Online Blog Entry 1- Teenage and Social Issues

"Mission possible"

Section: Sat News
By: ZUBAIDAH NAZEER
Publication: The New Paper 19/08/2006

This article begins with the example of physiotherapist Ms Wai Yen Jasmine Wong's 250km run across the Atacama to raise money for underprivileged children. This was followed by Pastor Andrew Choo and his ambition to raise $100,000 for female ex-offenders through a 100km run.

The article brings many issues to light. Currently, there have been many projects aimed at integrating the ex-offenders into society and also to help the less privileged. A well-known example is the Yellow Ribbon Project, in which these ex-offenders are rehabilitated and posted to jobs that are suitable for them. The article further asserts the view that Singaporeans are willing to go the extra mile to help the less privileged.

The also shows that there are still many underprivileged people that we may not be aware of. I feel that Singaporeans, being part of a closely-knit society, need to be aware of the people in need and we have to do our part to help them. This is especially needed the ex-convicts, who tend to have a lower self-esteem, need to be helped to get back on their own two feet so that they can go somewhere in life. Like Pastor Andrew Choo had said, he wishes to run the race alone as the road to redemption for an ex-convict is a lonely one that will require much perseverence. Their long and lonely road towards acceptance and redemption would be greatly helped if we can go the extra mile to help and support them in their times of need.

Even though this article was published in 2006, i feel that it still has a lot of relevance to our society today. Crime is something that will be ever present no matter which country one is in and we can always identify with it. I feel that the willingness of Singaporeans to help these underprivileged people is really touching and inspiring.

Through this i realise that there are many ways to help people. For example, being a cross country runner, i never thought that it could be used to help the less privileged. The article really has inspired me to help the less privileged and i realised that i can do it in many different and creative ways. It has opened my eyes to the many possibilities that are available and opportunities in which i can help others.

Our country has never failed to impress me time and again at the things that we can accomplish despite our small size. As such, i will strive to help others whenever i can and help to do my part for society.