In the second of a three-part series, we chat with teacher and volunteer David Hoe, who was recently recognised by the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards for encouraging his students to find their talents outside of the classroom
When it comes to charity, there is no one defining action that encompasses all the ways to help our society. Some show it through volunteer work at their local soup kitchen, some choose to donate a portion towards a cause close to their hearts—it goes to show that no action is too small nor is any amount insignificant if it can help even one person lead a better life.
As part of the core tenets of the President’s Volunteerism & Philanthropy Awards (PVPA), this year's winners showcase the best of individuals, organisations and leaders aiming to honour those who have set benchmarks of excellence as well as give them the platform to galvanise others in their giving journey. Under the Leaders of Good - Youth category by the PVPA, winner David Hoe credits his experience as a volunteer for the lessons he’s learnt from within the youth communities of Singapore to improve their conditions. The PVPA winner shares some of his memorable moments that instilled the importance of giving back and why paying it forward matters.
During his short time as a relief teacher, he realised many secondary students in the Normal (Technical) or N(T) stream often were treated like lost causes. Having also been an N(T) student himself, he understands the evident psychological academic stress of these students and decided to establish I Am Talented (IAT), a programme to encourage over 1,000 students to discover their talents through non-academic pathways for the past five years.
Hoe has spent considerable time volunteering with social empowerment programmes such as the Meet-The-People sessions as a writer to make appeals for Kampong Glam residents.
“What drives me is the desire to never turn a blind eye to the needs around me” shares Hoe on his volunteering efforts.
“If it’s within my capacity to help, I would gladly do so, and if I can’t, I will find avenues to share the needs with others and get others involved.”
