Once a year, we organise a gathering with our Jesus Club parents because caregivers need care too!
This year, we partnered Roger&Sons, a local woodworking company, to conduct a kalimba-making workshop for our caregivers. It was an incredibly rewarding (albeit dusty!) experience working with our hands to turn a piece of wood into a functional musical instrument. We caught up with a few parents after the event.
Mui Eng
Q: Briefly introduce yourself.
I’m Goh Mui Eng, a school teacher and mother of Asher Ang, who first attended Jesus Club at Bukit Arang Church in 2022, but the meetings stopped due to covid for some time and he resumed in 2023.
Q: How did you find the woodworking session?
It was my first time attending a woodworking workshop, after my technical studies in secondary which gave me some experience in woodwork. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, for the fellowship with other participants and the sense of achievement of having constructed a functional kalimba. The sharing by the founder of the workshop was also eye-opening as it is not easy to start a business due to the high rental and labour cost of such an industry. I can sense the passion and determination of the founder and also the support he got from his family and church.
Q: What are some ways Jesus Club can better support our caregivers?
Activities like the Kalimba workshop are very good and well-appreciated. We get to know other caregivers and volunteers. It would be good if the individual Jesus Clubs can organise such get-together sessions where we can get feedback from the volunteers on our wards and for caregivers to share our concerns so that we can better guide and support our wards on their spiritual journeys.
Day Hoon
Q: Briefly introduce yourself.
I’m Day Hoon. My daughter’s name is Joanne. She is attending the Jesus Club at Bethesda Frankel Estate Church. She has been attending since Jesus Club first started at Bukit Arang Church .
Q: How did you find the woodworking session?
I learnt woodworking in secondary school. But this is my first time using a drill. It’s an enjoyable experience. I’m also glad to know that young people are trying to carry on with carpentry work so that Singapore will not solely depend on foreign countries for furniture.
Q: What are some ways Jesus Club can better support our caregivers?
I am thankful to all of you for all the effort and time. Maybe it will be good to organise a short tour, like 4 days 3 nights, to nearby places. It was very boring for me to bring Joanne and my helper, Maricel, to Phuket. But it’s difficult to find suitable people to go with.
Alice
Q: Briefly introduce yourself.
I’m Alice, Samantha’s mum. Sam has been attending the Jesus Club at Bukit Arang for the last 10 years.
Q: How did you find the woodworking session?
This is my first time doing woodwork. It’s really nice. It’s a good opportunity to do something different and also creative.
Q: What are some ways Jesus Club can better support our caregivers?
More of such activities would be good as it’s a good bonding time with other parents and volunteers and we can share our thoughts and challenges. It’s definitely respite for us too!
