Anjum Zohra Syed

Communication plays a vital role in volunteering, and I had the privilege to develop these skills in Singapore, a multi-lingual and multi-cultural society where festivals are celebrated across all communities without distinction of race, caste, or religion. I was able to serve during important occasions such as Diwali, Chinese New Year, Eid-ul-Fitr, and Hari Raya Haji, extending my support to both the school and the wider community.

I was proud to contribute to the Indian Muslim Social Service Association (IMSSA), which collaborates with many community centres where values of all religions are respected and celebrated. Under IMSSA, I participated in volunteer activities that included distributing food during Ramadan, helping to plan and set up event spaces, and assisting with crowd management during busy festive periods. This experience of religious and social bonding at a volunteer level allowed me to gain valuable skills such as empathy, patience, and the ability to work effectively under pressure.

I also contributed to IMSSA’s food organization department, where I supported large-scale meal preparation and distribution. As someone who enjoys cooking, this role gave me a chance to combine personal passion with meaningful service. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of social responsibility but also helped me explore and grow in many areas of community work.

Social work to me is not just a way to occupy my time. It is my passion. I have a genuine desire to help people in need and contribute to positive change within the community. I believe that when everyone comes forward with even a small effort, it brings about big changes in thought, action, and unity. Together, these small contributions can help build a stronger, more positive community, especially when paired with fresh ideas and strategies.

I have always had great interest in social work across different platforms. My children’s school, TNPS, provided me with a meaningful opportunity not only to volunteer in various departments but also to remain closely connected with my children’s growth and learning. During my service, I supported underprivileged children who faced challenges in communication, reading, and writing. A group of these children were assigned to me, and my aim was to strengthen their foundation skills and help them progress in their weaker areas.

I communicated regularly with teachers and parents to update them on their child’s daily progress and needs. In addition, I volunteered during school occasions such as Teachers’ Day, Children’s Day, and Racial Harmony Day, often contributing creative ideas for performances in drama, dance, and stage activities. Volunteering at school allowed me to support children not only in their academic journey but also by encouraging them in extracurricular pursuits, helping them develop into more well-rounded individuals.