159Fri, 04 Apr 2014 09:05:59 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Thu, 03 Apr 2014 02:35:00 GMT]]>

Beatrice_NoQ:
Yes, volunteering at the library is a good idea cos kids will be more exposed to books, thus more inclined to read and improve! 🙂

How to volunteer at the library? Do they accept kids?

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1255810https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1255810Thu, 03 Apr 2014 02:35:00 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:19:39 GMT]]>Yes, volunteering at the library is a good idea cos kids will be more exposed to books, thus more inclined to read and improve! 🙂

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1255232https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1255232Wed, 02 Apr 2014 10:19:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Tue, 01 Apr 2014 01:47:39 GMT]]>Volunteering at Juara Turtle Project (Tioman, Malaysia)

http://www.juaraturtleproject.com/?page_id=5

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1253615https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1253615Tue, 01 Apr 2014 01:47:39 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Fri, 07 Feb 2014 04:03:31 GMT]]>Nvr know kids young age can volunteer. Tks for the sharing.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1208242https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1208242Fri, 07 Feb 2014 04:03:31 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:52:10 GMT]]>

missyqiqi:
thanks for your feedback, i'm not looking for orphanage, that's why I didn't mention any. I'm open to options like old folks, animals, going green, kids with special conditions etc or anything which can get her involved. 🙂



Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation (Singapore Branch)
Cicada Tree Eco-Place (CTEP)
Oasis 2nd Chance Animal Shelter
Sustainable Living Lab

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145756https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145756Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:52:10 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:48:34 GMT]]>Usually, childcare centres will organise such visits in groups. My DS went to an old folks home in Geylang this year.


Not many receive individuals but you can try applying as an individual. Many hv min age of 17 too. For one-off visits, they usually accept requests from http://www.nvpc.org.sg/companies_institutions/giving_opportunities/corporate_volunteering_programmes.aspx and religious groups...

Otherwise, most prefer short-term commitment for 3-6 mths to probably years.

Old folks homes and children's homes hv lots of restrictions in terms of goodie bags, visiting hours, photography (selfies included)/videography, media, so pls be very sensitive.

Hospitals are particular abt hygiene and contamination, meal times, size of group...Therefore, don't bring cartons of mandarin oranges when the hospitals don't recommend them, or don't give the old folks a gigantic Christmas ham when some can't chew. And don't under-supply your goodies too! Make sure every beneficiary gets a share of your love 🙂

Impt thing is to remind your kids not to visit them like 'animals in a zoo' whose pics and videos you can happily take to post on FB. Some old and sickly folks are really skeletal and feeding on tubes, so pls ask your kids not to gawk and point. It's rude. And for those intellectually disabled, cancer kids, don't stare and look at them as though they are 'freaks'. It's very rude too. Need to preempt and educate the kids before embarking on CSR. Some are less responsive and senile, while others can only speak in dialect, so visiting kids might become left out after an hour. Manage their expectations by asking the home questions before visiting.


http://info.bishanhome.org.sg/communityvolunteer/
http://www.touch.org.sg/?q=volunteer
http://www.swami.org.sg/volunteers_overview.html
http://www.kwsh.org.sg/en/volunteer/individual
http://www.thkms.org.sg/volunteer/
http://www.bheh.org/support/volunteers/
http://www.childrensociety.org.sg/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=31

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145755https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145755Thu, 14 Nov 2013 09:48:34 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Thu, 14 Nov 2013 08:16:46 GMT]]>Hi all, I did quite a lot of volunteer work myself. Also help to organise community activities. What kind of volunteering do you think will be suitable for children between 8-12 years old?


Once the children are leave in the hands of organisers, organisers have big responsibilities.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145675https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1145675Thu, 14 Nov 2013 08:16:46 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:51:53 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
SAHM_TAN:

In the meantime, will shop groceries with kids to hopefully accumulate enough a hamper to donate to their donation box.


You can also go to one of their wish trees and choose a gift to buy. My kids are waiting for the trees to be ready (20 Nov, I think) - they think it will more meaningful as it will be a specific child.

Thank you. Will visit the tree when it's up. Let the kids see which wish they can fulfil.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142859https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142859Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:51:53 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:47:03 GMT]]>

slmkhoo:
SAHM_TAN:

My impression is that need a car.


Pls update when you have infor.

Thanks

Yes, you're right. You need a car for this. I didn't find the right page so didn't see the info the first time round (someone needs to work on the website!).

I looked at the Salvation Army website, but the ones which sounded suitable for us have a min age of 17yo, and my kids are younger than that.

If anyone has other ideas, please share!


See if this helps.

http://www.willinghearts.org.sg/

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142851https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142851Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:47:03 GMT<![CDATA[Reply to volunteer work for children on Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:27:10 GMT]]>

SAHM_TAN:
In the meantime, will shop groceries with kids to hopefully accumulate enough a hamper to donate to their donation box.

You can also go to one of their wish trees and choose a gift to buy. My kids are waiting for the trees to be ready (20 Nov, I think) - they think it will more meaningful as it will be a specific child.

]]>https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142834https://forum.kiasuparents.com/post/1142834Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:27:10 GMT