How and why did you decide to join Boys' Town:

I learnt about Boys' Town while researching for professions in the social service sector on the NCSS website. I decided to make the switch from the education and government sector to join Boys' Town because I was intrigued by the organization's aim to help disadvantaged children and youths. Hence, I choose to work in Boy's Town and join the family to make a good difference in the lives of these young people who may face substantial challenges to academic and personal achievement.

As an Education Officer in the Residential Services unit, I aspire to be a source of support and guidance for the underprivileged youths in Boys’ Town. I assist them in navigating the problems they face in school and in their education by developing the skills and resilience they require. I leveraged on my past working experience and expertise to develop educational programmes that are tailored to boys’ needs and interests. This includes programmes that focus on academic subjects, lifeskills, social and emotional growth, as well as educational and career training programmes among them.

Key memory you've had of Boys' Town:

One of the interesting recollections I had was going to each of the boys’ school to collect their books and uniform before the new school year began. I made the decision to accompany them to their schools as their parents/guardian were unable to accompany them to collect their school materials. It was exhausting to stand in line for hours in school, helping the boys with their uniform sizes and assist them in carrying their school supplies back to Boys’ Town. Nonetheless, it was a worthwhile experience as I got to have contact time with the boys which allows me to know them better. At the end of the day, I felt a sense of fulfilment when I see them happy to get their school supplies and got ready for the upcoming school year

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

As Boys’ Town celebrate its 75th anniversary, I wish the organization continued success in providing support to children and youth in need. May the organization continue to be a beacon of hope for those who are facing hardship and pursue its objectives to positively impact more lives.

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

It’s been about almost 2 years since my journey in Boys’ Town begun and it has indeed been a very enriching experience for me. The organization has provided opportunities for me to grow both professionally and personally. I have not only learned a lot over these years about my own domain but there has also been cross functional learning which has helped in an overall growth in my career.

Being unfamiliar about social services, I thought it was going to be difficult to learn about a new industry, but my colleagues have been very helpful about sharing their knowledge in general. A special shout out to my team as they were really approachable and made me feel like I could go to them with any questions- especially with regards to cases as they are very passionate about what they do. My director (Adrienne Sng) has been very supportive since day one, entrusting me with responsibilities which I did not have in previous roles and ensuring to check in with me on how I was coping with my workload. It has given me the trust that Boys’ Town will be available when I need support.

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

I fondly recall taking on my first project in Sanctuary Care. The Festival of Children was held to support less fortunate families and their children by providing milk, diapers and other baby essential items. It was the first time SC had organised a sizable event in Boys’ Town’s premises for residents of the community. The event required many preparatory measures such as cleaning of preloved clothes and toys which had been donated from members of the public, moving of bulky baby equipment, and packing of milk formula and diapers. It warmed my heart when colleagues from various departments voluntarily signed up to lend helping hands in the preparations. Although from different departments it was delightful to see peers interact and work alongside harmoniously with one another.

Another factor I appreciate about Boys’ Town is it is not work all the time. There is also a very proactive approach to employee well-being and frequently organises events and sports. Some examples are BT’s Barbecue Party and Self defence cardio.

It is my privilege to work in Boys’ Town along the side of very talented and motivated individuals who are ready to lend advice, share knowledge and help me perform my best.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

Dear Boys’ Town,

Happy 75th Anniversary! Thank you for providing many others, including myself the opportunity to learn and grow through you! Best wishes!

Love,

Jac

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

I joined Boys' Town YouthReach because of three reasons:

1) It provided me an opportunity to directly support a demographic I was interested to serve – at risk youths, 2) It believed in arts as an intervention tool, and 3) It valued experiential and somatic modalities of therapeutic work, which I was very keen to grow in.

Key memory you've had of Boys' Town:

A key memory I have of BT was my interview at YR. It was the most chaotic but also welcoming space I’d experienced: my interviewers were loud, forthcoming, and laughed a lot. I also felt that there was such an alignment in our interest and vision of doing our best to support youth clients. That first encounter with the team was what strongly affirmed my decision to join BT and remains one of the most fond memories I have working here.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

My hope for BT is that it would remain true to its vision of service, placing our clients at the forefront of our work, and supporting as well as equipping staff to achieve this vision with excellence.

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

What inspired me to work in Boys' Town was the quote "He ain’t heavy he’s, my brother".

It means so much more than simply caring for a weaker person, it should mean to all of us that caring for those less fortunate should be a joy and our duty.

Key memory you've had of Boys' Town:

One of the good experiences of me working in Boys' Town is when instilled some good religious knowledge to one of the boy by reminding how beautiful God is and how He always remember us during our good and bad times in life.

One of the Muslim boys shared with me during lights out:

Boy - Mr Suhairul i just received $10 for my raya money.

Me – Praise be to God, you must say Praise be to God and be grateful to God whatever rezeki (sustenance) you get is from God. God has mentioned, "if you are grateful, I will give you more."

*During bedtime Boy – (Chanting) Praise be to God, Praise be to God, Praise be to God ~ Suddenly one of my colleagues came into the room and passed him a $100 decathlon voucher for being the fittest boy during a competition earlier this year.

Me - See i told you. When you are grateful, Allah will reward you 10 times more.

Boy - God is number one in my life and then my family.

*Boy continues to chant Praise be to God till he fell asleep.

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

It is interesting how I decided to join Boys’ Town as I was part of the pioneer batch of the course of study, I took in ITE which was Work-Study Diploma in Community Engagement & Development back in 2019 and Boys’ Town was one of the many organisations that are part of the industrial partners that offer placements like me to apply. I was not just new in the Social Service Industry but as well as Boys' Town as it was my first full time job after completing my full time National Service.

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

There are many key memories that I have experienced but I would like to share two memories that resonate with me till today. As I was new to the work force and in the industry, I made a lot of mistakes in my first 2 years in Boys' Town, I am sincerely appreciative of how my Team Lead gave me the room to make mistakes as he believed that it allows us to learn and review from it and with guidance from him, and I was able to pick up the pace and continue on the work that was given to me. Fast forward 4 years later, I am continuing to do the things I love doing most which is curating developmental programmes for the youths here in Boys’ Town internally in Singapore as well as abroad and the credit goes to my Team Lead for moulding me to who I am today.

The second memory that I treasure the most is the working culture here in Boys’ Town. In my opinion, Boys’ Town feels like a second home to me as the people here are not just friendly but like family to me. Every GM at the end of the month, gives an opportunity for all the staff to catch up with each other outside of working time and that is cool. The best part of all this, that we do have quarterly football sessions together from the various departments to kick about and have fun. Apart from that, I went to watch Liverpool Football Club play in Singapore together with my colleagues to enjoy the beautiful game of football for two years straight.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

All in all, I am humbly appreciative and grateful for what Boys’ Town has done with my development in Boys’ Town and I would like to wish Boys’ Town a heartiest 75^th Birthday and may the mission of Boys' Town continue for many years to come, “To help the children and youth in need become socially integrated, responsible and contributing members of society.”.

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

Not long ago, I was struggling in a toxic working environment. It was starting to take a toll on me which prompted me to leave to “Save” myself. I saw an ad for the post of Sr. Executive, Security & Logistics for Boys’ Town and applied for it. To have an opportunity to contribute to society directly / indirectly and the Job Description appealed to me. It is something which I have never done, and I would like to pay back if given the chance.

In February, I was invited to Boys’ Town for an interview in reply to my application. I was surprised to receive the call, but I was ecstatic about it. I did not have high hopes to be invited as I felt I may be too old, and my skillset may not be what BT wanted.

I was selected for the post, and it has been 3 months since.

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

The thing which impresses me the most at BT is the number of “old boys” who were formal residents of BT who have grown up and stayed at or came back to BT to work and support the organisation, people like Roland, Francis, Rajan, and many others. It is rare for me to see people who have benefited from BT and then decided to pay back what they have received from the organisation.

As part of the 75^th Anniversary celebrations, BT had an event to do collections from the various Catholic Churches around Singapore. I participated in the collections at 3 different churches and the experiences have been humbling. It was tough to stand around for 2 – 5 hours but after seeing the response from the donors it was worth it. I then realised how much tougher it would have been to do Flag Day collections at the various MRT / Bus stations and the malls with longer hours of collections.

I am still learning and adapting to the culture and values of Boys’ Town and so far, I am happy with the work and the support given by the management and other colleagues. I do not regret joining Boys’ Town and I hope to be able to contribute more years of my working life to BT in the future.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOY’S TOWN!!

MAY YOU FLORISH AND CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

I have always been passionate about improving the lives of others. I had the privilege of doing so as a fitness trainer, helping people achieve their health and fitness goals.

One day, my friend and colleague, Mr. Umar, recommended that I join Boys' Town as a Youth Specialist. He believed that my skills and personality would make me a suitable fit for the role. It was an opportunity that excited me, even though I didn't possess any relevant certifications for the job. However, I did have some experience working with young people.

To my delight, Boys' Town welcomed me with open arms and made my transition from a fitness trainer to a Youth Specialist a seamless one.

Key memory you've had of Boys' Town:

I vividly recall organizing my first program at Boys' Town, an exciting sports day for all the residents. Encouraged by my team, I sought to use my sports knowledge to create an engaging experience for the residents.

Witnessing the joy and enthusiasm among the residents during the program was immensely fulfilling. At the end of the day, my senior sent out a simple yet meaningful text in our group chat, commending my work. That message meant the world to me because it made me feel acknowledged and appreciated for my efforts. As a senior myself now, I strive to provide the same level of encouragement and support to my team members, recognizing the impact such gestures can have on their morale and motivation.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

Thank you, Boys’ Town, for creating a positive working environment that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally while serving our clients. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on your 75th anniversary. It has been an incredible and inspiring journey to be part of the transformation from a humble residential home for boys to a well-established children and youth centre, offering a wide range of impactful services. May God continue to bless Boys' Town, enabling it to touch even more lives and make a lasting difference in our community.

How and why you decided to join Boys’ Town:

After a period of absence from my involvement in youth work, I made a deliberate choice to contribute to the welfare of children by becoming a foster parent. Throughout my work with these young individuals, I encountered diverse challenges, including the necessity of assisting one of my foster children in effectively managing her emotions. Consequently, based on a recommendation, we were directed to Boys' Town, a highly regarded organization renowned for its provision of Art Therapy Services. The Art Therapy sessions proved immensely beneficial in addressing and enhancing the emotional well-being of my foster child.

During my interactions with the social worker at Boys' Town, it became apparent that my professional background in the industry harmonized well with their mission and objectives. Recognizing the profound impact the organization had on the lives of children in need, the social worker suggested that I consider joining their team. Intrigued and inspired by the insights I gained about Boys' Town, I was profoundly impressed by the unwavering dedication and effectiveness demonstrated by their programs and services.

Fortunately, my interviews were conducted in person without any disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. This allowed me the opportunity to visit Boys' Town and interact with the residents while awaiting the interviews. I was delighted to observe that many of the residents displayed remarkable politeness, with a few even initiating friendly conversations with me. Their warm and welcoming nature left a lasting impression on me, reigniting my passion for working in a children's home. That day, the calling to work with youth resonated strongly within me, and I proudly accepted the offer to work at Boys' Town.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

On the momentous occasion of Boys' Town's 75th anniversary, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the entire Boys' Town community. This significant milestone symbolizes a remarkable journey of unwavering commitment and dedication to the betterment of children's lives.

Over the years, Boys' Town has served as a beacon of hope and a sanctuary for numerous young individuals who have faced adversity. The organization's tireless efforts in providing a nurturing and supportive environment, combined with the implementation of effective programs and services, have played a pivotal role in empowering vulnerable youth to overcome challenges and realize their full potential.

The impact of Boys' Town's work is truly commendable, as it has not only transformed the lives of the children under its care but has also inspired countless others to become catalysts for positive change. The unwavering commitment to promoting the well-being, education, and personal growth of young individuals has left an indelible mark on society.

As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to my colleagues, volunteers, and supporters who have contributed to the success and longevity of Boys' Town. Your selfless dedication and passion for helping children in need have touched innumerable lives and instilled hope in those who previously had none.

May the next 75 years be characterized by continued success, innovation, and the unwavering pursuit of Boys' Town's noble mission. May Boys' Town continue to serve as a safe haven, a place where children find solace, support, and the opportunity to thrive. May your efforts serve as an inspiration to others, and may your impact extend far beyond the confines of your organization.

Once again, congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone. Here's to 75 years of transforming lives and making a lasting difference. I extend my best wishes for a joyous celebration and for the continued success of Boys' Town.

How and why did you decide to join Boys' Town:

I decided to join Boys' Town as I was completing my University studies and wanted to use what I’ve learnt to help those in need. I used to pass by Boys' Town when I had gone for events at Montfort Centre and knew what the organization was doing to help those in need.

The quote from St Louis Marie De Montfort “For those whom the world rejects, must move you the most”, really resonated with me and placed a desire to be with those whom the world would regard as rejected and hence I made my decision to join Boys' Town as a youth worker.

Key memory you've had of Boys' Town:

My fondest memory of Boys' Town would be the composition of the BT 75^th anniversary song titled “Move You” where it speaks about the history of Boys' Town and our mission and purpose that has been passed down to us by St Montfort. Hearing the positive feedback about the song has shown me that God’s gift to me has truly been used to glorify Him and to touch the lives of others.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

I wish Boys' Town a very happy 75^th birthday and may God’s light shine through you and luminate the lives of the last, the lost and the least.

How and why did you decide to join Boys' Town:

I made the decision to join Boys’ Town when I learned that we warmly embrace both boys and girls of all races and religions, regardless of our identity as a Catholic organisation. The children and youth under our care, despite not having privileged backgrounds, deserve the same opportunities as their peers. I hold the belief that ultimately, these children and youth will achieve success, and as a result, contribute to the community and create a positive ripple effect. During my experience in the Community Partnerships Department, I was fortunate to engage in establishing partnerships with corporate entities, interacting with donors and coordinating newsletter fundraising campaigns. I have gained valuable lessons under the guidance of my manager, Amanda See. She holds many admirable qualities and her mentorship has played a crucial role in shaping my growth here which I am eternally grateful for that.

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

Within my department, my role primarily involves engaging with donors rather than interacting with the clients directly. This role has granted me the chance to converse with donors and delve into their motivations for contributing. One particular instance that stood out was a donor who, in honour of her late mother’s commitment as a regular contributor, made a big donation in her memory to uphold her legacy and beliefs, which I found heartwarming.

Another set of events that truly left an impact on me was the festive celebrations for the Residential boys. It was unfortunate that some of them could not be with their families during these special times, which was truly disheartening. The Residential Unit also took the initiative to organise celebrations during all the festive seasons for the staff to join in, creating an opportunity to share the joy with them.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

Three cheers to 75 incredible years, wow what a journey! Happy Birthday Boys’ Town. May the next 75 years be just as spectacular, if not more. From humble beginnings, Boys’ Town has evolved into a positive change and the influence has undeniably molded many lives. In God’s will, I pray that Boys’ Town will continue to nurture, guide and empower generations upon generations.

How and why did you decide to join Boys' Town:

It has been an incredible honour and privilege to be a part of Boys’ Town.

My journey with Boys' Town in Singapore began on 20th April 1992. Prior to this, I had been attached to its’ sister institution at Montfort Boys’ Town (MBT) in Shah Alam, West Malaysia for 2 years. When the late Bro Emmanuel attended Montfort Boys’ Town's Annual Dinner & Dance, he had mentioned that there was a vacancy for a social worker, as his staff had decided to migrate elsewhere. I grabbed the opportunity, as I wanted to experience a different work culture outside of Malaysia yet continue to work with disadvantaged youths whom I had enjoyed working with. But I must say that I was in for a culture shock of sorts. Being in Singapore for the first time, I was slightly fearful of the boys in Boys' Town back then; I noticed that they were much more vocal, compared to their counterparts in Malaysia. But that soon changed, as I realized over time that although the boys seemed to present themselves as being aggressive, they had a soft side to them. There was an awareness too that these youths were in a society which was far more complex than Malaysia which posed more challenges for them. I also began to realize that there were greater learning opportunities in Singapore since the social sector was more developed and the job required one to work with multiple systems vs that in Montfort Boys’ Town, which was mostly autonomous in nature then.

Although there were times over the years when I contemplated applying for other jobs in Singapore, the lure of Boys' Town had always been a stronger attraction. I cannot exactly put in down in words, but it is an elusive pull that gives comfort, peace, and happiness in my heart. I have absolutely no regrets, with Boys' Town being a home truly dear to me.

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

There have been countless eventful moments, both happy and sad, during the span of the 3 decades that I have been here. These included, amongst others, the passing on of its founder i.e., Bro. Vincent in October, just 6 months after I had joined Boys' Town and the closing of the primary school the same year. Other highlights included the different leaderships that followed suit after Bro. Emmanuel’s death, the demise of Bros. Real, Denis and James, Boys' Town becoming a gazetted home, appointment of its first layperson as a director (and the first lady), while yet others, although smaller in scale, were meaningful and touching such as Thanksgiving/Leavers’ Night, Family Day/ Fiesta, and the Directors’ birthday celebrations. Heart-wrenching occasions were when I had to attend the wake of two of our youths whom I and the other staff had journeyed with.

One of the most momentous events that left the deepest mark was in the late 1990s/ early 2000s, when the Council had conversations centring on the possibility of closing Boys' Town due to the dwindling number of residents. It caused distress amongst the older Brothers, and the staff too, more so when there were not enough Brothers to continue with their mission. A memory that is etched in my mind was how the late Bro Emmanuel was emotional when sharing how Bro Vincent had held his hand on the eve of his death. And how he had made him promise that he (Bro Emmanuel) would never allow anyone to close Boys’ Town, a promise which he said he would fulfil to the best of his ability.

When times were lean and especially trying, the Brothers would constantly remind the staff to believe in Providence and the need to always rejoice in the Lord no matter what, for all things will surely pass. And praise God, Boys' Town has survived till this day, transforming the lives of thousands of youths. We have indeed come a long way since our humble beginnings back in 1948 (and unofficially in 1938), as a residential home for war-torn orphans. The foresight of the Brothers and laypersons, together with all its stakeholders, to expand its residential services to include youth outreach, fostering services, sanctuary care, Clinical Intervention Centre and the adventure centre speaks volumes of the sheer dedication, hard work, and the passion of its community.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

As the lay people take over the stewardship of Boys’ Town, the Brothers’ mission will always remain, evolving with the changing needs of society. While we are not sure what the future holds, I am certain that with the tenacity and the indomitable human spirit that exists till date, coupled with its deep faith in God, the Boys' Town community will continue to emerge even stronger and stay relevant always. Additionally, with its founding father’s philosophy of “those whom the world rejects must move you the most” as a motivating factor, I am even more resolute that it will forge ahead in full steam.

Long live Boys’ Town and may its flag continue to fly high and proud.

A few fond memories of his life at Boys' Town:

Fifty six years ago in 1963, I was admitted to a charitable institution called Boys' Town with a tinge of apprehension but the warmth of my fellow residents dispelled such thoughts. I slowly grew fond of the place and it became my second home for the next five decades.

At that time we had 215 boys myself included and we were looked after solely by Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel. We had 4 very old dormitories with 1 brother taking charge of a dormitory. I was at St Joseph Trade School then and all the workshops were also looked after by the Brothers. I used to witness family members visiting their boys over the weekends but unfortunately nobody came to visit me. My childhood friend’s parents used to visit him and at the same time would visit me without fail. What they bought for their son, I got the same too and that gave me a lot of inspiration and I felt loved. The brothers and prefects would look after us on weekends when we could not go home or there were no visitors. Subsequently, I became a prefect myself.

We had an attap shade for us to assemble and watch movies each weekend using a portable projector etc. It would even leak when it rained. All these memories are embedded in our hearts. Currently the boys have beautiful dormitories, play rooms and all the necessary facilities etc.

As a home boy, we were initially only allowed to go home once a month. Over time the late Brother Emmanuel changed it to twice a month and that meant a lot to all of us.

There are so many fond memories which will stay close at heart but just to share a few:

When I was about 15 years old, I was down with Malaria and Pneumonia, was so ill shivering with high fever. Late Brother Emmanuel, at that time he was the Home Superintendent and Principle of Boys' Town English School, got 2 boys to roll me up in a blanket and he personally drove me in the van to the hospital. If the late Brother Emmanuel had not brought me in in time, I would have lost my life.

There are countless memories I can think off as I pen this. I am overwhelmed with emotions but to conclude this short write up, one of the other night that I cannot forget is what we used to call School & Home Leaver’s Night. It is a night for boys who have graduated and those leaving the home for good the next day. A very emotional night indeed with the song Auld Lang Syne being repeated while the ceremony was going on with all boys and the Brothers being emotional.

I started off as a machine operator in the Printing and Binding Section. Within 2 years I was promoted to a foreman where I was the overall in charge of the whole printing section. I was there for 25 years. I used to deliver stacks of various books to various schools with my colleagues. During that 25 years period, another memory I have was of an accident I had an accident where my fingers were caught in one of the major machines. This was during a maintenance session and the machine was switched on accidentally and one of my finger was literally hanging down. Again, the late Brother Emmanuel rushed me to Mount Alvernia Hospital and saved my fore finger. Upon reaching my 25th year, the building was required for Assumption Pathway School (APS)for their training purposes, and it is now called the ART Restaurant.

After which, I was transferred to the Multi Purpose Vincent Hall as a Manager. This hall was named after late Brother Vincent, a founder of Boys' Town. It was always his wish and it was finally accomplished. I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. During the day from 7am to 6 pm , the hall is reserved for Assumption English School (AES), AVI & BTH. From 6pm to 10pm, the hall would be opened to the public for badminton games which was a good revenue for the maintenance and upkeep of the hall. With management consent, I also engaged by opening up to the public for functions and other activities which also meant revenue for BT. There was a year AES had a fund raising for the rebuilding of the school and we managed to hold 100 tables which was no joke but we somehow did it. Another fond memory is having the El Shaddai prayer group who used to book the hall continuously for 3 years with a very huge crowd coming in and out the whole day until 9pm.

Upon completion of my 16th year or so in Vincent Hall, that area was required by APS to extend their admin block building. That’s where I was again transferred to Boys Town Admin block as an Admin & Operations Manager. It was a change and a challenge for me as I was always a technical person but I somehow managed to overcome these obstacles. Eventually there were some changes made so I was known as Operations Manager and then again it was changed to Security & Logistics Manager. There are numerous memories but the most memorable ones were when I received my 50th and 55th Long Service awards. The sense of satisfaction I still feel is priceless.

You may ask, what was the push factor that made me work for so long? I indeed had many offers externally but after attending interviews, I would reject those offers. I also had a offer as an instructor (in the Printing Department) at Boys Town Vocational Institute. I always remembered what my mother used to tell me, to give back to Boys’ Town what I have received and of course I have continuous encouragement support and encouragement from my wife and children. This kept me going till 2022 until my family strongly felt that it was time for me to retire and have a good rest.

Thank you for all that you have done for me, all the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel, all the Executive Directors, Directors and Management Team of Boys’ Town, I owe it all to you for being the man I am today. All the support, advice, guidance, love you have showered upon me will always be remembered fondly, also remembering the late Brother Elzear, Principle of the trade school during my time and many more late Brothers whom I know off from 1963 and earlier.

There are countless memories indeed but in short - Boys’ Town is and always will be my second home.

“Those whom the world rejects must always move you the most”

In the 80s when one mentions Boys' Town Home or BTH in short, some people would say it's a place for naughty boys or those who misbehaves. Some parents would even tell their sons "if you are naughty or don't listen, we will send you to Boys' Town".

However for me, it was tuned into me by my single Mum that it would be my turn to go there as soon as I did my Secondary school education. This was because my older brother was in Boys' Town in the 70s and my Mum had seen how beneficial it was and would be.

But still if I had my way, I wouldn't have gone as I had done well for my PSLE and had wanted to go to a SAP school instead of Assumption English School.

However God. and of course my Mum, had other plans for me so there I was in Boys' Town as a scrawny little 12 year old boy back in 1984.

At that age, leaving or staying out from home is never easy. I did have my share of home sickness initially and I used to dread the late afternoon Sunday bus rides back to BTH. But as the days turned to weeks and weeks became months, I found myself getting used to life in BTH. In fact I was starting to love it.

Whoever said it was a place for naughty boys only, didn't experience the learning and love that BTH offered. The values of independence and discipline were instilled in me from that young age as I lived, studied, worked and played with teenage boys in and around my age. The wide spectrum of boys coming from as far as Thailand, Brunei and Malaysia surprised me. Mixing with boys of different family and social backgrounds really opened my eyes to a whole new world and to a different meaning of friendship.

The care and love we received from the Brothers were awesome. There was "Tough Love" too as we received punishment if we didn't behave or followed the rules. All these were in the name of shaping us to be better persons as we grew, able to love self and others as well as to contribute towards society and the country.


Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:
I remember 3 particular instances where I personally felt the care, concern and love from the Brothers:
1) Once I ran a high fever and the usual medicine and rest didn't quite cut it. Br Dominic Yeo-Koh personally brought me to Toa Payoh Hospital where I remembered being given a cold cold shower to bring my temperature down. It was torturous but that helped me get better.

2) Another time, Br Vincent, our then Finance Director, drove a few boys, including my brother and I, to the shopping centres in 7th Mile. We were allowed to buy stationeries, bags and some clothes. I realised the boys chosen for this were similar to me - from low income/single parent family. That is the extent of the love we were showered with!

3) One weekend, I chose not to go home and so I managed to experience the stay-back boys program. I remember a local Br Leo putting about 10 of us in the van and brought us out to Clementi Swimming Complex for a swim. Though it may not seem much, but that particular event is still ingrained in my memory.


Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:
I am eternally grateful to the Brothers of St Gabriel in Boys' Town and for those magnificent 4 years of my life which have helped shaped me to the person I am today.

Here's wishing Boys Town a Happy 75th Anniversary and many more good and fulfilling years to come!

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

3 things I remember fondly of my days in Boys' Town:

1) Being able to connect with youths beyond 4 concrete walls

2) Going for camps twice a month & trying to match up with the youths’ energy

3) Yearly feast day where we get to dress up & have fun as a team.

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

Thank you Boys' Town for allowing me to create such happy memories within the homely environment! As you celebrate your 75th year of making a difference, may the next 75 years ahead be filled with God’s guidance, peace and love to be spread to every single youth that walks through your doors!

How and why did you decide to join Boys' Town:

I retired in 2009 and was looking for "things to do" to fill my free time. I recalled a passage from 

Matthew 25:40:"..whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." 

I actively sought out to help in meaningful and impactful ways within the church and community. I heard about Boys Town and saw "Those whom the world rejects must move you the most." 

The call to serve and to help the boys was compelling. I volunteered to engage the boys in an active face to face way. I coach the boys in a curated fitness program every week. Boys love to be strong. Through fitness and sports activities, these boys learn to discover more about themselves - their fears and aspirations. Through sports and fitness programs, they learn about resiliency, teamwork, self-improvement and confidence.

I extended the program to help the staff at BT. The staff helps the boys. Who is helping them? Now the staff attends a weekly fitness program too. 

I called my program FUNFIT and have been volunteering at Boys Town for nearly 14 years. 

The weekly fitness program is an impactful and meaningful way for me to serve as a volunteer at Boys Town. Through their actions and reactions, the boys share their aspirations and desire. I have to creatively design activities that challenge the boys in a fun way so they will continue to come for the weekly session. I discovered these boys need a good coach and mentor. 

Key memories you've had of Boys' Town:

1) The boys know they need to serve National Service. They fear they may not be fit enough. So, I helped them through the FUNFIT program. Those boys who were called to NS did well during their IPPT tests and were very happy and proud. They visited Boys Town and shared their experience with current group of boys. They talked about FUNFIT and how well they did the fitness test during NS. The strong bond of support from these ‘old’ boys is really commendable and visible.

2) Every year, Boys Town did a Tug of War challenge with a visiting team. The focus and determination to win is in every boy’s mind. To prepare for this event, the boys push themselves and their friends to train hard. It is clear that once the objective is clear and visible, these boys will work hard to achieve the goal. They are not afraid of hard work. We just need to help them crystalize and articulate their life goals. 

I discover that as a mentor and coach, I need to continuously be patient, attentive and proactive to understand their mindset. This helps me to help the boys. 

Volunteering at BT allows me to dedicate my time, experience and skills to make a meaningful difference in the Boys' lives and their families. 

Birthday wishes for Boys' Town:

Dear Boys Town,

Congratulations on your 75th birthday! It is an incredible milestone, and I am so proud of all that you have accomplished over the years. I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this organization a success.

From your humble beginnings in 1948, Boys Town has been providing a safe and supportive home for children and youth in need. Through the various programs and services, Boys Town helped countless children and youth to overcome challenges and build a brighter future. 

I am particularly inspired by your motto, "He ain't heavy, he's my brother." This simple phrase encapsulates the heart of your work. You see children and youth not as burdens, but as brothers who deserve love, care, and support. Boys Town has made huge differences in the lives of so many children and youth. 

Boys Town enlarged services that include residential care, counselling and support services and advocating the rights of these children and youths are indeed commendable.

I am grateful for your commitment to helping children and youth in need. Your work is essential, and I know that you will continue to make a difference in the lives of many more children and families in the years to come.

I wish you all the best for your 75th birthday and for many years to come.