Muhammadiyah Welfare Home is recruiting volunteers

The 5S rules at MWH include patience, smiling, and courtesy.

The Muhammadiyah Welfare Home (MWH) is actively recruiting new volunteers as part of an on-going effort to build up its pipeline of volunteer activities for its residents, aged 10 to 19.

The boys at MWH come from diverse backgrounds. Some are victims of abuse and neglect, juvenile offenders and beyond parental control. Others are orphans or come from disadvantaged families.

MWH is leaving things open-ended to accommodate as much as potential volunteers can commit. "We can tailor things around what you are willing to give," said Dr Mariam Aljunied, MWH Management Committee Member. "Some volunteers have committed to visiting once a month, or helping on the day of an event. Others come regularly for six to 12 months at a stretch."

Volunteer opportunities in 2017 include helping out in the planning or on the day at scheduled events such as the Family Carnival on 20 May, and Flag Day on 29 July. Volunteers can also conduct life skill workshops, help to spruce up parts of the premises, sponsor meals and treats, especially during festive occasions.

For the month of Ramadhan (beginning May 25), MWH welcomes donations of food for iftar (the break-fast meal at sunset), and sponsorships of the new clothing including shoes traditionally worn for Hari Raya (June 26).

"We've had volunteers who come to read to the younger boys, or teach the guitar," said Aljunied. "We would like people who can commit for the longer term."

Aljunied added that on-premise activities are encouraged so that the boys who are not allowed to leave the premises by court order can also participate.

One of the dormitories. The rooms at MWH are typically painted and decorated by volunteers, with the boys' help.

The seven steps to happiness.

At MWH good behaviour is incentivised through a bonus merit point system in which the boys may exchange the points they have earned for items at a minimart. A recent wishlist for minimart items included watches, snacks, beverages, school bags, and socks. Mall or supermarket vouchers in small denominations are increasingly popular.

Source: MWH. Poster calling for volunteers.

Interested? 

MWH is at 58 Bedok North St 3. Speak to Mr Iskandar at +65 6345 6113 to find out more

Read the Suroor Asia blog post about MWH's Family & Charity Carnival 2016

posted from Bloggeroid