Meet Madam TKF – mother of four grown children and grandmother to two grandchildren, who has been coaching the boys at SHELTER 5 for almost two years. She helps them with their spelling, English grammar and reading twice a week.

Says SHELTER 5’s resident, Wing Shen, 15 years old, “I did not know any English when I came to SHELTER, but Aunty F taught me how to read and spell!

“My wish is for these boys to have a good future, a good career and to become independent later on in life,” says Madam TKF.

Li Ping, an accountant, writes: I came to know about SHELTER through an ex-colleague who is a volunteer. I chose to work with the teenage kids as they are at the crossroads of their lives in terms of making the right choices and are at their most impressionable.

It was difficult at first. There were different expectations from both parties. Coming from a corporate world where people are driven and focused, the lack of interest and apathy was really difficult!

I had to find creative means and ideas to teach these kids. Giving loads of encouragement and praise was essential. What is most important is to convey a sense of acceptance of who they are. I tell them that getting the wrong answer is okay and this encourages them to try again.

Mrs Josephine Lee, a retired TAR college lecturer, is another volunteer who has been with SHELTER for the past two years. “I had been wanting to volunteer for a long time – I opted for an early retirement, so I have the time now.”

“I’ve had a good life – my parents gave me a good education. I hope to share what I have received with these boys.”

Most of all, she hopes that her efforts will make the boys feel that they are loved. “I know I can’t help the whole world but if I can just help just one, I’ll do so,” says Josephine.

This associate financial agent, Wong Seng Chee, has been with SHELTER 5 for the past year. Presently, he is tutoring four boys. “Uncle Seng Chee teaches me Maths and makes it easy for me to understand,” says Ragu (14 years). “He has taken us for movies and makan a few times already,” added Adam (14 years), both at SHELTER 5.

“Identifying with them and relating with the boys at their level is important,” said Seng Chee. Whenever possible he takes the boys out for an activity or an outing to foster a closer bond with them. “In this way I get to know what their interests are and that helps in connecting with these boys.”

“Seng Chee makes his lessons interesting and he has a way to reach the boys. I hope he’ll stay on as a volunteer teacher.” Says Sally Sinniah, SHELTER 5’s administration staff.

Madam TKF, Li Ping, Josephine and Seng Chee are just four persons we interviewed from the small pool of volunteers (about 20) who help out at SHELTER 5. Volunteers can help in various ways such as providing transport, helping in gardening, plumbing, electrical, mechanical or technical repairs or helping in administration work such as accounting or book-keeping. In SHELTER 5, most of our volunteers tutor the boys, a service sorely needed as the boys have difficulty coping with their studies.

(UPDATE : SHELTER 5 has combined with another Home and is now known as SHELTER 3)