Every year, NurtureStars @ SAFRA Jurong West runs the Little Entrepreneur Project (LEP), an annual charity drive where centre, children, and parents work together raise funds for NurtureStars’ appointed charity organization – Ju Eng Home for Senior Citizen.
This year, the fair was organized revolving the theme on ‘Kindness and Appreciation.’ Children from as young as infants to Kindergarten children were involved. The children were involved in all stages from the planning stage to the actual the operations of the stalls on the event day. The children picked up important entrepreneur and life skills through this project. The children learned about social responsibility, values of kindness, graciousness and consideration. They also discussed what artworks to do, how to price the merchandise, and how to decorate their booths (stalls) to attract more ‘customers.’ For example, the teachers brainstormed ideas with the children and came up with the idea of using recycled materials to create artwork to sell, in order to raise funds. Some parents were also roped in to support the cause. For example, a parent volunteer from the Nursery class contributed by conducting a baking class during school hours and teaching the children to bake their own cookies to sell.
The 5 magic words: “Say you’re welcome, say please when asking for help, say sorry when you’re in the wrong, say excuse me before interrupting others, say thank you when someone helps you” were displayed on all of the booths. This is to remind children to use the 5 magic words when manning the 5 booths and to encourage them that kindness starts with them!
It was heartening to see the overwhelming support received from parents. The success of the event was a result of the enthusiasm of the children, the unwavering support of the parents and the dedication of the teachers.
This event has definitely inspired the children that kindness is in everyone and together we can build a gracious Singapore!
