24/01/2025
It has been a week since the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) participants departed from Singapore, but memories of our time together remain fresh in our hearts.
These 16 students and faculty members were hosted by Community Care Services (LCCS) as part of their learning journey into restorative practices in Singapore. We introduced them to our work with the community, and watched “Stories of 78” together, which featured the video stories of Mdm Loke and Mdm Esah. We then facilitated a circle for the participants to share their reflections of the videos and how it connected with them. Some participants spoke words of encouragement for Mdm Esah- who was present for the session, while others reflected about their loved ones who cared deeply for them over the years. While Mdm Loke was unable to join us, we feasted on the mini kok chai (peanut puffs) that she made, as we shared about her annual tradition of making this snack during Chinese New Year.
We also conducted the Tree of Life activity which invited participants to reconnect with their values, culture and relationships. Participants used their creativity to draw and pen down each part of the tree that represented different aspects of their lives.
It was a fruitful morning of insightful sharing and learning from each other’s experiences as it also brought home the message that no one is truly alone in their lives. There is always someone we can count on or to connect with when things get tough.
Thank you to the participants and Mdm Esah for spending the time together, and for their vulnerable sharing and encouragements to one another.
