Discover how Clara evolved from a shy observer to a confident performer.

Find out more about Mdm Tan’s family’s journey of growth and resilience.

To 13-year-old Anisha Chu, becoming a pilot once felt as distant as the planes soaring above. Now, it’s not just a dream but an actual goal she is working towards.

“Social workers and social support groups? Never!” Mr Goh would insist. “You can ask my wife – I always felt they wouldn’t be much help.”

“How can I contribute to society?”

This simple thought drove Eugene Tan to respond to a CDAC volunteer recruitment ad and sparked the start of his volunteerism journey in 2017.

17-year-old Poon Yue Ling lives with her 71-year-old grandmother Mdm Annie Chong, and the two have only each other for support since 2013.

Looking at Ruby Lee interacting confidently with those around her, one would find it hard to believe that just a few years ago, this bubbly teenager was painfully shy and closed off from those around her.

Whenever CDAC requires volunteers for its events, 51-year-old Madam Tricia Lim would send a callout in the family chat group and an all-female team would usually respond. The six members of the team include her 11-year-old niece, her 71-year-old mother, and members of her and her sister’s families.

Bullying, stealing from parents, shoplifting – Jeremy Loo got into a lot of serious trouble when he was in primary school.

One is a researcher, one a medical student, and two are educators. Despite coming from different cultures and backgrounds, these volunteers have the common desire to share the joy of reading with children from underprivileged families.

Murphy grew up in an unconventional family. His parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his grandmother and aunt. In primary school, he was often teased and bullied by classmates, and he vented his frustrations by playing video games.

“Old folks are looking for company, someone to chat with.” It’s this very realisation that has kept Mr James Ouyang spending time every week the past five years reading the news to the elderly. He had been brought up by his grandparents, and holds a special affection for the elderly; so, when his friend invited him to join the weekly news sharing programme, he agreed immediately.

As the saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child – something Mr Tay Tow Ping and his family have experienced for themselves. Four years ago, he was jobless and falling behind on rent and utilities, unable to afford the school fees for his elder daughter. Fortunately, various government subsidies and aid schemes, together with assistance from CDAC, helped to tide the family over. As Mr Tay finds stable employment, the family is about to buy their own two-room flat and start a new, stable life.