Image credit: @sewintoit_sg
Few things are more fulfilling than being a volunteer. But as life happens and the things on our plate pile up, “Volunteer More” gradually becomes a semi-permanent unchecked box on our to-do lists.
But with a new year should come a new you – and as we stride into 2018, there’s no better time to get back into the volunteering groove than now. And Youth Corps Singapore’s Hack for Good Learning Festival will help you do just that.
So keep 13th and 14th January free, cause that’s when you’ll get to touch base with various social enterprises and take part in activities that’ll up your cred as a volunteer. From exercising on mini trampolines to upcycling your old t-shirts, here are 5 activities you can look forward to at this festival:
Image credit: Etch Empathy
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like being blind, two young visually impaired students at Etch Empathy will bring you through the experience at Hack for Good. One of the most fascinating aspects about Hack for Good is that it connects curious Singaporeans with individuals they might never otherwise interact with.
Experiences like these break down barriers, making us realise how similar – and different – the lives we lead are. Expect to have your current misconceptions of the blind broken as you’ll find out just how much they are capable of!
Image credit: OriLove
PSA for all broke students: at Hack for Good, you can get discounts for pixel art magnets and keychains while learning how to sign.
At this booth by 2 social enterprises for the deaf, OriLove and ExtraOrdinary Horizons, everything on sale is made by the Deaf. You’ll recognise popular figures like Pikachu, Naruto, and Superman, and if you take the time, the helpful staff here will even teach you basic sign language so you get a discount on each purchase!
Image credit: Jumping Singapore
You’ve struck the warrior pose in a steaming hot yoga studio, and done Zumba while chest-deep in water. Now, what’s left for your fitspo self to take on is aerobics – while bouncing on a trampoline.
The folks from social enterprise New Hope Bounce Fit will take you through 40min of structured aerobics on their mini trampoline. 10min of jumping gives you as much gains as 30min of jogging – so running-averse people, it’s time to take your fitness routine from the track to the tramp.
It can be hard to understand why our hard-of-hearing ah gongs and ah mas need us to +100% volume, and hit repeat on what we say every so often. And while their actions might frustrate us, the onset of dementia must be frustrating for them too, and they can’t really help it.
Image credit: Camp Hiro
You’ll get a first-hand experience of how they feel in Camp Hiro’s Dementia Simulation where you’ll be challenged to complete a series of tasks wearing a suit that’ll hinder your senses, just as dementia hinders theirs. You’ll come out of it with a whole new understanding of a world you never knew.
Image credit: @sewintoit_sg
Besides a bunch of friends and good memories, our secondary school years have also left us with a tall stack of school/class/CCA t-shirts unsuitable for the public eye. Rather than sending them all down the chute, sew them into useful pouches you’ll be proud to carry out in Sew Into It’s upcycling workshop.
Prepare to cut, weave, and sew your way to beautiful accessories in a mere 2 hours. And even if you can’t speak the language of sewing and aesthetics, don’t sweat it. Just bring your old t-shirts and your hands, and Sew Into It’s talented teachers will show you the ropes.
Image credit: Youth Corps Singapore
A wise philosopher once said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. And if you’re ready to give volunteering a check off your bucket list in 2018, Hack for Good Learning Festival is the place to start.
Besides taking part in activities by organisations that do social good, you can also drop into panel sessions on social inclusion and innovation. Pick the brains of people making direct impact in the lives of Singaporeans, and listen to wise words from the top brass of social enterprises and charities on how YOU can get involved in social causes.
So start off your 2018 on a positive note at this festival, and you’ll soon be on your way to a year of good deeds and good vibes. Follow Youth Corps Singapore on Instagram here.
Hack for Good Learning Festival
Venue: The Red Box, 113 Somerset Road, Singapore 238165
Date: 13th and 14th January 2018
Time: 10am-9pm (13th Jan), 10am-6.30pm (14th Jan)
This post was brought to you by the Youth Corps Singapore, part of National Youth Council.
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