The pandemic had indeed laid bare the fault lines between the haves and have-nots. It is well-documented that underprivileged families grapple with multiple challenges and disadvantages, with limited financial and social capital being the key issues. Studies have found that what makes a difference in academic achievement for students from low-income and disabled groups is a supportive relationship with a trusted adult – usually either a parent or teacher. Thus, as reflective practitioners, we acknowledge the struggle of children from lower income families and took this opportunity to collaborate with them along with the children in Punggol Centre 4 to establish friendships between both groups, ensuring that both the children from the community and in the centre, are able to benefit from this initiative. In line with President’s Challenge 2022 theme, “Supporting Lower-Income Families”, i.e. encouraging the community to provide assistance and aid to lower-income families.
Launch of SSDB:
To mark the launch of the launch, we used the materials given by SSDB such as the masks and hats. These items also provides children with the familiarity and understanding of the project. The children in every participating class took photographs with their hats from SSDB. The photos are then shared with parents through Qoqolo where parents are also kept in the loop of our plans and to raise awareness and invite any parental engagements to happen.
The children were also engaged in the resource package materials given by SSDB in their respective classes which included workbooks that they were able to write and draw on. This was to provide an understanding of the topic of this year’s initiative for the children as they explore the concept and idea of Start Small Dream Big.
