“I used to be rebellious in school. Now I just want to do well in my studies.”
19-year-old Vinay Raj first enrolled in TOUCH Youth Learning Centre (TYLC) in January 2007 as an “N” level student. He was then with Bukit Batok Hostel (BBH) - a place for youths-at-risk and teens who had run into trouble with the law. Vinay was also a rebellious student who broke rules and had to be disciplined by BBH. As he did not attend class, he was unable to take his GCE “N” levels with TYLC.
After a year in BBH, Vinay was put on probation for another year. However, a month later, he ran into trouble with the law again. Since he had breached his probation, he was sent to The Hiding Place for a year where he tried to resume his studies.
It was then that Vinay remembered TYLC and his school teachers who had encouraged him when he first enrolled there two years ago. He was confident that he would pass his GCE “O” level if he enrolled into TYLC for the second time.
This time, Vinay showed improvement and was a different pupil than when he first joined TYLC. He became the most attentive pupil in class; following everything that was being taught and was always eager to ask questions to clarify his doubts. He worked very hard for his GCE “O” level. He even volunteered to be an emcee for TYLC’s 10th anniversary celebration. At the end of the celebration, Vinay commented to one of his teachers, “Next time I still want to come back to help the other students at TYLC.” Vinay also has good reasons to cheer. He was the top achiever for the 2009 GCE “O” level examination in his class, and will be studying in Temasek Polytechnic to pursue a Diploma in Business and Logistics Marketing Management.
TOUCH Family Life Education - “Our communication with each other has improved. We are now better prepared for marriage!”
(January 2010)
“Our communication with each other has improved. We are now better prepared for marriage!”
29-year-old Lerry and 32-year-old Mei Sing met at their workplace. Lerry was immediately attracted by Mei Sing’s enthusiasm towards her work and friendliness towards people. He was quick to use every available opportunity to talk to Mei Sing. Eventually, Lerry plucked up the courage to ask her out so that they could know each other better. Mei Sing was impressed by Lerry’s sincerity and frankness and they hit it off well. Soon, Lerry and Mei Sing found themselves falling in love as they started going on dates together. As their relationship progressed, marriage was naturally on the cards as the couple decided that they were ready to tie the knot.
Even as Lerry and Mei Sing were busy discussing their wedding plans, they felt there was a need for both parties to be fully prepared for what lies ahead as marriage is a lifelong commitment. The opportunity came when they were introduced to the Marriage Preparation Course (MPC) conducted by TOUCH Family Life Education. Conducted by Family Coaches and counsellors, the topics covered included communication and listening skills, conflict and anger management, financial management and sexuality issues.
The four-month course was an eye-opener for both Lerry and Mei Sing. For example, Lerry learnt how to deal with conflicts in a relationship and resolve them amicably by listening more to the other party. He also found the “I” statement especially helpful in enabling the other party to empathise with his feelings and situation. As for Mei Sing, she is able to better understand their differences, especially since they come from different backgrounds and upbringing.
Both Lerry and Mei Sing are glad they attended the MPC as they now know what to expect in a marriage. The MPC has brought them closer together as they realised that they would have to stick together - through thick and thin – as they learn to build a loving family. More importantly, they have learnt how to mutually respect and care for each other as they begin their marital journey together as a couple.
To find out more about the MPC, please click here.
