Trish Ng, Education Project Manager of Acronis Cyber Foundation, shares what Children’s Day is like in Singapore where she is based.
Fun fact: Children’s Day is celebrated all around the world on different dates. The official World Children’s Day falls on November 20, and Singapore used to officially celebrate it on October 1. Kindergarten and primary school children in Singapore do not have to attend school on this day. Children’s Day is now celebrated on the first Friday of October from 2011 onwards.
Many of us remember Children’s Day as a special day that we did not have to attend school, and we could stay home to unbox the presents we had received from our teachers. In Singapore, Children’s Day is a time for kids to honor and celebrate the joys of childhood through various activities and events catered especially for children. Parents spend time with their kids on this holiday, treat them to a nice meal or buy them some new toys.
Whatever the date is, and wherever it is celebrated, Children’s Day is intended to focus on children’s welfare, education and growth. By encouraging communities to celebrate children and their potential to contribute to society, the aim is to ensure that every child grows up happy and looked after. Sadly, not all children come from fortunate backgrounds.
Looking beyond the self
I have the privilege of working with my co-workers in Acronis Singapore, where we come together yearly to foster the value of giving back in our organization and spreading the message of love and joy to the young ones. This year, we prepared 50 backpacks filled with school essentials for the children from the Care Community Services Society, made possible with the contribution from APAC & Japan Government Relations team.
It has been a tough year for everyone, especially those from disadvantaged family backgrounds, disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Daily life can be a struggle, and they face many challenges. We hope to bring some joy and smiles to the kids by celebrating Children’s Day together with them. This is their day, and we want to contribute in a meaningful way to make it a good one for them.
And a little throwback to 2020 too…
We put together Formula One care packages for Make-A-Wish and Children’s Wishing Well when we heard the children were sad that Singapore Grand Prix was cancelled. Apparently, they are so many little F1 fans in Singapore! Team Acronis in Singapore also added personalized handmade cards to encourage the children.
How the COVID-19 pandemic has changed giving back
We are all experiencing a significant shift in lifestyle right now. We have learnt how to balance Home-based Learning (HBL) with our children and manage our work remotely. Although many in-person volunteering has shifted to a more virtual setting, Team Acronis is still encouraged to volunteer from home. It is still a great way to spend some of our time during social isolation. I find it helps to lower my anxiety and stress, boost my mood, and gives me a sense of purpose during this difficult time.
No matter your skill sets and passions, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer from your home (or at a safe social distance). I strongly encourage you to try!
