The Singapore government made the decision not to close schools despite the outbreak of the virus. As a result, precautionary measures have been put in place for students and teachers alike, such as daily temperature-taking. This has added more work and stress for teachers as they have to be extra vigilant about not only students’ health but also their own. Therefore, SG Strong grantee, Clement Lim and his team partnered up with a group from TOUCH international to pack and distribute care packages to teachers and staff from government schools.
“While teachers and staff are not directly involved on the frontline, they are working tirelessly in schools to ensure our children are safe and well taken care of. We hope the care packs will encourage and appreciate this community. This is our small and personal way to build a strong Singapore in this crisis. After all, every student needs good teachers. Through the #Blesstheteachers care pack, we want to appreciate and affirm their work which are not visible to the public.”
To date, the team has distributed over 5000 care packages which includes vitamins, surgical masks and notes of appreciation. While teachers have not necessarily been viewed as frontline workers in this coronavirus battle, they play an important role in protecting the many students who pass through the school gates each day. Thanks to Clement’s project, their efforts have not gone unnoticed and it is their hope for teachers to feel appreciated.
“For our country to thrive, we all can play a part to do good and be counted. Do not let it just be an idea, share it with friends, you will be surprise how many people are willing to come forward to support.”
We hope that their project will continue to encourage the many frontline workers affected by the virus and inspire the wider public to support those around them. Together, we are stronger than COVID-19.