Singapore young volunteers prefer to overseas charity

Charity begins at home - literally
Murali Sharma, Straits Times Forum 27 Dec 07;

I REFER to the report, 'Volunteer at home? No thanks!' (ST, Dec 23). It is a pity, though not surprising, that some young people prefer to go overseas to do charity work than help in Singapore. They claim they interact with people of different cultures and volunteering at home is more demanding.

I wonder if these people crave excitement and glamour that derive from talking about serving overseas, having been to other countries and building schools, rather than making a difference at home. A superiority syndrome where one can go to a poor country and then hold forth about one's contribution there may also be a magnet. Furthermore, overseas stints are more newsworthy.

In a local 'home', the duties may include cleaning drains and windows, sweeping, mopping, cooking, washing up, bathing and cleaning residents, washing soiled clothing and so on. How unexciting, even disgusting!

Compared to this, overseas stints may be termed 'white-collar' jobs, like teaching, playing with children, helping a medical team, erecting a building and so on. No doubt they may have to live in rough conditions sometimes but that in itself sounds more prestigious than telling friends: 'Oh, I go to an old folks' home in Choa Chu Kang every Saturday and feed some toothless old people and talk to them.'

But there is much to be done here in Singapore. Here too, one can get exposure to different cultures. Many people who mix only in narrow one-race circles will find local service exhilarating, educational and an eye-opener. When they find there are poor and lonely people in rich Singapore, it will make them think how they can help Singapore become a better place. They should not miss this wonderful opportunity to become more responsible and loving towards their fellow citizens.

I agree that helping at a home in Singapore is a long-term commitment. But it need not be a weekly commitment. Many homes will accept if a group will go there once a fortnight or even once a month. Other groups can serve on other weekends.

Schools too may be guilty of promoting overseas service projects enthusiastically. It makes for a good report in the annual magazine. I wonder how many schools have weekly or monthly service projects in Singapore. Overseas projects may sound grander and more glamorous than local ones, but there is a need here, even in rich Singapore.