Vol 42 Apr-Jun 2009 MICA (P) 062/03/2009 ISSN 0219-6621NEWS

ASPIRE CAMPThanking Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple for the generous support!

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p3RTC ProgrammeReaching youths at Reformative Training Centre

EVENTS GALORE

Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association • Sengkang Community Hub 2 Sengkang Square #05-01 Singapore 545025 • Tel : (65) 6732 1122 Fax : (65) 6732 4564 www.sana.org.sg

Art@Work Drawing inspiration from Yen Chua, Art Therapist for the RTC Programme

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I Pledge to be drug-free

I Pledge to be drug-freeBecause

I Pledge to be drug-freeBecause

I Pledge to be drug-free

Because

I Pledge to be drug-free

Because

Volunteers CornerCaring and sharing together with SANA

p6&7

The second half of 2009 looks more than just busy; it is brewing with excitement and filled to the brim with events and programmes.

Last call for Flag Day 2009! The event is on 27 June, Saturday, and we will soon be wrapping up the recruitment for volunteers. Quick! Round up your folks, call on your friends, and come join the fight against drug abuse! Find out how you can adopt-a-bag, where you can pen a special message of encouragement or help spread the word.

25 July, Saturday, is the date for SANA All-Cash Donation Draw 2009. There’s still some time to make the last dash for tickets!

SANA Charity Golf is coming up next in September, and November will be the time to gather all for our annual Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Dinner.

Turn the page now for more details!

SANA FLAG DAy 2009 27 JuNe

uPCOMING eVeNTS

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SANA ALL-CASh DONATION DRAw 2009 DRAw DATe: 25 JuLy

how to ADOPT A BAG ?

Nam

e:

NR

IC N

o:

Tel:

Addr

ess:

Supported by:

$2

No. 100001No. 100001

S$ 68,000 SANA ALL-CASH

D O N A T I O N D R A W 2 0 0 9

Celebratea drug-free Life!

Volunteer Shifts

Shift 1 : 9am - 1pm

Shift 2 : 12nn - 4pm

Shift 3 : 3pm - 7pm

Collection Points1. Pasir Ris MRT Station2. Outram Park MRT Station3. Jurong East MRT Station4. Woodlands MRT Station5. Ang Mo Kio MRT Station

6. SANA office, Sengkang

Get your Donation Draw tickets quick before they run out! Each booklet contains 10 tickets of $2 each, and you could just be the one with the winning numbers! Top prize is $50,000 with 49 other cash prizes. Email or call us for more enquiries and to arrange for purchase of tickets. (Charlie@sana.org.sg / 6732 1122 ext 67)

SANA ReFORMATIVe TRAINING CeNTRe

(RTC) PROGRAMMe

With every $50 donation, you can pen down your thoughts or notes of encouragement on one bag, which will then ‘go places’ with our flag-seller. Send in your details with your message to flagday@sana.org.sg. Keep it to 2 lines or approximately 20 words.

The closing date and time to adopt a bag or sign up as a flag-seller is Thursday, 25 June, 5 pm. Hurry!

Please note:

lAll Cheques to be crossed and made payable to “Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association”. Please write Flag Day 2009, your name, NRIC on the other side of the cheque

l Cash Donations are to be made directly at SANA.

l All donations for SANA Flag Day are tax-exempted.

Last call to all volunteers: if you have yet to send in your reply, do so now! email us your name, IC No. or Volunteer Pass No., and your most current contact details. Indicate your preferred shift and collection point, for yourself and your mates if you are coming as a group.

SANA Charity Golf will be held on Tuesday, 29 September at Orchid Country Club.

Reach us at sana@sana.org.sg for partnership opportunities or queries. We are eager to hear from you!

Put this on your calendar :

Our Annual Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Nite has been confirmed on Friday, 13 November.

Venue: Civil Service Club 91 Bukit Batok West, Ave 2, S(659206) Join us in a celebration of the spirit of volunteerism and unity against drug abuse!

More details will be available

online soon!

SANA ReFORMATIVe TRAINING CeNTRe

(RTC) PROGRAMMe

“Finding Me through 4 Stages”SANA RTC Programme

This programme seeks to embark on a journey of self-discovery with these boys to help them find their true identity and self-worth and to enable them to move on with their lives into the future with confidence and respect for self and others. SANA staff, volunteers and external trainers come together to administer the contents of the programme, which will be conducted fortnightly over a period of one year. The programme plan features Art Therapy for the first half, followed by practical preparatory skills to ease their reintegration into society.

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When I was first approached by Percival Shepherdson (Chairman of the RTC programme), a veteran volunteer with SANA if I would like to join him to pioneer the RTC programme for reformative trainees, I was very excited. I have worked with SANA before on other programmes and have seen the fruitful results of the youths that I have buddied with. There would be challenges ahead but if we really put our heads together to come up with a powerful and effective programme, it would be a breakthrough for the reformative trainees and us.

The first meeting with SANA staff was held in August 2008 and I met another five volunteers. This newly formed team brainstormed the objectives, themes and topics that should be covered in the one-year RTC programme.

To better understand the RT regime, the RTC vision and philosophy with respect to the reformative trainees, the team met up with the RTC officers at their premises in October 2008 and was given a very good insight of the type of programmes that were conducted in-house for the reformative trainees boys. We were also heartened to hear that the RTC Officers were constantly exploring quality programmes in the intervention and co-operation with the reformative trainees in their aftercare.

We learnt that there are other volunteer groups running programmes for the reformative trainees but what was really lacking was a comprehensive programme with committed volunteers with whom the boys can relate to, or turn to for guidance and counselling upon discharge from RTC. After a long festive break we met again in March 2009 to start the proper planning and development of the one-year programme. We are now in the advance stage of finalizing the programme contents and have also decided on the externl trainers. Our next task is to recruit another two ladies and a male volunteer to constitute a total of 8 volunteers to work together with 16 reformative trainees. This can be quite challenging as we need volunteers who can commit their time on alternate Saturday mornings for a period of one year.

With our passion and commitment, I am confident that this pioneer programme will help the reformative trainees in their journey towards a more fulfilling life and future.

Philomene Ngui, volunteer and SANA RTC Programme Committee Member tells how the team was formed with a group of passionate

volunteers and shares her excitement and challenges of kick starting a new programme.

SMART PROGRAMMe

“Every school should send their children to the camp” commented Ms Asha of Fengshan Primary School. This is one of the many positive remarks that we have received from teachers who accompanied their young charges to ASPIRE Camp. We are proud to announce that the ASPIRE Camp has now educated 267 students over seven camps in the first quater of 2009.

Not only had the teachers given their thumbs up for the programme, the students themselves have also given us very positive ratings. 97.4% of the participants indicated that they have enjoyed themselves. 94.7% of them learnt that inhalant abuse can harm their bodies and want to lead a drug-free life.

In support of SANA’s programme, home united Football Club (huFC) has arranged for some of their players to share tips on healthy living in three of the upcoming camps in May. On top of that, students stand a chance to win HUFC merchandise for quizzes answered correctly. SANA and HUFC hope to organise a football training camp especially for the ASPIRE Camp participants.

The ceaseless dedication of our staff and regular volunteers plays a big part in the drug and inhalant abuse education of these youths. A big ThANK yOu to everyone!

ASPIRe CAMP

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While the first part of the programme featured plenty of outdoor activities, the later half saw the youths attending a handicraft session, Art of expression that encouraged them to get their creative juices flowing by designing their own wooden clocks. These self-designed clocks were then presented as gifts to their loved ones for their support during their difficult times.

Schools that have participated in the ASPIRE Camp from January to March 2009 are: 1. Yio Chu Kang Primary School 2. Macpherson Primary School 3. Fengshan Primary School 4. Opera Estate Primary School 5. East View Primary School 6. Jiemin Primary School

SANA thanks Kwan Im Thong hood Cho Temple for the wonderful support for ASPIRE Camp once again. Last year, we received a $30,000 sponsorship and Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple has generously donated $110,000 to this programme for 2009. We are heartened by Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple’s endorsement of our mission against drug abuse, and sharing the vision of a drug-free Singapore.

Opera Estate Primary pupils learning about drug awareness

Teamwork with pupils of Fengshan Primary

Session 9 - Art of Expression

SANA NeIGhbOuRhOOD SCheMe

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Programme Calendar January to May 2009Participating Groups Date event

Telok Blangah Safety, Security & Drug Abuse Prevention Committee

22.3.09Public Pledging To Stay Drug-Free at Community Hall, Blk 2 Dover Road

Tampines GRC Anti-Drug Committee 27.3.09Public Pledging To Stay Drug-Free at void deck of Blk 894, Tampines St 81

Marine Parade Drug Abuse Prevention Committee 29.3.09Public Pledging To Stay Drug-Free at Blk 32A, Marine Crescent

Jurong Central Drug Abuse Prevention Committee 18.4.09 Talk to residents at Jurong Town Council Hall

Tampines GRC Anti-Drug Committee 26.4.09Public Pledging To Stay Drug-Free at Tampines central Park

Tampines GRC Anti-Drug Committee 3.5.09 Public Pledging To Stay Drug-Free at Tampines One

Jalan Kayu Community Anti-Narcotics Committee 17.5.09Drug Abuse Prevention Exhibition in conjunction with EP Day at Serangoon North Ave 4

Bishan East Drug Abuse Prevention Committee 28.5.09ASPIRE Camp for Guangyang Primary School students at SANA

SMART PROGRAMMeThere were workshops on recognising the psychological and physiological aspects of their triggers and cravings towards inhalant abuse. By identifying such factors, the participants will become more aware on how to avoid situations that may tempt them. The participants are equipped also in the management of their emotions and negative peer influence, which is constant throughout the life of a youth. There were also individualised goal-setting plans as the programme nears completion so that these youths are better prepared for the next chapter of their lives.

The programme concluded on 28 March 2009 with a graduation ceremony held at SANA. It was a heart-warming end as the participants

mingled with their families while enjoying the buffet treat. SANA hopes that the participants and their families have found the experience enriching and wishes them all the best in their future journey.

Reflection of Key Learning Points on Graduation Day

The Chairman, Mr. Elendrus Osman, and the newest member, Ms Mitra Ong of Tampines DAPC.

CARe FAIR 3 MAy 2009 Organized by the Northeast CDC, the CARE Fair on 3 May was an open invitation to all DAPCs to make a more significant contribution to the community. Hosted by Tampines DAPC, it was very encouraging to have Mr Douglas from MacPherson DAPC and Mr Eddie Yusof from Kaki bukit DAPC to join in and patiently teach the elderly how to ‘Pledge to be Drug-Free’ in Chinese and Malay, and working side-by-side with the Tampines DAPC members in distributing the goodie items and providing refreshments.

Session 8 - Coping of Skills

INCARe ReLIGIOuS PROGRAMMe

The SANA Christian Counselling Services’ 31st Annual General Meeting was held on 27 April 2009. The meeting started off with a time of fellowship over a buffet dinner where our volunteers caught up with their clients and peers.

The meeting convened with worship led by Mr Lemuel Ho and his team and thereafter, the Chairman, Rev Stephen Pang addressed the congregation. In his speech, urged the volunteers and clients alike not to be discouraged but be emboldened instead. Citing that “God will empower us in our battles and that He will definitely finish what He has started in our lives as we continue to trust him. Not wavering but being steadfast and holding on to God’s promises”.

Rev Dr David Lee, Senior Pastor of the Maranatha Christian Assembly then gave the devotional address and spoke on The Mind to Succeed – Overcoming Fear.

VOLuNTeeRS CORNeR

SMMwu CARNIVAL 8 MARCh 2009

Every last Friday of the month from

6.30 to 10.30 pm

Join in the games and singing! There’s a whole range of games to choose from – darts, carom, chess, Scrabble, and even mahjong. Pool and Karaoke remain the hot favourites, so expect some friendly

competition along the way!

The Singapore Manual & Mercantile Workers’ Union (SMMWU) held their carnival and Family Week at Downtown East on Sunday, 8 March 2009. SANA thanks SMMWU

for inviting us to set up a booth to publicise our cause against drug abuse. We greatly appreciate all our volunteers who assisted us took part in taking on the various duties such as tending the booth, attending to Drug-Free Pledge-taking, and advocating our cause through the sale of donation draw tickets.

Visit our website to find out the challenges faced by our young team of students who took on the role of fundraising and advocacy during the event. Jharyathri Thiagarajah from Raffles Institution Junior College RI (JC) has an interesting story to tell!

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Fun is in the house @ SANA

Recreation Club Go to our website and view

‘snapshots’ for more photos.

SANA CCS 31ST ANNuAL GeNeRAL MeeTING

INCARe ReLIGIOuS PROGRAMMe

Election of Office Bearer for the year 2009/2011 was held and the following members were elected: Chairman : Rev Stephen Pang

Vice-chairman I : Mr Joseph Tay Vice-chairman II : Mr Ryan Yuen Hon. Treasurer : Rev Dr George Seow Hon. Secretary : Rev K Steven Members : Mr Steven Lim Mr Patrick Chow Mr Lemuel Ho Mr Darren Lim Mdm The Hok Nio

The meeting concluded with the dedication of the newly elected office bearers.

Mr Jerome NavoaStaffSANA Christian Counselling Service

NOTe TO ALL VOLuNTeeRS

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Dear Volunteers,

Over these past two years, the Volunteer Management division has made some new changes. All of you know that we are serving a very special group of clients, and without you, it will be extremely difficult for SANA to succeed in this battle against the drug scourge. Hence, it is important that we keep you informed of the changes taking place in SANA.

The new SANA Volunteer ID card is one of the changes implemented. For those volunteers who have yet to change their ID cards, simply send a passport sized photo to the staff in charge of the programme you belong to.

We have drawn up a series of in-house training course for our volunteers to enhance your volunteer work skills and knowledge.Do look out for more news from us.

We have acquired a versatile new software system to further strengthen and improve the way we are managing the data of our volunteers and corporate sponsors and donors. The objective of the new management system is to efficiently harness the various skills of our many volunteers and maximize their contributions to achieve a higher service quality to our clients. We have assembled a team of SANA staff to handle this project. However, all this cannot be achieved without your assistance. In the next few weeks you may receive a call from SANA staff to request for additional information. We seek your understanding and patience on this matter. We hope that through your inputs, we can better serve our clients and work towards keeping Singapore a Drug Free Nation.

Bonding through recreational activities is another area we are developing. The recreational club was formed in 2008 to promote fellowship among the volunteers. We are constantly planning activities to engage you outside your normal volunteering work.

Last but not least, we hope that you will enjoy every moment of volunteering in SANA. I can be reached at Jeremy@sana.org.sg .

Thank you.

Jeremy Tan Head, Volunteer Management

Tossing for Unity - Mr Lim, SANA ED, board members and volunteers at VAO Appreciation Dinner Visit http://sanaccs.multiply.com

to view more photos and read up on the event.

SANA CCS VAO Appreciation Dinner 6 February 2009

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TOUCHING HEARTS

Art

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU! Email us at news@sana.org.sg to share your experience as a volunteer at SANA. You will receive a token if we feature your entry in any of our publications. We also welcome feedback on how we can make SANA News better. Please include your full name and contact details in your email.

Asleep, 2003

Art Therapy uses the process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental and emotional well-being of individuals. It is

based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps one to resolve his/her conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness and achieve insight. Individuals from all walks of life and age can benefit from Art Therapy. Art Therapy is practiced in a number of settings including hospitals, public and community agencies, wellness centres, educational institutions, businesses as well as private practice.

The aim behind introducing Art Therapy as part of a programme which we are considering to allow the participants to explore, discover and understand themselves, their thoughts, feelings and emotions better. Contemplative art making, reflection and group sharing processes which are part of Art Therapy can help unearth these emotions and issues, which are at times difficult to verbalise, being buried deep inside a person’s psyche.

Apart from that, the therapy sessions will also be designed to achieve these four goals:-

• Help participants explore important life issues like relationships, family, life, future etc.

• Develop and promote the use of constructive coping strategies to understand and make peace with the past,deal with the present and plan for the future

• Understand the consequences of exercising or not exercising them properly and

• Enhance participants’ self-esteem through personal achievement and develop personal qualities like acceptance, patience and persistence

Since graduation, Yen has worked with several organisations like MINDS, National Library Board, Marymount Centre, Singapore General Hospital and Singapore Association of Social Workers, and even started a private practice. Prior to that, she completed a Master of Arts Degree (Research) with a scholarship from the National Institute of Education. She has conducted art workshops and lectures at various local institutions like NIE, Temasek Polytechnic, LASALLE College of the Arts and YMCA School. She has also interned at Raffles Counselling Centre @ Raffles Hospital. Yen is one of the founding members of the Art Therapists’ Association, Singapore.

I have been an artist and educator for almost a decade and a half. In 2007, I graduated as a member of the pioneering batch of the LASALLe College of the Arts’ Master of Arts - Art Therapy Degree Programme. During the course, I conducted art therapy sessions at the Kaki bukit Centre Prison School where I worked with clients with similar background. The time I spent at Kaki bukit Centre Prison School was very rewarding and fruitful not only for me but also for my clients there. Their positive feedback and response inspired me to propose Art Therapy to SANA. Through Art Therapy I hope to help participants to not

only address their past and make peace with it but also to instil self-confidence, mental discipline and inculcate

qualities like patience, creativity and flexibility in them so that they can re-enter society with confidence and purpose.

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Editorial BoardMr Handrick NgBoard Member

Charlie GohHead, Corporate

Susana NgExecutive, Corporate

ContributorsJeremy TanHead, Volunteer Management

Luke Pereira Head, Preventive Drug Education

Evelyn GohProgramme Executive,

Preventive Drug Education

Muhammad Ryan Counsellor, Aftercare

Carmen ZempVolunteer, Design

yen Chua,volunteer