Volume 3 May 2016 MCI (P) 155/05/2015 Welcome to my world
On Cover Boat Quay, 25 cm × 35 cm, IN THIS ISSUE: Watercolour on Paper, by William Chia (Artist of ALIVE programme) 02...... VSA Artists’ Get Together 2016 Colours of Hope MISSION 03...... Uniqlo T-shirt Design Showcase Exhibition To create and provide access and opportunties for people VSA You & Me Charity Concert with disabilities through the arts. 04...... Purple Parade 2015 05...... VSA Flag Day 2016 VISION 06...... Performing Arts Holiday Workshops A world where people with disabilities are empowered 07...... Enabling Village Opening Ceremony through the arts, contribute to and integrate with the SSO Christmas Concert community. 08...... VSA Workshops March Performing Arts Holiday Workshops 09...... VSA Annual Year-End Party 02 10...... Story Telling & Creative Writing Workshop I Story-Telling & Creative Writing Workshop II 11...... Handicraft Workshop VSA Arts Angel Programme 12...... Portraits! 13...... Care & Share Thank-You Show 14...... Upcoming Events for ALERT 16...... Welcome to My World 2016 17...... Artist’s Talk Session 01 – Pann Lim 18...... Story of my life @ VSA as a Volunteer 19...... VSA Updates
From left, Cavan Chang (VSA beneficiary), Francis Poon (ALERT 20...... Every Donation Helps! Programme Art Teacher) and Cavan’s mother, Cecilia. VSA EVENTS VSA Artists’ Get Together 2016 10-11 March 2016, VSA Changi City Point
VSA organised its very first Artists’ Get Together at VSA and standards of VSA art instruction through feedback and Art Space over two sessions on 10 and 11 March. With a networking. Through these informal exchanges, we hope to turnout of more than 50 artists, caregivers and the VSA strengthen the rapport and camaraderie between our artist faculty, the sessions were intended to raise the quality beneficiaries, caregivers and VSA teachers.
Colours of Hope VSA Collaboration with The Aquila Trust 9-15 December 2015, IMMagini Gallery Singapore
Ngoh, Chuan Yew Eng, Daren Leslie, Chew Min Li and many others. 37 works ranging from paintings to crafts were on display. A total of 24 works were sold at the end of the week-long exhibition.
A collection of artworks by artists with disabilities were exhibited at the IMMagini Gallery Singapore from 9 to 15 December 2015. It was an exhibition jointly organised by VSA Singapore and The Aquila Trust featuring works by VSA artists such as Chang Kim
02 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS
Uniqlo T-Shirt Design Showcase Exhibition 8 January 2016, UOB Ability Hub
THE T-Shirt Design Showcase Exhibition, graced by Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District, was held on 8 January at UOB Ability Hub, Enabling Village formerly known as Employment and Employability Institute (e2i). Called “Kaleidoscope”, the exhibition underscored Uniqlo, the Japanese clothing retailer’s strong belief in “power of clothing”, and provided an opportunity for artists with special needs to showcase their abilities. The exhibition showcased artworks of students and artists from the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) and VSA which were transformed into designer T-shirts.
VSA You & Me Charity Concert 9 January 2016, LePark
A night of jamming and grooving for a worthy cause as local artistes and bands performed to raise funds in support of VSA’s art programmes. VSA thanks our partners 50 for 50 and their team especially Mr Zhao He for organising this foot stomping high energy concert. We’re very proud to be one of the charities under 50 for 50. Play on fellas!
VSA THANKS OUR PARTNERS 50 FOR 50 AND THEIR TEAM ESPECIALLY MR ZHAO HE FOR ORGANISING THIS FOOT STOMPING HIGH ENERGY CONCERT.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 03 VSA EVENTS
The Purple Parade 2015 31 October 2015, Hong Lim Park
THE Purple Parade is Singapore largest annual persons with special needs. Booths showing the works gathering for persons with special needs. In its third year of disabled artists and the work of the VWOs were on running, the Purple Parade 2015 was held at Hong Lim display at the parade. In spite of inclement weather, Park on 31 October 2015. Led by Ms Denise Phua, Mayor everyone had a fulfilling and inspirational time at this of Central Singapore District, the mammoth celebratory memorable occasion. event was co-organised by several VWOs with the Prime Minister Lee Hsien Leong as Guest of Honour. VSA was VSA WAS PROUD AND HONOURED TO BE proud and honoured to be appointed coordinator of the APPOINTED COORDINATOR OF THE CONCERT concert segment for the Purple Parade. More than 7,000 SEGMENT FOR THE PURPLE PARADE. participants were enthralled by 23 performances by Photo Credit: Central Singapore CDC
04 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS VSA Flag Day 2016 5 March 2016
VSA’S inaugural flag day! Held on 5 March 2016, the event was enthusiastically supported by student volunteers, parent groups, members of the public and staff of VSA. In spite of the scorching sun, the fervent spirit of the more than 500 volunteers who sold flags across the island never waned. The event raised more than $50,000 and will be a hard- to-beat benchmark for VSA for subsequent Flag Days! Our sincere thanks to all who supported the donation drive and the public for their very generous donations.
We would like to thank the following Thank schools and organisations for rendering You their assistance at the Flag Day: • Commonwealth Secondary School • Compassvale Secondary School • Coral Secondary School • Delta Senior School (Association for Persons with Special Needs) • Fuhua Secondary School • Geylang Methodist Secondary School • Nan Chiau High School • St Anne’s Church Group Youth • Temasek Junior College • UOB Scan Hub
We look forward to the continued support at our upcoming VSA events. To volunteer with VSA, please contact us at 6448 6275 or via email at general@vsa. org.sg to register your interest.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 05 VSA EVENTS Performing Arts Holiday Workshops November-December 2015
Creative Movement workshop
WITH 6 performing arts holiday workshops, our beneficiaries were in for a treat last November and December! Covering music, drama and dance, our workshops provided fun and enriching avenues for participants to spend their vacations. From the looks on their faces, it was obvious the participants had a ball of a time play acting, making creative dance movements and being drawn into the role of “Little Red Riding Hood’ at the “If I was Little Red Riding Hood, I would...” Drama Workshop! Some even had a go at being Big Bad Wolf, bringing much fun and laughter!
FROM THE LOOKS ON THEIR FACES, IT WAS If I were Little Red Riding Hood, I would… OBVIOUS THE PARTICIPANTS HAD A BALL OF A TIME PLAY ACTING, MAKING CREATIVE DANCE MOVEMENTS AND BEING DRAWN INTO THE ROLE OF “LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD’...
• Singing and Movement workshop • Playing with Spaces drama workshop • Creative Movement dance workshop • Half-day Dance Camp with Catholic Junior College students • One-day Chinese Musical Instrument Workshop with National Junior College students Playing with Spaces drama workshop
06 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS
Enabling Village Opening Ceremony – Performance by VSA Percussion Group 2 December 2015, Enabling Village
OUR students of percussion were very excited and honoured to perform with the concert band from Bukit Merah Secondary School at the official launch of the Enabling Village, located within SG Enable. They were thrilled to be able to put up a good show for the Guest of Honour of the evening, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Leong! Well done to all our performers, you did VSA proud!
SSO Christmas Concert 11 December 2015, Singapore Symphony Orchestra
OUR beneficiaries and caregivers were invited to attend a Christmas concert by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and they were enthralled by the captivating renditions of hymns and carols. Our sincere thanks to SSO for the 30 complimentary tickets! A truly enjoyable and unforgettable experience for all.
A TRULY ENJOYABLE AND UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR ALL.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 07 VSA WORKSHOPS
New in 2016: Ukulele and Piano Lessons
STARTING January 2016, VSA Singapore’s Changi City Point Centre started hosting ukulele and piano classes for persons with special needs. If you are interested to find out more, please give Shin Ni a call at 6604 9431 or simply drop her an email at [email protected].
March Performing Arts Holiday Workshops 17 March 2016
ON 17 March 2016, our students had a blast dancing Drama holiday workshop for Grace Orchard School to Neutron Dance by The Pointer Sisters at a Retro pupils from 16 to 18 March 2016, helmed by drama Dance Workshop organised by students from Victoria teacher, Melissa Chiew. Participants learnt about the Junior College. story of a girl’s fascinating journeys to whimsical and VSA Singapore also conducted a Storytelling and otherworldly places.
08 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS
VSA Annual Year-End Party 21 November 2015, Bedok Green Secondary School
ON the 21 November 2015, VSA celebrated the end of our Certificates of achievements were presented to VSA school term at the Annual VSA Year-End Party at Bedok students by Mr Andrew Liew, VSA Chairman. The year- Green Secondary School. end party concluded on a high note with a presentation The event commenced with a trip to the Alive of a gift token to Mr Lee Yi Shyan and a short speech Museum Singapore where VSA students, Bedok Green by Mr Lim Yu Kee, Principal of Bedok Green Secondary Secondary School chaperones experienced illusionary School before everyone was treated to a sumptuous and interactive artworks. Art they could not only touch high-tea reception. and feel but literally become part of it. After the excursion, everyone including parents and IT WAS AN AFTERNOON OF FUN FOR caregivers gathered back at Bedok Green Seconday THE VSA STUDENTS AS THEY PARTICIPATED School to welcome the Guest-of-Honour, Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Grassroots Advisor for East Coast GRCs (Kampong IN A FRINGE ACTIVITY THAT WAS ORGANISED Chai Chee). It was an afternoon of fun for the VSA BY THE KAMPONG CHAI CHEE COMMUNITY students as they participated in a fringe activity that was CENTRE YOUTH EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE organised by the Kampong Chai Chee Community Centre (YEC) ILLUSTRATING CUBES BASED ON THEIR Youth Executive Committee (YEC) illustrating cubes based INSPIRATIONS AND DREAMS FOR SG100. on their inspirations and dreams for SG100. Our VSA Speech and Drama students entertained everyone with two performances entitled “Improvisation Fun” and “The Horsemen” while Bedok Green Secondary School’s Choir delighted the crowd with songs.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 09 VSA EVENTS
Story-Telling & Creative Writing Workshop I 26 March 2016, VSA Bedok
A fanfiction written by Ronan
Storytelling session conducted by Seema and Harsha Through the session, the students develop a better understanding of how a story unfolds, the ups and downs ON 26 March 2016, VSA Singapore organised a creative the characters face, how to overcome obstacles, and how writing workshop conducted by well-known local authors, to conclude it in an interesting way. With the dedicated Seema Dadlani and Harsha Dadlani, both writers of the guidance of the instructors, the students were able to children’s book series entitled ‘Jayden and Janelle’. structure their own stories with confidence. The workshop created an opportunity for students to The students were given a chance to share their write their own adaptation of Jayden and Janelle after stories with rest of the class. At the end of the workshop, listening to one of the series – “Now may I have some ice- they were all treated to a storytelling session by Seema kachang please?” and Harsha.
Story-Telling & Creative Writing Workshop II 23 & 26 November 2015, VSA Changi City Point
enjoys teaching storytelling to both special needs and mainstream pupils. Because of her passion for the plight of the disabled, she has been conducting storytelling workshops at various special needs schools. The words of famous scientist Albert Einstein come to mind, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” Following Einstein, she conducts ‘Reading and Literacy’ workshops to encourage parents to read to their children regularly. Most of our students found it difficult to write the story without first drawing it. Nancy suggested that they draw a character and then explain through STORYTELLING and creative writing workshops on 23 and 26 words what was November 2015 encouraged participants to explore creative happening to the writing and storytelling skills. During the workshops, the character. The instructor, Nancy Leppard shared a story about Sang Nila students really Utama using a Japanese story-telling technique called enjoyed the idea and “Kamishibai.” It consists of 12 to 16 beautifully illustrated cards created page after that had an English text at the back of the card. page of amazing Nancy Leppard, a well-known professional storyteller, little picture books.
10 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS Handicraft Workshop 30 November & 1 December 2015, VSA Changi City Point
VSA organised a Pop-up Card Workshop taught by Ms Esther Ng. During this 6-hour workshop, participants were guided step by step on how to make a pop-up card. They were taught how to fold, cut and design the card. From their happy expressions, it was evident that the participants were satisfied with their artwork and excited to bring it home to show their families.
FROM THEIR HAPPY EXPRESSIONS, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THE PARTICIPANTS WERE SATISFIED WITH THEIR ARTWORK AND EXCITED TO BRING IT HOME TO SHOW THEIR FAMILIES.
VSA Arts Angel Programme
VSA seeks to establish a Donor Recognition of enabling and reaching out to more persons with Programme with the following objectives with our disabilities in our community. valued donors: This programme aims to fulfill our donors’ giving aspirations and for us to show appreciation for your commitment to our worthy cause. We aim to journey 1. Access – Provide donors with opportunities together to touch and make a difference to the lives of to participate in our VSA programmes and our beneficiaries through arts and arts creation. engage in our array of activities. If you, inspiring individual or corporation, too 2. Information – Provide information to share this sentiment with donors to deepen donor commitment us, come join us as an and understanding of our mission and Arts Angel today. All organisation particularly how their donations qualify for donations are making a difference to the 250% tax exemption. lives of our beneficiaries 3. Recognition - Provide donors with recognition appropriate to and in a form/s that they desire and value Call Joyce at 6448 6275 or email fundraising@vsa. With this VSA Arts Angel Donor Programme, we org.sg if you wish hope that our current valued donors can continue to to find out more! support us financially in funding our art programmes in aid of our beneficiaries and likewise for more potential donors to be inspired to partner us in our worthy cause
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 11 VSA EVENTS
Portraits!8 January 2016, Bishan Home
PORTRAITS! Under the guidance of Ms Esther Ng, a faculty Guest of Honour was Mr Dennis Lim, CEO of Bishan Home member at Very Special Arts, the residents of Bishan Home (for the Intellectually Disabled). for the Intellectually Disabled, each participant produced a It was indeed a perfect finale to the three-way self-portrait using acrylic paint and recycled materials. partnership between Very Special Arts Singapore All the artworks were then exhibited on the 8 January (VSA), Republic Polytechnic and Bishan Home for the 2016 at Bishan Home for the Intellectually Disabled. The Intellectually Disabled.
Profile: Esther Ng
ESTHER Ng studied English Literature at the National University of Singapore, and then went on to pursue Fine Art at LASALLE College of the Arts where she majored in sculpture. Her works often display an interplay between these two disciplines, where the narrative connects with the sculptural and the poetic with the physical. Esther has taken part in several cross-disciplinary exhibitions and performances and has worked with the community in large scale projects. She is currently teaching art to special needs children at VSA and is also practising ceramics at the same time.
12 | Welcome to My World VSA EVENTS
Care & Share Thank-You Show 28 April 2016, Max Pavilion
THE Care & Share Movement was initiated in celebration Nathan Hartono, who thrilled the audience with their of SG50 for Singaporeans to show care and concern for arousing performance. the disadvantaged and to recognise contributions made But our proudest moment came when 13-year old by voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs). VSA is indeed Lauren Yeo gave a stirring performance of Josh Groban’s grateful and fortunate to have benefitted from the dollar- “You Raise Me Up“. The team of back-up dancers for-dollar matching grant which ran from 1 December were none other than VSA’s Creative Dance Group Lil’ 2013 to 31 March 2016. Wings. The truly inspirational rendition of the song was The Care & Share Movement on a high note at the complimented by the synchronised movements of the 10 Care & Share Thank-You Show held at the Max Pavilion, students from Lil’ Wings. Singapore Expo on 28 April. The 4,000 strong crowd Special thanks to the organising team for their who attended the event gave a rousing welcome to the hard work, our awesome teacher/choreographer, Ms Guest of Honour, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Deputy Karen Ng and dedicated volunteers, Ms Magesvary Tana Prime Minister & Coordinating Minister for Economics & Govalan and Ms Deanna. VSA is truly honoured to have Social Policies and special guests, Mr Heng Swee Kiat, been part of this wonderful concert! Minister for Finance, Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister in the To view the dance segment, please visit https://www. Prime Minister’s Office and Mr Tan Chuan-Jin, Minister youtube.com/watch?v=1wINgbpU44U for Social & Family Development. A lively yet touching performance by a bevy of stars was in store for the VWOs, volunteers, beneficiaries and caregivers. Emcees Gurmit Singh and Judee Tan introduced celebrities like Dick lee, Frances Yip, and
BUT OUR PROUDEST MOMENT CAME WHEN 13-YEAR OLD LAUREN YEO GAVE A STIRRING PERFORMANCE OF JOSH GROBAN’S “YOU RAISE ME UP“.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 13 VSA UPCOMING EVENTS
Snow White by the DuffleBag Theatre
DUFFLEBAG Theatre will take the audience through a unique form of interactive storytelling where it is not only fun-filled but hilarious! Guided by storyteller, Marcus, the actors will narrate the story in their own comical way. And just when the audiences are intently watching, the actors will spring a surprise by pulling some of them onstage to join in the action and continue the story in an unpredictable yet crazy way.
Day & Date: Sunday, 29 May 2016 Time: 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm Location: Drama Centre, National Library Level 5, 100 Victoria Street Fee: $16 per ticket, exclusive for VSA beneficiaries
Tote bag Letterpress Printing Workshop
IN this 3-hour workshop, students will learn the basic of typography, the anatomy of a type and tools in a composing room as well learn typesetting in stages: layout, lockup, mark-ready, ink & colour and packing. The students will also be introduced to the printing press and will be guided to operate the equipment. Students will Day & Date: Monday, 30 May 2016 have a chance to print their favourite Time: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm quotes or sentences in letterpress Location: VSA Bedok metal types, using the printing press. Fee: $17 per student, exclusive for The workshop is brought to you by VSA beneficiaries TypeSettingSG.
VSA 14th Annual Art Competition for Children and Youths with Special Needs 23 September – 2 October, Forum The Shopping Mall
VSA Annual Art Competition and Exhibition for Children and Youths with Specials Needs will be held from 23 September to 2 October 2016 at Forum, The Shopping Mall. The theme for this year is ‘Make A Wish, Make A Change’. Everyone has a wish, everyone has a dream or goals to achieve. If our wishes come true, what change will it make?
There will be two categories – Children & Youth Child Category Prizes: 1st Prize: $500, 2nd Prize: $200, 5 Merit Prizes: $50 each Youth Category Prizes: 1st Prize: $800, 2nd Prize: $500, 5 Merit Prizes: $50 each Submission Deadline is 1 August 2016, 12 pm Details and registration forms are now available at your school or at our website www.vsa.org.sg. Call 6448 6275 for more information.
14 | Welcome to My World VSA UPCOMING EVENTS
Creative Writing Workshop
Jayden & Janelle’s Creative Writing workshop is back by popular demand! Students will be taught how to develop characters of their stories before actually writing it down. To add to the fun and excitement, the students will be given the chance to share their stories with one another at the end of the lesson.
Date: Saturday, 18 June 2016 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: VSA Bedok Fee: $12 per student, exclusive for VSA beneficiaries
Manga Illustration Workshop
For the school holidays programme, VSA students are invited to join this workshop to learn about the different types of manga illustrations - body language, emotions and actions. These 2 sets of 4 lessons workshops focus on how to draw the face and the body of a manga character and animate the emotions and postures of the manga. Students have a choice to choose to attend either the Body Language workshop or Emotions & Actions.
Manga Illustration – Body Language: Manga Illustration – Emotions & Actions: Date: 2, 3, 6 & 7 June 2016 Date: 16, 17, 20 & 21 June 2016 Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Location: VSA Bedok Location: VSA Bedok Fee: $60 per student, exclusive for VSA Fee: $60 per student, exclusive for VSA beneficiaries beneficiaries
Soap Sculptures Workshop
At this 2-day workshop, students will learn how to carve a 3D figurine or a relief image on palm-sized bar soap with a butter knife.
Date: 23 & 24 June 2016 Time: 10 am to 12 pm Location: VSA Bedok Fee: $38 per student, exclusive for VSA beneficiaries
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 15 VSA UPCOMING EVENTS
W to My World 2016 21 August, Theelcome Republic Cultural Centre Theatre
VSA’S Flagship Event - A Concert by People with THIS CONCERT SERVES AS A Disabilities is back! In collaboration with Republic PLATFORM TO SHOWCASE THE BEST IN Polytechnic, VSA is proud to present its 8th nationwide concert by artistes from the special needs community. PERFORMING ARTS BY PEOPLE WITH The concert will be held on Sunday, 21 August 2016 DISABILITIES. IT AIMS TO PROMOTE THE at 4pm at The Republic Cultural Centre Theatre. The BELIEF THAT ART IS FOR ALL, INCLUDING Guest-of-Honour will be Ms Grace Fu, Minister for PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. Culture, Community and Youth. This concert serves as a platform to showcase the with their passion and conviction. We welcome you to best in performing arts by people with disabilities. It step into our performers’ world to share their joy and aims to promote the belief that art is for all, including enthusiasm on stage! people with disabilities. With no less than 12 spirited Book your tickets to Welcome to My World 2016 - A and enthusiastic performances from over 200 members Concert by People with Disabilities for an evening of of various special schools and voluntary welfare unforgettable fun and entertainment today! For tickets organisations in Singapore, the concert hopes to enquiries, please contact Victoria at 6604 9431 or email inspire with performers’ tenacity in overcoming all odds [email protected].
16 | Welcome to My World VSA UPCOMING EVENTS
Call for Artwork Entries! Annual Art Exhibition @ CCP 2016 22 August 2016, Changi City Point Atrium
WE are pleased to announce that the Very Special Arts Kindly note that all submitted work must be original and Annual Art Exhibition 2016 is scheduled to take place recent. Artist may submit a maximum of 6 artworks in from 22 to 28 August 2016 at the Atrium, Basement 1 of any of the following mediums: Changi City Point. • Paintings and Drawings in oil, acrylic, poster colour, We are now open for submission of new and/or watercolour, pencils, pastels, charcoal, crayons, dye. recent artworks to be showcased for sales at this event. • Printmaking All artworks are to be framed and submitted to VSA • 2-dimensional mixed media (i.e. Collage) Changi City Point by 30 May 2016 (Friday). Opening hours • 3-dimensional sculptures or ceramic works are from 10 am to 5 pm. With the theme set as “The Ecstatic Vision”, participating artists are free to express and elaborate a Please contact Junie at 6604 9431 or [email protected]. personal ecstatic vision through your works of 2D or 3D sg to register. paintings, ceramic and/or sculpture pieces.
Artist Talk Session 01- Pann Lim 18 May, VSA Changi City Point
FOR the first session of a series of Artist Talks specially designed for our ALIVE programme, VSA has invited Pann Lim, the winner of President’s Design Award Singapore 2015, to come and share about Holycrap – a well-received art collective formed by himself, his wife and two children. The idea of getting the whole family to get involve in art- and music. Since then, besides publishing a few issues of making was first conceived in 2011, when Pann and his wife, their award winning famzines, titled “Rubbish”, they also Claire, felt they could spend more time with their children have had many successful art exhibitions that showcased working on creative projects as an art collective. Realizing paintings created by Reinn and Aira. If you are keen to hear their children, Renn and Aira, love to draw, doodle and write the success stories of Holycrap, please join us on the 18 stories, they figured that there is no better way to raise May, Wednesday, 2 pm, at VSA Changi City Point for this them through the disciplines of art, design, ideas, movies two-hour sharing session.
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 17 OUR VOLUNTEERS Volunteers – Our Valued Partners Story of my life @ VSA as a Volunteer
MY name is Bhavisha Methani and I am a Year One student programs for various age groups, with participants ranging doing a Diploma in Arts and Theatre Management. I have from 3 years of age to 21. been volunteering at Very Special Arts (VSA) since 3 January We try to provide a safe space for the students to 2015 under the Speech and Drama Department. express themselves. We hope to pass on skills such as VSA is a charity launched in September 1993 that aims interacting with others and following instructions as to provide people with disabilities access to the arts for well as boosting their self-esteem through the activities rehabilitation and social integration. conducted. For example, we help them prepare for The vision of VSA is “A world where people with performances to showcase to their parents and collaborate disabilities are empowered through the arts, contribute to with schools such as Changkat Changi Secondary School. and integrate with the community”. The mission of VSA is We try to portray real life scenarios through activities such “To create and provide access and opportunities for people as tableaux. with disabilities through the arts”. I find volunteering at VSA extremely satisfying. It gives VSA conducts programs for children and youths, me a sense of fulfillment, achievement, and pride when I between the ages of 6 to 18, with disabilities as well as for see the students succeed. I have learnt so much from the adults with disabilities. time spent with the students there and I feel privileged to Being a non-profit organisation, VSA relies heavily on have this opportunity. volunteers to conduct the various programs. I have every intention to continue being a volunteer Due to my tight school schedule, I am able to volunteer at VSA. In fact, I strongly recommend everyone to come only on Saturdays. During this one year, I have facilitated forward to support the VSA in any capacity they can.
My Stint as a VSA Volunteer
BEING a volunteer with VSA has opened my eyes that people with special needs are not powerless; In fact, they have a great deal of willpower, determination and potentials that’s truly commendable and inspiring. All they need is to be empowered and be accepted into the community. I am happy to be given the wonderful opportunity to volunteer at VSA. - Jenny Lee
Call for Volunteers!
AS a charity organization, VSA is constantly working close with our valued volunteers whose contribution is fundamental to the success of our operations as well as programmes. If you are inspired to make a contribution to our cause, we would like to hear from you! VSA extends a warm welcome to volunteers to join us on a regular or ad-hoc basis at our workshops, events or office administrations.
To find out more on volunteering opportunities, please call us at 6448 6275 or email us at [email protected].
18 | Welcome to My World DO YOU KNOW?
VSA Caregiver Support Group 16 June 2016, VSA Bedok
VSA Singapore is starting a Caregiver Support Group which is conducted by a professional art therapist from The Red Pencil. There will be a total of 9 sharing sessions inclusive of an introductory session for the caregivers to get to know the art therapist as well as to have an overview of the support group. The aim is to provide support to all the persons who are raising a child with special needs and to give them an opportunity to speak about their journey. The sessions will take place every Thursday evening at VSA Bedok Centre. We would like to invite you to join us! It’s absolutely free and it would be an excellent opportunity to meet other like-minded parents and caregivers.
If you wish to know more or register your interest, please contact Magali at 6448 6275 or email her at [email protected]
The Perfect Gifts for the Occasions Wooden Cubes with Landscape Painting Wooden photo frame with paper flowers FOR this year’s observance of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the best presents for your loved ones could be some handmade craftworks created by VSA’s crafters. Crafters’ Guild is a programme initiated to assist our beneficiaries in gaining financial independence through the sales of their craftworks. With the guidance of trained instructors, these crafters are gathered at VSA on a weekly basis to create novelty items such as candleholders, greeting cards, embellished frames, just to name a few. For more information on the programme and/or purchase of these craftworks, please contact Junie at 6604 9431 or via email at [email protected].
Canvas frame for pictures or messages
Welcome!
PLEASE welcome Junie Tang (extreme right), our new Programme Executive, who joined us on 17 February. Junie has many years of working experience in graphic design, education and the arts. So, if you are looking for art pieces, crafts or considering commission VSA to produce artworks for your events and/or your homes/offices, do not hesitate to contact Junie at 6604 9431 or [email protected] to find out more! Warm welcome, Junie!
Volume 3 Issue May 2016 | 19 EVERY DONATION HELPS!
VSA Needs Your Support
Donate and make a difference to the lives of the people with disabilities in our community! In line with our objective of reaching out and providing persons with disabilities with opportunties to access arts for rehabilitation and social integration, we would like to appeal to you to make a donation using the form below. Your generous donations would go a long way in helping us to fund our programmes to support and empower persons with disabilties. ! Attention: Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd Blk 133 Bedok North Ave 3 #01-138 Singapore 460133
YES, I WISH TO MAKE A DONATION TO VSA SINGAPORE LIMITED.
One-Donation of $ (Please indicate the amount)
Monthly Donation $50 $100 Other Amount S$
Name (Dr/Mr/Ms/Mdm/Registered Company) NRIC/UEN
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Enclosed is a crossed cheque made payable to “Very Special Arts Singapore Limited”.
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As VSA is a registered organisation with Institution of Public Character (IPC) status, your donation, regardless of amount, will qualify for 250% tax exemption. In order for all donations to enjoy the tax exemption, kindly ensure that all donations and necessary personal details are duly completed. If you have any enquiries, please contact VSA at 6448 6275 or via email [email protected].
In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), I hereby give my consent to VSA Singapore Ltd to collect my personal data and contact details which may be used and disclosed for purpose of tax exemption receipts of communication materials and other donor related management activities. To unsubscribe and/or withdraw this content, you may do so in writing to [email protected].
CONTACT US Very Special Arts Singapore Ltd (VSA) WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK We are always looking at improving our Block 133 Bedok North Avenue 3, Editorial Team newsletter and we welcome your feedback. #01-138, Andrew Liew Kindly share your comments with us at Singapore 460133 Joyce Toh [email protected]. Telephone: 6448 6275 E: [email protected] Welcome To My World publication by Very 5 Changi Business Park Central 1 FB: www.facebook.com/vsa.singapore Special Arts Singapore Ltd is published #03-01, Changi City Point, URL: www.vsa.org.sg quarterly. No part of this publication may Singapore 486038 be reproduced in any form by any means Telephone: 6604 9431 without the permission of the publisher.