HWA CHONG INSTITUTION
Project Work Group
Project Proposal
Wee Yang Xi, Ben Lung, Ho Cheng En, Wong Jin Hui
(11S64)
3 May 2011
Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
GROUP PARTICULARS
Group Name
Group IV
Group Members
Wee Yang Xi (Group Leader)
Lung Jun Yuan Ben
(Secretary)
Ho Cheng En (Treasurer)
Wong Jin Hui (IT Consultant)
CT Group
11S64
Figure 1: Group Picture
(From left to right: Wee Yang Xi, Ben Lung, Ho Cheng En, Wong Jin Hui)
Contact Details
Name
Mobile Number
Email
Wee Yang Xi
96552390
[email protected]
Lung Jun Yuan Ben
98165488
[email protected]
Ho Cheng En
98153671
[email protected]
Wong Jin Hui
96196156
[email protected]
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
Group Contract
Honesty
Focus
No fabrication of
figures or findings
Concentrate during
group discussions
Adaptibility
Try to accommodate
everyone’s opinion
Respect
Be respectful
towards everyone
Take pride in
your work and
put in your best
Equal distribution
between work and fun
Fun
Work together
in harmony
Participate actively and
make reasonable efforts to
complete share of project
Responsibility
Group GPPedia - Wikispaces
Figure 2: GPPedia
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Unity
Diligence
Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
TOPIC CHOICE & REASONS
Topic Choice
Singaporean children living in institutional homes1 struggle with a risk of integrating
with the society. As there are limited opportunities, knowledge and support in such
homes, these children need to be encouraged to take more risk in terms of
expanding out of their social circles and in certain aspects of their lives (i.e. sports
and arts).
Save the Children Sweden, with branches based in developing countries like Europe
and South-East Asian nations like Hong Kong, recently published a journal2 which
documents problems such as the lack of opportunities given in institutional homes.
Singapore, being marginally similar to its counterparts in Europe and Hong Kong, is
not spared from such a predicament, where high costs of operations3 result in fewer
opportunities for institutional homes.
Causes




Equal, limited opportunities at institutional homes.
High cost of operations
Lack of facilities at such homes.
Limited support from homes.
Serious Consequences
If steps are not taken to address the problem of inadequate risk-taking in personal
development, the children living in institutionalized homes risk losing a bright future.
1
An institution or residential care home for children is defined as a group living arrangement for more than
ten children, without parents or surrogate parents, in which care is provided by a much smaller number of paid
adult carers, adapted from http://www.crin.org/docs/The_Risk_of_Harm.pdf
2
Adapted from
http://southasiachildrensfund.org/resources/Community%20Based%20Care%20for%20Children.pdf
3
Adapted from The Risk of Harm to Young Children in Institutional Care pg 6
http://www.crin.org/docs/The_Risk_of_Harm.pdf
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
With limited skills and low educational attainment4, they are likely to be neglected
and deprived of fabulous jobs with high earnings and educational opportunities, thus
losing out to others. As a result, it is harder for these children to reintegrate into the
society, as they will be looked down upon. Recidivism rates are likely to rise.
Current Measures
Current Measures
Effects
Basic self-help and
house-keeping skills
taught to residents of
Canossaville Children’s
Home.
Family life education
programme at Chen Su
Lan Methodist Home
Music and Arts
programme in Infant
Jesus Homes and
Children’s Centres.
Basic life-skills to enable residents to adapt easier to
independent life.
Equips parents with skills and knowledge of parenting,
hence preparing them for life outside institutional
homes.
Builds self-confidence, engages the imagination of
children and gives them a platform for expression.
Unaddressed Gap
Though there are current measures to try and tackle the problem, such measures
have proven themselves ineffective or inadequate. The solutions only caters to the
basic needs of a child, as there are limited funding at homes. Hence such homes do
not provide ample opportunities for children to try new things, which may result in
children being not used to taking risk in the future.
Desired Outcome
Help - Provide exposure to different aspects of life.
Encourage - Encourage them to take risk and venture out of the norm.
4
Low educational attainment is associated with reduced rates of employment and with lower earnings for
those who are employed. Rand Corporation (2005). Children At Risk. [Online] URL:
http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB9144/index1.html (Accessed on 5 May 2011).
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
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Assimilate - Build confidence in those children, allowing them to integrate back to
normal society despite having fewer opportunities than "normal" people.
Lower risk - Lower risk of child being unable to cope with the outside world.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
CASE STUDY
Eco-tourism in Jordan
Since 1998, the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) has launched a campaign which promoted eco-tourism,
which is one of the major new trends in tourism, 5and one which Jordan “is playing a leading role
with the establishment of several nature reserves and environmental lodges”6. The campaign by JTB
has encouraged many tourists to venture out of conventional commercial tourism and explore other
green options. Such eco-tourism options have generated revenue of over 45% of annual conservation
costs and supported hundreds of local community jobs7.
Eco-tourism In Jordan
Learning Points
Properties
Liaising with the Royal Society Engage the support of a
for the Conservation of Nature credible source
Using pathos to spread the
benefits of eco-tourism (i.e.
reminding tourists of their
carbon footprint)
Analyzing the different
consumer bases and their
preferences
Multimedia platforms to
engage and captivate the
audience, arousing their
curiosity
Appeal to audience’s emotions
to promote our cause
Recognizing the different
inclinations of children and act
accordingly
Multimedia platforms to aid us
in various parts of the proposal
to enable us to optimize
effectiveness given the current
technological age
5
Positivity
Rides on the name of the
credible source to promote
your cause
Alleviates moral guilt of
audience whilst promoting our
cause
Choices are given to provide
more exposure
Connects audience, children
and us in a platform which
promotes our cause easier.
Adapted from Nayef Al-Fayez, director-general of the Jordan Tourism Board
http://toglobalist.org/2010/11/tourism-in-jordan-a-coming-of-age/
6
Adapted from http://toglobalist.org/2010/11/tourism-in-jordan-a-coming-of-age/
7
Adapted from http://www.rscn.org.jo/Group1/EcoTourismforConservation/tabid/164/Default.aspx
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
PROPOSAL
 Target Audience: 50 at-risk youths from Beyond Social Services8
 Implementation of the R3 Programme, which provides Recovery, Restoration and
Responsibilities to the targeted victims.
 Helps these vulnerable youths to get their self-confidence back, makes them realize their
strengths and discover their hidden talents.
Recovery
Instill responsibilities.
Responsibilities
Implant hope.
3
R
Restoration
Develop new skills.
Figure 5: Applications of learning points and aims of R3 Programme
8
Beyond Social Services is an organisation that aims to curb delinquency among young people. Retrieved from,
http://www.beyond.org.sg/mission.html.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
Short-term solutions
RECOVERY
Fundraising Campaign
RESTORATION
Games Day
Recovery Homes
RESPONSIBILITIES
LifeGame
Pet Therapy
Self-sustainable Project
Long-term solutions
Figure 6: Initiatives of R3 Programme
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
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1) Games Day

To build victims’ confidence in communication and social interaction.

To teach victims yoga and deep-breathing exercises to aid in mind and body
relaxation so as to speed up recovery.
Day Programme
Time
Activity
0900 – 0930
 Registration
 Opening Speech
 Introduction to Games Day and R3 Programme
0930 – 1030
 Ice-breakers and Team-building Games
1030 – 1200
 Yoga and Deep-breathing Exercises
1200 – 1300
 Lunch (Internal Catering)
1300 – 1600
 Hop-Hop Station Games
1600 – 1700
 Debrief and Reflections
 Survey
1700 onwards
 Dismissal of participants
 Clearing-up
Examples of Ice-breakers and Team-building Games
Game
Details
Blow Wind Blow
 Get the group to sit in a circle, with one volunteer in the middle.
 The volunteer will command “Blow Wind Blow, Blow all those…”
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
 Participants who suit the above command will have to leave their
own seats and occupy another seat in the circle.
 The next participant who cannot find a seat shall become the next
“commander”.
Hunter-FireEarthquake
 Participants will be broken up into trees and squirrels in a 2:1
ratio. Trees will pair up, putting their palms together with their
hands raised, while a squirrel is in between them (under their
arms).
 One of the following commands will be given:
‐ Fire: Trees move and find another tree to form a pair
‐ Hunter: Squirrels move and find spots under the trees
‐ Earthquake: All move
Flip the Mat
 Participants stand on a piece of mat.
 Group is supposed to flip the mat over without members stepping
out of the mat touching the floor.
Examples of Yoga and Deep-breathing Exercises
Exercise9
Details
Cat Yoga Pose
 Movement from centre to coordinate movement and breath.
 Alignment of centre depends on positioning of pelvis.
 Helps exercise spine as well.
Tree Pose
9
 Helps strengthen thighs, calves, ankles and back.
Retrieved from http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/yogapractice/postures.asp.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
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 Increases flexibility.
 Improves balance and concentration.
Natural
 Sit or stand with good posture.
Breathing
 Breathe slowly through your nose.
 Hold your breath for a few seconds, before releasing.
Examples of Hop-Hop Station Games
Game
Details
Human Maze
 1 participant in the group will be blindfolded, while another
participant will lead her through a ‘maze’ by giving her verbal
instructions.
 Foster teamwork and interaction.
Rock-Climbing
 Course by external instructors.
2) Recovery Homes (Single-gender)


Operations aim to achieve TENSS.
T – Pet Therapy to foster responsibility and emotional recovery.
E – Emotional support by fellow victims to know they are not alone.
N – Non-discriminatory environment.
S – Supervision by professionals to aid recovery.
S – Self-sustainable project.




Locations: Tranquil environments, away from city crowds.
To be managed by NGOs such as RAHI Foundation India.
Residents will live and study together under apt supervision.
Basic features of recovery homes include colour psychology (i.e. bright coloured
walls and furniture to decrease depression), board-casting rhythmical music (i.e.
Mozart).
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
4) LifeGame
 Implemented in recovery homes, in a non-discriminatory environment.
 Creative stimulation game of life10 for victims to discover purpose in life, one without
any abusive factors.
 Nurture victims into better people through education and work.
A “make-believe” world is set
Victims are
up in recovery homes, with
given the
infrastructures and facilities
opportunity to
like computers, colleges, etc.
pursue their
How does
LifeGame
work?
desired life.
Then, get an education in “college”
and attain a degree.
First, go to the “hospital” and
undergo psychological counselling to
Next, find a desired job and attend
find a new direction in life.
“workshops” to develop skills and
knowledge.
To “end” your life in the recovery
home, visit the “hospital” again to
Go to “recreational
grant you a new lease of life! A Life
centres” to get emotional
Achievement e-Portfolio would
support from fellow victims
then be awarded to each victim.
if feeling stressed.
Figure 6: A Lifecyle in LifeGame
10
Adapted from lifeIMPACT ministries, which has successfully impacted over 200 young adults. Retreived from
http://lifeimpactministries.com/careergame.html.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
Junior High, Senior
High, Bachelor,
Master, Degree, etc
2011
Assessed on attitude
towards life, mood, etc
Assessed on
involvement in social
activities, interaction,
etc
Amateur, Trainee,
Professional, etc
Figure 7: Life Achievement e-Portfolio (based on Cognitive Evaluation Theory11)
5) Pet Therapy

Animal-assisted therapy has been proved to generate many medical benefits.

Collaborations with SPCA India and Delta Society12 to bring animals to recovery
homes.

Animals allow for a sense of responsibility and trusted companionship for the
residents.

Every three residents receive an animal to care for, such that communal effort is
required for the maintenance of the pet.
6) Self-sustainable Project

Plastic jewellery-making project to be set up at certain recovery homes.

Directions of the self-sustainable project will be undertaken by local business
students.
11
Cognitive Evaluation Theory states that a positive information of competence like certificates and rewards
will lead to increased perceived competence, and thereafter increased intrinsic motivation. Retrieved from
http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/rewards.pdf.
12
Organization specializing in animal-assisted therapy, retrieved from http://www.deltasociety.org/
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Project Work Group Project Proposal

2011
Jewellery-making skills will be taught to residents and allows for a platform for
expression and creativity.

Products will be sold through means such as the internet and EBay, whereby
proceeds will go towards operational funds and miscellaneous costs at the homes, or
even an occasional treat for the residents.

Initial start-up can be provided through liaising with organizations such as Unicef
India or through fund-raising campaigns.

Social media can be used for advertising, stating explicitly that proceeds go towards
charity, appealing to consumers more.
7) Awareness and Fund-Raising Campaign

To be conducted locally in Singapore, specifically targeting teenagers from age 13
onwards to age 18.

Teenagers from this age group are able to sympathize with victims more as they will
feel the similarities in age but vast difference in life.

Booths and specially created awareness posters will be set up in schools around
Singapore, with an appeal for donations.

Merchandizes highlighting the issue of domestic family violence will be sold to raise
awareness and funds.

Donations will go towards operational fund costs at recovery homes or the NGOs
running the homes.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2011
FEASIBILITY AND MANAGEABILITY
 Long-term feasibility to cater to at least 50% of the victims by 2025.
Possible Problems
Solutions
Remarks
Funding and
1. Collaborate with BodyShop
 Publicity for company.
Resources
and companies that target
youths as consumers.
and customers.
2. Partnership with UNICEF
 Contribute towards a worthy
India for R3 Programme.
cause for the victims in India.
3. Collaborate with National
 Launch Games Day as youth
Youth Achievement Award
development programme for
(NYAA) Council.
victims.
4. Liase with Cirque de
Monte13.
Manpower
 Victims are potential workers
 Raise awareness of the plight
of victims.
1. Youth volunteers from local
universities.
 Able to relate to victims as
they are about the same age.
 First-hand experience for
students studying business and
psychology.
 Portion of course fees can be
used to fund for R3
Programme.
13
Cirque de Monte is a social program, in which circus technique are used together with educational
intervention to help young people. It targets at-risk youth. Retrieved from
http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/about/global-citizenship/community/social-circus/cirque-du-monde.aspx.
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Project Work Group Project Proposal
2. External instructors from
2011
 Able to help change lives of
non-profit organizations.
victims by equipping them
with soft and hard skills.
MINITRIAL

To test the effectiveness of a self-sustainable project locally.

Liaise with Beyond Social Services to implement an ad-hoc plastic jewellery
workshop, whereby products made will be sold online.

Proceeds of products will then go towards Beyond Social Services.

Careful calculations of costs, profits and time will enable us to determine if a selfsustainable project can be done at these recovery homes.
ACCESSIBILITY
Methods
Sources
Interviews (Primary)
 Budding entrepreneurs
 Abuse experts
 Counsellors
Research studies (Secondary)
 For information to pet-therapy
Effectiveness of implementation
 To be tested on a control group
Websites and Books (Secondary)
 Informative resources.
General accessibility
 Mass media
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