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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20210731
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20210801
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20210811T050005Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20210811T050005Z
UID:2981-1627689600-1627775999@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2021
DESCRIPTION:Global Shepherds’ Productions\nVictims’ Voices Lead the Way : Labour Trafficking\nMany domestic workers find themselves in situations of servitude\,caught in a hapless cycle of unpaid wages\, imprisonment by their employers\, threats of being turned over to the authorities if they dare to escape. In many cases  these workers are abused both physically and psychologically.  Most come from impoverished families and their simple dream was to earn a decent income just to put food on the table. ; or put their children through school.  #EndHumanTrafficking\nWatch on Youtube : https://youtu.be/FIOT9veH9DA\nVictims’ Voices Lead the way : Sex Trafficking\nWhen foreign women are rounded up during a raid by authorities\, many think ‘Oh they deserve it.’ ‘Why do they insist on coming in to the country illegally and resort to doing THAT work?’ In fact\, this is far from the truth. Many are lured by false promises\, made to think they are going to be working at a supermarket or restaurant. They are NOT willing victims. This is what happens when the right person turns out to be the wrong choice.    #EndHumanTrafficking\nWatch on Youtube :  https://youtu.be/n4cR4Jmldd0\nPoverty & Human Trafficking\nPoverty – a compelling factor in the human trafficking industry. Human trafficking occurs in every country in the world\, and it is a thriving industry driven by poverty. Those living in poverty\, driven by their desire for a better life – traffickers capitalise on this desire by offering promises of employment and better living conditions. They are drawn\, only to find they’ve been deceived – they are not given the work or the terms & conditions promised\, many are not given valid work permits\, making them even more vulnerable to exploitation.  The pandemic has had  a disproportionate effect on the poor\, as more lose their jobs  and new opportunities are scarce\, rendering them even more vulnerable to exploitation by human traffickers.   #EndHumanTrafficking\nWatch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/w5SDfM5G9eE\nContributed by:\nMs Wilhelmina Mowe\nExecutive Director\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-day-against-trafficking-in-persons-2021/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20211008
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20211009
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211029T063935Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211104T012325Z
UID:2997-1633651200-1633737599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Children's Day 2021
DESCRIPTION:Every year\, we celebrate National Children’s Day on 8th October in Singapore. This year\, the pandemic of covid-19 has affected many people livelihood. It has also impacted us to adapt to the new norm in our daily events. Many schools tried their best to conduct virtual Children’s Day celebrations\, but we truly miss the fun time to celebrate this day with our fellow schoolmates and teachers. However\, it was a marvellous experience celebrating Children’s Day at Ahuva Good Shepherd Children Home on 8th October 2021.\n\nEarly in the morning\, when other residents and I came down the stairs to the 3rd level\, there were balloons everywhere in all shades of pink\, blue\, and white. Near the dining area\, there was a beautiful ceramic vase with flowers that have a plethora of flavours of lollipops in the middle of each flower. The staff of AGS organised few activities for us to celebrate the Children’s Day.\n \n\n\nIn the first activity\, we were tasked to read more about the history of Universal Children’s Day. We got to know how different countries celebrate Children’s Day on different days of the year. In Singapore\, we celebrate Children’s Day on the second Friday of October.\n\nAs we are privileged to celebrate Children’s Day annually with fun activities and received special gifts\, we realized that many children in the world are living in poverty and do not have a chance to celebrate children’s day or to enjoy fun activities and gifts as we do.\n\n ‘WALKING TO SCHOOL’ (https://youtu.be/OwyqYeiNbCY)\n[Youtube Movie based on a true story about the children of Yunnan Province\, China\, crossing the Nujiang River by using pulley cables to get to their school]\nFollowing that\, we watched a heart-warming movie ‘Walking to School’ (https://youtu.be/OwyqYeiNbCY)\, which made most of us teared. It was based on a true story about the children of Yunnan Province\, China\, crossing the Nujiang River by using pulley cables to get to their school. This movie did not only make us feel emotionally touched\, but it also made me realise that we are truly gifted and privileged\, compared to the children living in poverty.   It made me/us feel motivated to climb to my/our highest potential in academics\, and my/our passion.\n\nAfter the movie\, we had a relaxing and therapeutic time painting what we would link to our childhood. Together with my fellow friends\, I surely had a fun time using my creativity and imagination to paint a beautiful masterpiece. We shared our memorable childhood stories through our beautiful masterpiece. Also\, my friends and I were truly happy with the gifts we received. It brightened up our day and put a big smile on our faces!\nA BIG THANK YOU to all sponsors for all the wonderful gifts that we have received on Children’s Day.\nHappy Children’s Day to all!\nArtworks by the programme participants\n                             \n                \n              \n\n\n\n\n\n\nArticle contributed by a 16-year-old Programme Participant\nAhuva Good Shepherd – Children’s Home (NR)\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/childrens-day-singapore/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20211011
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20211012
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211030T001552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211103T185808Z
UID:3027-1633910400-1633996799@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day of The Girl Child 2021
DESCRIPTION:“Digital generation. Our generation”\nThis year’s theme celebrates the digital generation\, and aims to create heightened awareness amongst girls of the digital technology and the many opportunities awaiting them in this digital generation. It is also a reminder to girls that they CAN be part of the digital revolution\, that their\ngender is no obstacle to achieving their dreams.\nAs the country is still in the midst of some kind of lockdown\, celebrations were muted. We could\, however\, hold a simple event at the women’s shelter.\nDEBATE :  CAPABILITIES  OR  OPPORTUNITIES\nA debate was organized\, where the topics revolved around the capabilities and opportunities available to girls as opposed to boys.\n\n\nIs it only the girls who are tasked with household chores ?\n\n\nAre girls capable or have the opportunity to pursue computer-related or digital technology jobs?\n\n\nLively and animated discussions ensued\, with the ladies voicing their opinions and thoughts. Some minds were set in the typical stereotyping of gender roles\, but most\nif not all agreed that girls are equally capable of boys in any field\, and should be given the opportunity given the chance.\nIt was indeed a joy to see and hear them presenting their cases.\n\n\n\nThey were then divided into groups and discussed how they could elevate the position of girls in their respective countries and communities back home.\nThese activities really helped to heighten their awareness on gender equality\, many vowed to impart the lessons learnt to their children and families when they returned home.\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCLOSING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE \nOver in Sabah\, the girls from the migrant community expressed their feelings with song\, poetry and art\, based on the topic “Closing the Digital Divide to Accelerate\nChange”\nWatch the video here:\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7vSlZFlC14&t=273s\n\n \n\nSubmitted by :\nMichele Rozells\nCommunications\, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\, Kuala Lumpur\, West Malaysia\nVideo by :\nAldriana Ris Lo\nProgramme Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\, Sabah\, East Malaysia
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girl-child-2021-2/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211011T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211011T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211011T013234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211011T013302Z
UID:2990-1633939200-1633971600@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day of the Girl Child 2021
DESCRIPTION:2021 proudly sees three girl-child-ren from Good Shepherd Services Sabah & Ipoh-Perak\, Malaysia  ‘Girls Speak Out’ to express their voices in conjunction with the International Day of the Girl Child.\nOne of Three video submissions made by them has been selected by the IDG  Summit Team\nSubmission 1\nName: Dezryn Angeline Nestor\nAge: 17\nCountry: Malaysia\nContact information: +60 016-2880437\nLink: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1vkCbuWb-Jxjlbypx-torrPmWIblR5em2?usp=sharing\n\nSubmission 2\nName: Loshni A/P Pragash\nAge: 13\nCountry: Malaysia\nContact information: +60 011-30665106\nLink: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1SB9REFrku9CJw3Gv3SMgzdpCgBeDbCq9?usp=sharing\n\nSubmission 3\nName: Norhasniza Binti Abdullah\nAge: 16\nCountry: Malaysia\nContact information: +60 011-36547883\nLink: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Fo6N1fM17v-OMDQWi8IbkkoFlD9tRev0?usp=sharing\nFrom IDG Summit Team:\nDear  Norhasniza\,\nCongratulations! Your work has been selected to be included on the Day of the Girl Website as part of the International Day of the Girl Summit 2021!\n\nWe are very excited to include your inspiring piece. Thank you very much for the time and energy you put into creating such outstanding material. Your submission will be posted on the Day of the Girl Website and will help elevate the conversation about girls’ human rights around the globe.\n\nPlease be aware that we may only use a portion of your piece\, combine it with other work\, or make edits to your work.\n\nThe International Day of the Girl 2020 is 2 weeks away! Join us on Monday\, October 11th for a Virtual Field Trip to the 2021 Girls Speak Out in partnership with the United Nations.\n\nAfter the event on the 11th\, the Girls Speak Out Video compiling the work of girls around the world about digital access through music\, poetry\, and art\, will be posted  to our Youtube page. \nFollow us on Facebook\, Instagram or Twitter to keep up to date with all things IDG! \n\nThank you for sharing your voice at this year’s International Day of the Girl.\nBest wishes\,\nIDG Summit Team\nDate: Sat\, Oct 2\, 2021 at 3:34 AM
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girl-child-2021/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://gssmmission.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/IDG2018-Logo-GSIJPO.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211030T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211031T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211112T065127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211112T065127Z
UID:3090-1635580800-1635699600@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Food Day 2021
DESCRIPTION:World Food Day celebrated \non 30 & 31 October 2021  \n at Good Shepherd Centre\, Singapore\nFood has symbolic meaning all around the world and is more than just for survival. With food we make friends\, celebrate milestones\, and count our blessings. Food has always been an important part of the human story. However\, it is a real paradox that at least two billion people around the world do not have access to healthy food\, yet on the other hand\, almost two billion people are overweight or obese.\n\nOur Actions\, Our Future!\nThis year in October\, we commemorate World Food Day with the theme “Our actions are our future” together with the residents in Good Shepherd Centre\, through a series of interactive slides and activities. During one of the discussions where residents share about what food choices they usually make for their three meals\, it was interesting to hear that many of them like local delights such as Wanton Mee\, Chicken Rice and Roti Prata. It was also heartening that two young girls shared that they enjoy eating healthy food including brown rice\, vegetables\, and soup-based food.\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nSustainable Pizza\n\nThe residents were then engaged in a hands-on activity – “The Sustainable Pizza” that encourages them to reflect on how they could make good food choices that have a positive impact on the environment as well as on themselves. During the activity\, residents get to create their one-of-a-kind pizza with their own choices of ingredients out of clay. The women and children had a lot of fun making their pizza as they were given free rein to add all their favorite ingredients. One of the most unique combination was pumpkin chips on a pizza!\n\n\n  \n  \n  \nEconomical Choices & Non Wastage\nWhen residents gathered to share about their masterpiece\, many shared that they imagined getting most of their ingredients for their pizza from local sellers such as NTUC and Sheng Siong Supermarket as these are more economical choices. Some of them also intentionally made mini pizzas in order to reduce food wastages. It was an enriching session for most as they were able to see that making a difference in the food system begins with ordinary consumers like ourselves\, and the daily choices we make about the food we buy\, how they are packaged\, and how much is wasted.\n  \n  \n  \n      \n\n  \n  \n  \nSupport Local Brands & Healthier Choices\nAt the end of the session\, the women and mothers were motivated to be more mindful and intentional when shopping for food items in the supermarket\, such as supporting local brands and making healthier choices. The children were also enthusiastic about learning new knowledge about having nutritious food. Through this session\, it has also inspired some of the residents to forge deeper friendship over food as a few of them have found out that they all enjoy eating sushi and decided to have a sushi making session in the near future!\n\n  \n  \n\nContributed by:\nCheryl Ang\nSocial Worker\nGood Shepherd Centre\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-food-day-2021/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211102T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211102T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211119T065120Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211120T063429Z
UID:3138-1635840000-1635872400@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Gold Award - Marymount Preschool Gardening Project 2021
DESCRIPTION:Marymount Preschool Gardening Project\, Singapore\nClick: Marymount Preschool\nMarymount Preschool is proud to present an award winning video of the gardening project initiated under the creative leadership of Ms Tan Poh Cheng.  She is the Executive Director of Marymount Preschool (MPS) which won a gold award for the said project.\nThe involvement of the children in the gardening project not only helped in their learning process but also a way of initiating them into the ecological consciousness.\nOur heartiest congrats to MPS for receiving such an outstanding award especially in this critical time of the global climate crisis – The importance of going green! What a step in giving a head start to the very young of  the nation !\nClick for video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mOVmAHL9b8SzvKmwtznri1lluTvOTpBO\nJane Goodall said that bringing nature into the city is a “step very much in the right direction”.(https://mothership.sg/2021/11/jane-goodall-every-city-as-green-as-singapore/\,cited 19 November 2021)\nNational Park launched Community in Bloom Award  (https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardening/community-in-bloom-initiative/cib-awards \,cited 19 November 2021)
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/gold-award-marymount-preschool-gardening-project-2021/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211125T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211126T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211128T090945Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211128T185427Z
UID:3143-1637827200-1637946000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Trafficking in Person: National Virtual Conference 2021
DESCRIPTION:MWFCD-MAPO-GSB Online National Conference: \n“Best Practices on Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP) “\n  \n  \nGlobal Shepherds\, a company established in Malaysia by the Province of Singapore-Malaysia made further inroads into its relationship with the government of Malaysia when the organisation was invited by the Ministry of Women\, Family & Community Development (MWFCD) to co-organise a conference related to the care and protection of trafficked victims.\n\nThe two-day conference on 25th and 26th November 2021 was entitled “Best Practices on Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking in Persons (TIP)”.  This was Malaysia’s first Virtual National Conference held in collaboration with the Ministry of Women\, Family & Community Development (MWFCD) and the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO)\n\nThe dates were chosen for its significance as the Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and the 16-day Orange The World campaign.  It was also used to launch the Ministry’s training manual on TIP care and protection.\n\nGlobal Shepherds played a crucial part in developing the training manual\, together with International Justice Mission (IJM) Malaysia and MWFCD.  The manual is expected to be used in all government and NGO shelters for trafficked victims across the country.\n\nThe manual covers a wide spectrum of topics related to the protection of TIP victims\, including using a Victim-Centred approach and Trauma-Informed Care as well as a module specific to the care of child TIP victims.\n\nThe conference also provided a platform for service providers and relevant stakeholders in the area of Protection from various countries to share their experiences and approaches in providing care and protection services to TIP victims; and was broadly based on the modules of the Training Manual.\n\nThis collaboration showcased the collective efforts of government and its NGO partners in working together towards the improvement of care and support services for the best interest of the victims.\nAt the same time\, it hopes to establish and strengthen networks between government and civil society partners\, locally and internationally in the area of Protection.\n\nSpeakers from various UN related agencies\, government agencies and civil societies from Australia\, the Philippines and Thailand were also invited to share their National Referral Mechanisms for TIP victims\, as well as their good practices on care and protection.  There was a total of 183 participants who logged in\, half of which were from the government ministries and agencies.  The sessions were insightful and fruitful and it is hoped that ties between all agencies can be further strengthened\, both internationally and locally.\n\nThe event was supported by:\n\nUN Women Safe and Fair: Realizing women migrant workers’ rights and opportunities in the ASEAN region programme\, part of the EU-UN Spotlight Initiative to eliminate violence against women and girls\, and International Justice Mission (IJM) Malaysia and the Good Shepherd Sisters\, Malaysia\n\nWritten by\nMichele Rozells\nMonitoring & Evaluation-cum-Communications Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\nKuala Lumpur\nMalaysia
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/trafficking-in-person-national-virtual-conference-2021/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211128T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211128T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20211226T053019Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20211226T053424Z
UID:3161-1638086400-1638118800@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
DESCRIPTION:Ahuva Good Shepherd: Pilot Small Group Care\, Marymount Centre \ncelebrates \nInternational Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women\nOn the 28th of November 2021\, Ms Nora conducted a workshop for the residents at Pilot Small Group Care (PSGC) to bring awareness to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women that occurs on every 25th of November. We took this opportunity to highlight the pertinent societal issues women were still facing as the residents would become women soon.\n\nMs Nora shared with the residents this year’s theme selected by the United Nations – ‘Orange the world: End Violence Against Women Now!’. Most of the residents suggested the colour orange is related to ‘brightness’\, like the sun. True enough\, the colour orange was intended to represent a brighter future free of violence against women and girls.\n\nFrom the presentation slides\, the residents learnt the different types of violence against women other than the commonly known physical violence\, there were also the subtle emotional and mental violence or abuse that might take place in relationships. As the current  residents in PSGC are in their pre-teens and showing interest in relationships\, Ms Nora felt the need to help them understand and detect red flags on subtle violence or abuse that may be easily overlooked as they are not visible like in physical violence. Thus\, there were two activities crafted for the residents.\n\nFor the first activity\, Ms Nora showed two videos to the residents\, portraying subtle violence in a relationship which might be easily overlooked as ‘normal’. The residents were asked to write down the red flags they detect in the relationship on an orange piece of paper. The first video is a cartoon and musical video of how a teenage female is easily swooned by a masochistic male who initially wooed her by going out of the way to make her happy. As the relationship progressed\, he started to control more on what she could or could not do\, and often blaming her for the things she did not do and thus\, causing her to feel trapped and confused. After the video\, some of the residents shared that some of their friends got into such relationships and they themselves thought it was normal although they did not think it was right.\n\nThe second video gave the residents an insight of an adult relationship in which the man in the relationship often ‘gaslights’ his partner throughout the relationship\, causing her to feel confused\, lost and often apologising for things she did not do wrong. Ms Nora checked in with the girls before the start of the video if they knew what gaslighting’ means\, and most of them knew that it was a form of psychological manipulation. Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation attempting to confuse the victim and causing the victim to doubt his or her own reality. After the videos\, the residents shared the red flags they had detected and what they thought about it.\n  \n \nFor the second activity\, PSGC’s Emotional Regulation Drill topic on “MI-Phone” was incorporated into the exercise so that the residents could practise empathy towards other women who might be in an abusive relationship. A scenario as shown below was given and the residents’ messages to the woman given in the scenario could be seen below. After sharing what they had written\, the residents also shared some of the real-life examples they experienced witnessing their online friends online who publicly shared their toxic relationship and how they felt about it. Lastly\, residents shared with Ms Nora who were their trusted safe person or adult they could talk to if they were in an abusive relationship themselves.\n \n \nAll in all\, today’s topic on the fight for the elimination of violence against women is an opportunity to encourage the PSGC residents to not only look out for themselves\, but also to look out for one another. They were reminded that women should stand together and support one another to eliminate the societal issues they have been facing for centuries. Thus\, awareness of such issues is the starting point to learn to reach out for help.\n  \nWritten by: Ms Nur Syafeeqah Bte Mohd Fauzi\nSocial Service Assistant\nAhuva Good Shepherd – Pilot Small Group Care\nMarymount Centre\, Singapore\n\nThe links for the videos are:\nhttps://youtu.be/SVCqTcb4qkM on Gaslighting\nhttps://youtu.be/1L6HB97ibrQ (Sunshine – Don’t confuse love & abuse)
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-4/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20211216T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20211216T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220110T062941Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220110T063747Z
UID:3171-1639641600-1639674000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
DESCRIPTION:The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is observed worldwide every year on November 25.\n1 in 3 women experiences abuse\, but only 1 in 10 seeks help\nResearch have shown that around 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime\, but only 1 in 10 women would go to the police for help. In times of crisis\, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic\, measures put in place including lockdowns and work-from-home arrangements have further increased women’s exposure to violence and abuse cases have been on the rise. In Singapore\, this is evident from the increased number of inquiries and investigations conducted by the Ministry of Social and Family Development on abuse cases which was at a record high in 2020. Similarly in Good Shepherd Centre (GSC)\, the number of referrals for shelter placement due to abuse have also increased during the pandemic period.\nA Topic very close to their Hearts\nOn 16 December 2021\, GSC gathered a group of residents including women and children to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This is a topic that would be very close to the heart of most residents in GSC as they have all gone through certain forms of abuse and are survivors of violence. The session started with a discussion on what violence means to them. While some residents were not so ready to speak about the topic\, others were able to share examples of violence. Most of them listed examples of physical violence during the discussion.\nSignal for Help\n \nAfter the discussion\, the “Signal for Help” was introduced to the residents. This signal was created in 2020 as a tool to combat the rise in domestic violence around the world. The perpetrators of abuse often closely monitor and control victims so tightly that asking for help is almost impossible. The signal is a single\, continuous hand gesture that can be made easily by an individual to alert others that they feel threatened and need help over a video call\, or in-person.\nLetters of encouragement and support to themselves\nAs a closure activity\, the women and children wrote letters to themselves as a form of encouragement and support. While the younger children enjoyed the craft time\, the older children and adults wrote supportive messages to themselves as a reminder to stay strong and keep going despite the struggles they face.\nResident C: “I want to believe that I can do anything. Do your best and seek help if you struggle”.\nResident S: “Every problem has an end to it. Don’t worry about what problem you’re facing. You will get through it. Be strong for yourself. You only get yourself in the end. Be patient and let  go of negative thoughts.”\nExpressing Gratitude\nAt the end of the session\, they feedback to appreciate the time for this activity as it provided a space for them to reflect on their own experiences and to craft a meaningful message to themselves.\n \nContributed by:\nCheryl Ang\nSocial Worker\nGood Shepherd Centre\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-for-the-elimination-of-violence-against-women-5/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220131T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220131T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220205T052823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220205T053802Z
UID:3193-1643616000-1643648400@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR’S VISIT TO GLOBAL SHEPHERDS WOMENS’ SHELTER
DESCRIPTION:INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR’S VISIT\nTO\nGLOBAL SHEPHERDS WOMENS’ SHELTER\nFOR\nVICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING\n \n  \n  \nGlobal Shepherds Women’s Shelter (Rumah Perlindungan Global Shepherds) was honoured to play host recently to His Excellency Ambassador Hermono from the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia. The visit was aimed at meeting the Indonesian women currently in our care.\nOn hand to welcome His Excellency was Good Shepherd Singapore-Malaysia Province Leader Sr. Salomi; Ms. Brittocia Arulanthu\, Executive Director of Global Shepherds and Ms. Harbans Kaur\, Shelter Manager. Also in attendance were Madam Syuhaida from the National Anti-Trafficking Council (MAPO)\, Madam Ajanis from the Ministry of Women (MWFCD) and their respective teams.\nWe had the usual formalities of speech and exchange of mementos\, after which the guests indulged in a hearty brunch prepared by the women themselves. His Excellency and accompanying staff then proceeded to mingle with the women\, getting to know them\, exchanging stories and even songs!\nThe visit ended with an impromptu sing-a-long led by the residents themselves.\n\n  \n  \n\n  \n  \nIt was a truly enjoyable morning for everyone\, and much appreciated by the women to have some sort of connection with home. They were deeply touched by the words of encouragement and the warmth of the entire delegation. Indeed\, there was hardly distinction between ambassador\, attache and survivor.\nThe visit provided an opportunity for the delegation to gain further insight in the work we do – our rehabilitation and counselling program – as well as our collaboration with government and enforcement agencies. There was unanimous agreement from all parties present that it certainly takes a village to care for the victims and combat human trafficking.\nIt must also be noted that the residents of other nationalities were not bereft of attention.\nHuge thank you to H.E. Pak Dubes (Mr. Ambassador)\, Pak Heri who serenaded the women\, and everyone from the Embassy. It was happy smiles at the shelter for the rest of the day!\n  \nH.E. Pak Dubes Hermono with Ms. Harbans Kaur and Ms. Brittocia Arulanthu \nPak Dubes & Sr. Salomi \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nWritten by : Michele Rozells\nCommunications cum & Monitoring & Evaluation Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\, Malaysia
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/indonesian-ambassadors-visit-to-global-shepherds-womens-shelter/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220203T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220203T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220203T064610Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220203T065019Z
UID:3186-1643875200-1643907600@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:God's light shines bright in Marymount Convent School
DESCRIPTION:Igniting and shining with Marymount’s Light Ceremony\nGod is our Light: Marymount Convent School’s (MCS) ideals are encapsulated both in this little motto and their very unique tradition called the Light Ceremony which was held at the beginning of the school year on Jan 6.\nGood shepherd Sister Delphine Kang \nMCS school supervisor\, Sister Delphine Kang\, RGS who inaugurated the ceremony 15 years ago\, said: “When I returned to work in school after some years in social service\, the motto was on the school walls\, its crest\, and on students’ badges. Yet few actually paid attention to it.”\n\nThus she envisioned a ceremony that focused on God\, who is Light to all\, and how school staff and students can pass this Light of God to all they encounter. Despite the Ceremony being moved from the school hall\, where it is usually held\, onto Zoom during the pandemic\, we nevertheless saw the participation of the whole school.\n\nTeachers passing on the light to school student leaders \n.\n\nIgniting the light\nOne day before the ceremony\, each girl received a candle cut-out\, symbolising the light God has given them e.g. their talents\, gifts\, knowledge\, wisdom and grace. On it\, they were asked to write down a talent or gift they would like to share with others. This made them conscious of the ‘Light’ they possessed and were called to pass on.\n\nThe next day at the Ceremony\, as the hymn Pass It On was played\, the girls came forward to paste the candles onto a big ‘class candle\,’ in a touching and beautiful gesture of committing themselves to the school motto\, ‘God is Our Light’.\nPrimary 1 pupils pasting their small individual lights onto the big class candle. \n\n\n\n“Visually pasting their individual candles onto the big class candle is a powerful way for the girls to see how they too are able to give something of themselves\, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant it may be to others\,” said Mrs Evelyn Chia\, a Primary 3 teacher who has two daughters in the school.\n\n\n\nAnother teacher\, Ms Amanda Yeo\, shared similar sentiments. “The pasting of the candles allows the girls to feel part of the community even though they took part in the Ceremony via Zoom” especially as each class candle was then proudly put up on the class notice board.\n\nShining the light\nThe highlight of the Ceremony is the passing of the flame from Sr Delphine as school supervisor to the school leaders\, and then to the teachers\, and finally to the student representatives\, all happening while the same hymn Pass It On is played. It is always a meaningful moment when all members of the school pledge to commit themselves to lead and help one another to grow in knowledge\, wisdom and grace\, guided by God’s unconditional love.\n\nExplained Vice-Principal Mdm Anna Tan\, “The Light Ceremony is a very significant event in the life of a new student in Marymount Convent where she is welcomed into our school family in Primary 1. For the next five years here\, she is reminded of the love she receives from God through this family\, and how she can spread this love to others. This is a beautiful tradition which we want all our students to remember fondly.”\n\nMdm Elaine Han\, who just joined the school this year as a senior teacher\, said\, “Being new to the school\, this was my first time taking part in the Light Ceremony. I was touched when the hymns were being played. I felt that it was a meaningful experience for the girls and staff as all of them\, Catholics and non-Catholics alike\, especially at the start of the year.”\n\nThe Light Ceremony gives us an identity of our mission as a Good Shepherd school\, anchoring the school year and giving a meaningful start for the whole school population. It is something I truly look forward to every year. It reminds me of my personal commitment as a teacher to be the light and share God’s Light with others through my gifts\, my strengths and values\, especially with my students and the whole school community.\n\n\n\nContributed by Ms Geraldine Robert\, Religious Education Coordinator\, Marymount Convent School\, Singapore.\nThis article was published in Catholic News\, Singapore\,  dated Sunday\, January 23\, 2022
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/gods-light-shines-bright-in-marymount-convent-school/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220308T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220308T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220407T054531Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220407T055637Z
UID:3259-1646726400-1646758800@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Women's Day
DESCRIPTION:International Women’s Day\, celebrated annually on 8 March\, is a day that commemorates the strengths and achievements of women. Women from different parts of the world come together on this day to celebrate one another and rally for equal treatment and representation\, working towards a common goal of achieving a gender-equal world. The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias – A world free of bias\, stereotypes\, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse\, equitable\, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.\nAt Good Shepherd Centre (GSC)\, we also gathered our women and children who come from different parts of the world to commemorate this day through a 2-part celebration and activities. The programme participants (residents) were first introduced to the International Women’s Day through informative slides on the first day. They were then guided to imagine how a world without biases\, stereotypes and discrimination would look like and to create this imagined world onto a canvas board.\nOne programme participant\, Nelly shared about her point of view that women are equally capable of doing what men does\, such as playing soccer. She recalled about how she encountered biasness in her secondary school days when a group of boys were playing soccer and she wanted to join but received negative comments about how soccer is a sport for boys.\n\nNelly was unmoved and started dribbling the soccer ball like an experienced player. This incident left her feeling empowered as a woman as she received compliments and proved to her peers that women can be equally capable as men. She translated these into her artwork and designed it based on her belief that women can lead an independent life and have a successful career and should not be confined to staying at home as a mother due to her gender. Other programme participants also drew about their imagined world where women are treated with love and respect.\n\n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n \n\n  \n  \n\n\n\n\nThe second part of the celebration conducted on another day was filled with joy and laughter\, where the women and children from GSC were gathered to have fun and relax on this day. The celebration began with games related to music such as dancing to the music and musical chairs. They bonded through these games even though some of them could not communicate through a common spoken language\, and were all enthusiastic and participative.\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter the exciting time moving their bodies to the music\, the programme participants were invited to a make-up session where they were given the option to put on the make-up themselves or with the help of a staff. Some women shared that the last time they put on make-up was during their wedding\, while others shared that they usually only put on make-up for the purpose of work. This session then acts not only as a form of self-care for the women but was also an opportunity for them to get dolled up and to feel confident about themselves\, for just themselves.\n  \n  \n\n  \n  \n\n\nThe day concluded with a sponsored meal for the Programme Participants\, and they all shared that they had enjoyed themselves throughout the activities. It was certainly heartwarming to witness the resilience and strength of the women\, as well as to come together to celebrate collectively despite the differences in our background on this day. The Programme Participants of GSC also wish everyone a very Happy International Women’s Day.\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \nContributed by:\nCheryl Ang\nSocial Worker\nGood Shepherd Centre\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-womens-day-3/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220308T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220328T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220329T055738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220329T055738Z
UID:3237-1646726400-1648486800@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Women's Day 2022
DESCRIPTION:Break the Bias : Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.\nThis year’s theme for International Women’s Day ‘Break the Bias’ is aimed at creating awareness of a gender equal world. A world free of bias\, stereotype and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.\n1. St. John’s Cathedral PIHD Ministry\nOn a bright sunny Saturday morning\, the Global Shepherds team\, in collaboration with the St. John’s Cathedral Parish Integral Human Development (PIHD) ministry\, celebrated International Women’s Day\nat the church hall. About 30 participants comprising members of the less privileged communities in the vicinity\, as well as some refugee families\, joined in the event.\nThe theme “Break the Bias” was conveyed through a slide presentation breaking down the theme to a local context; with pictures and graphics explaining women’s rights\, gender equality\, gender stereotypes and discrimination in terms that was easily understood by the participants.\nThis was followed by some very engaging group activities – lively brainstorming sessions which culminated in an animated exchange of ideas and voicing out of opinions.\nParticipants\, both male and female\, shared that this newly discovered awareness has somewhat shifted their perspective of cultural stereotypes and gender bias typical in traditional family systems; and are now more conscious of their decisions and actions especially relating to the needs of the women in the family.\nThere were also some who shared personal experiences\, like the refugee family who realised the importance of elevating and celebrating the role of women in the household. They “broke the bias”!\nAll in all\, the event was a success in relaying the message of gender equality in the household\, and certainly celebrated the women in their lives!\n \nTHE Pose: Members of St. John’s PIHD Ministry and Global Shepherds cross their arms\, the solidarity pose of IWD2022. \n  \n  \n2. Global Shepherds Women’s Shelter\nBack home at our women’s shelter\, the celebration was slightly delayed due to a Covid infection with one of our staff. Thankfully\, we managed to hold a session for the women before the end of March\, widely acknowledged as Women’s month.\nAs our programs are aimed at empowering the women as well as creating awareness of their rights\, the session focused on the issue of gender equality in terms of household roles\, gender-stereotyped jobs; how women are perceived in their local communities.\nGroup discussion and role-playing activities led them to discuss the impact of this gender inequality – early or forced marriage\, gender based violence\, limited or no access to education for girls – challenges which\, for most of them\, are personal experiences.\nThe women declared that\, upon returning to their home country\, would impart this awareness to the local people; they will break the bias and challenge the stereotyping. They would most definitely question any gender inequality that may arise.\nThe day itself is intended to celebrate women’s achievement. As a gesture of appreciation\, the women each made an origami tulip and presented it to the person sitting next to them.\nWe started off with an energizing zumba dance session before getting down to the serious stuff. \n \nStriking the IWD 2022 pose – crossing of arms – in solidarity with women around the world. \n  \n  \nMichele Rozells\, Communications\, M&E Officer\nKalaivani Subramaniam\, Programme Officer\nThilaga Ganesan\, Case Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Bhd\nKuala Lumpur\, Malaysia
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-womens-day-2022/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220322
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220323
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220322T053025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220329T043032Z
UID:3215-1647907200-1647993599@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Water Day 2022
DESCRIPTION:World Water Day by\nRestful Waters\, Good Shepherd Convent\, Singapore\n             \nClick: world water day
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-water-day-2022/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220410T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220410T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220425T052557Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220425T053559Z
UID:3293-1649577600-1649610000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Youth Ecotourism Project March 2022
DESCRIPTION:Good Shepherd Services Youth Ecotourism Project Launched by Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism\, Culture and Environment on 28 March 2022\n  \nThrough the initiative of Good Shepherd Services\, 12 youth from three villages in Kuilu have collectively developed new eco-tourism products benefitting all three communities. The ecotourism products are the Ratau campsite located alongside the scenic Kampung Ratau river\, the Sangod Hill hiking trail in Kampung Lokub and the Watu Kokoluton hiking trail in Kampung Talantang.   All three products can be offered as one integrated or separate packages. \nIn launching the new ecotourism products\, State’s Tourism\, Culture\, and Environment Assistant Minister cum Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the new eco-tourism destinations developed by the community had the potential to attract more visitors and adventure seekers to explore Kiulu.He stated that “This will strengthen Kuilu’s position as a hub for community-based eco-tourism in the state”.\n“We are excited with our eco-tourism products as it fulfills our objectives of generating an income based on the natural environment of our respective villages” said Citinally Dolimin from Kg Ratau.  “The products showcase the beautiful settings which we all grew up in and I speak on behalf of my fellow youths when I say we are very proud of the products developed in partnership with Good Shepherd and the Kuilu Tourism Association” he added.\nThe ecotourism products fall under a youth entrepreneurship initiative undertaken by Good Shepherd Services as part of a Community Adoption Programme (CAP) launched in March 2021.  The project is funded by RYTHM Foundation. The first phase of the project which was for a duration of 12 months is aimed at providing academic support for children and reducing rural poverty through youth entrepreneurship.\n“The ecotourism project forms part of our efforts to work with rural youth and communities to preserve and care for their natural environment” said Tracy Soidi\, the Project Manager for Good Shepherd Services.  “In developing these products\, there have been extensive discussion held not just among the program participants but with key stakeholders and authorities that include environment impact assessment “said Soidi.\nRYTHM Foundation has provided a RM550K grant for Phase 2 of the CAP project which will cover a duration of 24 months starting April 2022.  This new project phase will look into strengthening the children’s support learning programme\, developing ecotourism and will incorporate a sustainable livelihood initiative for women. \n\nWritten by\,\nTracy Soidi\n10 April 2022\nJoniston Bangkuai at the launching of the Sabah Community Adoption Program project and the opening of three new eco-tourism products. Along with Joniston are RYTHM Foundation head\, Santhi Periasamy (third left)\, and Good Shepherd Services Board member\, Petrus Gimbad (fourth right) \nThe youth participants\, community leaders and Tracy Soidi ( second from right) from Good Shepherd Services \nThe Bamboo trail is part of a scenic forest hiking experience at Sangod Hill\, Kuilu \nThe waterfall hiking trail at Watu Kokoluton\, Kg Talantang \nKnowledge-sharing: A community elder teaching one of the youth entrepreneurs the right way to cast a net in the river \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/youth-ecotourism-project-march-2022/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220514
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220515
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220523T065215Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220523T072707Z
UID:3304-1652486400-1652572799@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:RURAL WOMEN LEADERSHIP PROJECT BY GOOD SHEPHERD SERVICES
DESCRIPTION:A group of the Women in Leadership\, ready to train other rural women in Sabah\n  \nSabah  District poised to achieve SDG Target after completion of the Rural Women Leadership Project by Good Shepherd Services.\n  \nDespite challenges posed by the pandemic\, Good Shepherd Services (GSS) has successfully trained and established a pool of 115 women leaders who are ready to take on decision-making leadership roles in Tambunan\, Sabah\, Malaysia.\n\nLaunched in May 2020\, this two-year project received the full support of key stakeholders including the Tambunan District Officer\, Head of the Native Court and the Head of the Leadership and Development Unit – all of whom are members of the Project Advisory Council (PAC).\n\nA key objective of the 2030 Sabah Development Plan is to have women occupy 30% of key decision-making positions as village heads\, leaders of community development and critical organisations such as the farmers association.  All districts in Sabah are required to contribute towards achieving this objective in their respective development action plans.\n\n“This project mobilises rural women to participate in leadership and generate community-led action that contributes to the transformative change process\,” said GSS project manager Sr Jossie Sili. \n\n“As part of their capacity training\, all participants had to attend a five-module training programme that incorporates both practical and theoretical aspects of leadership\,” she added.  \n\n“For the practical session\, a majority of the groups opted to conduct livelihood projects so that they can generate alternative incomefor themselves to ease the financial hardships caused by the pandemic. A number of these projects are still ongoing\,” Sr Jossie emphasised.\nPromoting gender sensitisation is fundamental to foster an enabling environment for gender sensitivity and women’s leadership. Although\, a workshop session was conducted specifically men\, yet the women from the leadership training also participated.In total 87 men\, including senior representatives from all government agencies and community leaders in the district attended the workshop.\n \nSenior representatives from all government agencies and community leaders in the district attended the Gender Sensitisation Workshop\n  \n“The workshop promoted clarity on the concepts of equality and non-discrimination. It provided a space for both men and women to discuss some of the issues affecting gender. At the end of the session\, the participants pledged to promote behaviours and values that will uphold the rights and dignity of every individual\,” Sr Jossie explained.  \nIt is hoped that high representation and receptiveness from the government agencies can contribute towards creating a more impactful and gender-sensitive environment for Tambunan. \n“These 115 women represent a valuable leadership resource in achieving our 2030 goals – be it in gender equality\, or our 30% target of women in decision-making leadership roles\,” said Mr Jumain Ghani\, the former Tambunan District Officer who was recently promoted and transferred to the Ranau district. \nThe newly appointed District Officer\, Mr Sobitun Makajil\, said in his inaugural PAC meeting: “From my experience with the programme participants\, I have every confidence that these women leaders will be able to advance the development of their communities. In fact\, I would like to tap into their ground knowledge and expertise for the district planning sessions. \n“Through PAC\, the project has bridged communications between key stakeholders and the women leaders. PAC has also been a training platform for the beneficiaries to hone their confidence in engaging and building a presence with key stakeholders. This has a direct impact in promoting gender-sensitive development and leadership\,” remarked Sr Jossie.\nAs part of sustainability and self-government\, a group of  “Women in Leadership” (WIL) women are presently working towards their registration as an entity under the Registrar of Society. This will enable them to access funding for the training of other rural women leaders in Sabah. \n\nSubmitted by:\nSr Jossie Sili\nCentre manager \nPusat Jagaan Seri Murni\n Good Shepherd Services\nSABAH
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/rural-women-leadership-project-by-good-shepherd-services/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20220522
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20220523
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220606T054804Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220606T060235Z
UID:3319-1653177600-1653263999@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:CELEBRATING LAUDATO SI WEEK 2022: Creation Walk
DESCRIPTION:Laudato Si Week 2022 marked the seventh anniversary of Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical on Creation Care.  To celebrate\, Good Shepherd Convent Restful Waters\, Singapore organised and registered “Creation Walk … Listening and Journeying Together” as one of the community events happening around the world.\nMay 22nd\, the opening day of Laudato Si week\, we came together to celebrate and give thanks in the outdoors\, to listen and learn from Creation and one another.  The venue for our walk was the Lorong Halus Wetland\, formerly a sewage disposal centre and landfill facility now transformed into a patch of green punctuated by tranquil bodies of water.  It serves as a habitat for numerous wildlife and birds.  There is the rich biodiversity\, flora and fauna that thrive at the wetland.  Beyond the wetland\, we crossed over to Coney Island\, with its different habitats such as mangrove swamps\, coastal forests and woodlands.\nWith the aim of ecological conversion\, we planned for the Creation Walk to encompass prayer\, reflection and personal sharing.  To rediscover and rekindle in our hearts our love for nature … to be one with nature … to see God’s loving hand in all of creation and to be in relationship with all life.\n\nWe began with a brief introduction of why the walk was organised to take place on May 22nd (it being the opening day of the Laudato Si Week 2022) and what made us select the wetland as our venue for our first Creation Walk.  I was surprised that some participants were unaware and have not heard of Pope Francis’ encyclical\, Laudato Si.  This made me conscious that there must be many others who have not heard about it too.  A new yearning is stirring in my heart – we must go out to share and inform others so that they too will hear both the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.  Those who are least responsible for the crisis are the most adversely affected.\nAlong the walk we came across a variety of plants\, some edible\, some with medicinal properties.  I am grateful that we had participants from Vietnam (Sr Francesca) and Myanmar (Sandar).  They\, together with Sr Lucy were able to identify and educate us on the health benefits of some plants and how it is used.  Such information made the walk even more interesting and engaging.  God has provided us with so much for our sustenance\, but we have taken it so much for granted.  If we do not start protecting what has been given\, it will be too late when it is all gone.\n\n  \n\nI believe God chose the participants for this walk\, how well we complimented each other. Each with different talents that we could share with one another.  Some were knowledgeable about the plants; some were so attuned to nature that they could spot even the snake camouflaged among the leaves of the branch and the monitor lizard relaxing in the water.  My reflection at this point was that God provides.  Even in the wild\, these plants thrived.  The ants\, birds\, bees\, butterflies\, caterpillars\, dragonflies\, monitor lizard\, monkey\, snake and sandflies we encountered seemed happy in their own habitat – dancing\, pollinating\, feeding or just lazing in the sun.  The plants and animals can surely survive well without us\, but sadly\, it is us humans who have been negligent and have destroyed much of their natural habitat in the name of development and economic growth.\n  \nHaving walked a distance\, we found ourselves a nice spot\, right in the centre – with the nature reserve on one side and a high-rise housing development on the other.  We sat in this sacred space\, stilled\, and quietened ourselves – I shared about how climate change had affected the lives of so many people e.g.\, many lives lost\, many displaced and made homeless when Super Typhoon Haiyan (2013) hit the Philippines.  Farmers whose crops (after months and months of arduous work) were wiped out leaving them with no income.  Holding them all in our hearts\, we prayed the Laudato Si prayer and read the Gospel of the day.  Prayer was led by Sr Lucy – with an introduction\, reflection on the Gospel and an invitation to participants to share their experience from the morning’s walk.  It was enlightening at how nature could teach us so much. One participant noticed the many potholes along the dirt track\, and she associated those with the potholes in her life. It was a beautiful honest sharing and we felt that it had brought about a sense of awareness\, a shift in consciousness and we felt she has embarked on her journey of transformation.\n\n \n\n  \nSymbolically\, we broke bread and shared it among ourselves. It was a spiritual experience for all. What started as a morning walk close to nature\, had brought about a sense of awareness of Laudato Si\, a realisation of the urgent need for each one to do our part to care for the earth and all of creation\, the many plants which God has provided for us – for sustenance\, as medicine etc.\, the beauty of the flowers and the magnificence of the trees. So much to see and learn. It was a time spent to get in touch with ourselves\, our senses and most of all\, to feel close to nature and to experience God’s love and God’s hand in all of Creation.\n  \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n“Just Love” (St Mary Euphrasia)\, indeed\, if we live by this value to Just Love\, we will not only love our fellow human beings\, but all creatures big and small – all of God’s Creation.  If we “just love”\, we will be more conscious of the need to care and automatically we will do what is right and we will not destroy what God has entrusted to us and our future generations.\n  \n“We human beings are not only the beneficiaries but also the stewards of other creatures. Thanks to our bodies\, God has joined us so closely to the world around us that we can feel the desertification of the soil almost as a physical ailment\, and the extinction of a species as a painful disfigurement. Let us not leave in our wake a swath of destruction and death which will affect our own lives and those of future generations.”\n(Pope Francis\, The Joy of the Gospel\, no. 215)\n\nThe Creation Walk on May 22nd is just the beginning… the beginning of a new journey towards self-awareness and ongoing personal ecological conversion.  May our hearts and eyes be open to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.\nThrough photographs taken on our walk\, we share with you some thoughts and reflections.\n\n\n“The land is like my body\, mind and spirit.  God is my creator; God transforms my life from “dump” to “beauty”.  The “dump” are negative words dumped on me – you are dark\, you are short\, you are slow\, you are not as beautiful\, you are not loveable.    Similarly\, I could be doing the same\, “dumping” negative words onto others and forming negative thoughts in my mind.\nThis morning\, I see how beautiful the dump site has been transformed.  With the grace of God\, I have decided to begin my transformation\, to change my perception of life\, to be more positive – that I may see myself and others from a positive perspective.”  ZT\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“As we walked the path\, I noticed many potholes and I thought of the many potholes in my life.  The setbacks at work\, difficult relationships\, struggles with study\, etc.  Many times I wished my life to be without these potholes.  I stopped\, stood and looked at one pothole\, my reflection staring back at me\, suddenly an orange butterfly appeared\, dancing around me.  I felt it was telling me that God is with me and God has been with me through all the potholes in my life.  The potholes are for my personal growth.  If I keep focussing on the potholes\, I will miss the many beautiful experiences in my life.  Look up and see all that is around me.  I am surrounded by so much beauty.  I am one with nature\, I am a creation of God.  Stop\, listen and learn from creation\, walk leisurely and breathe in the fresh air\, feel and rejuvenate the tired body.  Appreciate the gifts God has bestowed on me.  I am Me and I am what I am.”  Toi\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n“God has provided us with so many edible plants\, many of which have natural medicinal and health benefits.  Left in the wild\, the plants\, insects and animals thrive and grow well.  Sadly\, humans have forgotten that we are stewards of all Creation\, to protect and not destroy.  In pursuit of wealth and power\, many natural habitats have been destroyed in the name of development and advancement.  Earth is crying\, the people are crying\, the animals are crying and the plants are crying.  We pray for justice and peace in the world\, we pray for world leaders to take urgent action to resolve the climate crisis and we pray for individuals to live responsibly caring for mother Earth and all of Creation.”   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n“I therefore renew my appeal: let us take care of our mother Earth … let us overcome the temptation of selfishness that makes us predators of resources\, let us cultivate respect for the gifts of the Earth and creation\, let us inaugurate a lifestyle and a society that is finally eco-sustainable.”  Pope Francis\, May 2021\n\n\n\n“Life comes from God\, the Divine.  As Christians\, our way of life must reflect that divinity.  Look at the beauty that surrounds us\, a sacred space\, the whole Earth is a sacred space.  Feel  the oneness with nature.  We come from the same Creator God.  “In God’s hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all humankind” (Job 12:10).  We must be trustworthy carers of God’s creation entrusted to us.  Wonderfully made with God’s breath in us\, let us shine and share the gifts God has given us.  There is a time for everything and this is the time for YOU and I and everyone to take up our responsibility to be faithful stewards to ensure that future generations can receive and enjoy the wonders of God’s creation.”  Sr Lucy Chia\n\n“Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”\n― Pope Francis\, ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME\n\nSubmitted by \nMs Melina Ong\nRestful Waters\nGood Shepherd Convent\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/celebrating-laudato-si-week-2022-creation-walk/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220730T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220730T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220827T045338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220827T045925Z
UID:3363-1659168000-1659200400@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Day Against Human Trafficking - Singapore
DESCRIPTION:Human Trafficking – a Global Concern\nHuman trafficking has always been a pressing public concern which transcends all races\, social classes\, demographics and gender. No population is exempted from such ever-present threats.  Human traffickers are motivated by greed\, they do not respect human rights\, and preying on the vulnerable\, thus damaging the psychological\, emotional and physical well-being of their victims.\nUse and Abuse of Technology\nAs the world evolved with advances in technology\, traffickers have since made use of trending social media to recruit their victims. Many of these social media involves apps where traffickers could go into to obtain the personal information of users and the ability to have private conversations with them. These popular Apps are Facebook\, Tiktok\, Instagram\, Twitter\, Reddit\, WeChat\, Youtube\, etc. As such this year’s  World Day Against Human Trafficking theme titled “Use and Abuse of Technology” is very relevant to our women and children.\n\n\nTeenagers and Social Media\nWe had 3 participants aged 7 to 14 years of age\, who were all exposed to social media as mentioned above. During the activity\, Ms. Brenda showed two videos on how social media was used and manipulated by creating fake profiles in order to attract young girls ages between ages of 12 to 18 years old.\n\nVideo A (Source – Youtube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jMhMVEjEQg&t=0s)\nVideo B (Source – Youtube):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mH93tQ4n8M\n \n\nAfter watching the videos\, one resident expressed that she was puzzled as to why the teenager in Video A would come out of her house to meet the boy. The question started off with a good session for residents to share their opinions. One of them shared that the girl was curious about boys at that age.  While another resident shared that perhaps that girl needed love and was desperate. The residents’ opinions were similar to that of Video B.  One resident got the message on the dangers of social media and that one must be careful when using social media.\nMs. Brenda then moved on to enforce the 3 stages of human trafficking (ACT + Means + Purpose = Human Trafficking). To further enforce the 3 stages\, Ms Brenda showed a slide on teaching residents how to spot a traffickers and what traffickers look for when they are online.\n(Source: https://www.planusa.org/blog/3-ways-to-spot-a-trafficker-on-social-media/)\n\nAt the end of session\, the residents made their own poster by choosing and writing on social media apps which they are familiar with as a reminder on what they have learnt about social media and how they could protect their love ones. From their written work\, one can see that they have got the message of setting their social media account to private settings\, not to talk to strangers and not to share too much of their personal life with strangers on the internet.\n  \nTowards the end of the programme one resident shared that the biggest impact on her was the video of those teenagers meeting the boy with the fake profile. She realised that while she is curious about the opposite sex which is part of her developmental growth at age 14\, she needed to know herself more in order to be grounded should she meet with similar situation when using social media.\n \n  \nWritten and activity conducted by:\nBrenda Lee\nSocial Service Assistant\nGood Shepherd Centre
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-day-against-human-trafficking-singapore/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220730T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220810T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220830T012939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220830T013449Z
UID:3382-1659168000-1660150800@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:World Day Against Human Trafficking - Malaysia
DESCRIPTION:WORLD DAY AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING\n2022 Theme : “Use and abuse of technology”\nIn conjunction with World Day Against Trafficking\, the Ministry of Women\, Family & Community Development (MWFCD) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) jointly\ncelebrated the survivors of trafficking currently in residence in shelters across the\ncountry.\n  \n \n  \nSeveral activities were lined up including an information and awareness booth\, set up by Global Shepherds\, and fellow NGOs SUKA Society\, OUR (Operation Underground Railroad) and SHUT (Stop Human Trafficking).\nIn line with this year’s theme “Use and Abuse of Technology”\, the aim of the ‘walkthrough’ booth was primarily to show the difference between the commonly used term – personal grooming – against the not-so common and rather clandestine term – online grooming.\nGuests were given a quick grooming session comprising hair styling\, make-up and manicure as part of physical grooming.\n\n      \nOn the other end\, an information board was set up\, complete with e-flyer that was accessible via a QR code\, which contained FAQs\, quick facts and tips on how to avoid being scammed online\, how to recognise online grooming; and safety tips when using social media\, among others.\n  \n  \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nA selection of videos were screened\, lending a more dramatic representation of human trafficking in this age of technology.\nThe ultimate outcome was to enhance understanding of online grooming\, awareness of safety tips when using digital and social media platforms\, as well as knowing where and how to seek help.\nThe event was well attended by Ministry staff\, government enforcement agencies\, GOs\, foreign embassy representatives; and TIP survivors themselves\, namely those who have attained F.O.M. (freedom of movement). The survivors\, especially\, were thrilled to be able to enjoy this ‘day out’\, and the chance to get some pampering. They were also encouraged to dress in their own traditional outfit.\nThe highlight of the day was the announcement of the Creative Message\ncompetition winner\, held amongst the government declared shelters for victims of human trafficking. Medium of delivery was on any social media platform\, based on the theme Use and Abuse of Technology. The aim of the competition was to create awareness on human trafficking and to give a voice to the survivors and to encourage them to become champions in combatting human trafficking.\n\n\nRight: 14 short videos were submitted and 3 winners announced. And we won first prize!\nWe are very proud of our staff and survivors of Global Shepherds Women’s Shelter\, especially staff Ivy\, Liyana Nisha\, Teresa Yong\, who conceptualised\, directed and edited; and the women who bravely came forward to tell their stories.\nWatch the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eKtxVSlLnU&t=18s\n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \nLeft: GSB behind the scenes crew \n    \n  \n  \n\n\n\nRight: Obligatory photo with the YB Ministers and participating NGOs\n• Minister of Home Affairs\, YB Dato’ Seri Hamzah Zainuddin\n• Minister of Women\, Family & Community Development\, YB Dato’ Seri Rina Harun\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \nTrafficking in Persons Public Awareness Workshop\n\n  \n\n\n\nA recent workshop has provided the platform to talk about human trafficking with trainee teachers from the Institute Pendidikan Guru Kampus Bahasa Malaysia (Teacher Training Institute\, Malay Language Campus). They came to realise that children are increasingly becoming more vulnerable to online sexual exploitation\, including child sex trafficking\, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic when more time was spent online.\nThe half-day workshop \, organised by Engender\, was aimed at raising awareness and strengthening capacity of  teachers who play a pivotal role in the prevention of trafficking and child protection.\nIssues raised and discussed at the plenary session included online grooming\, indicators and signs of abuse\, and the risks and vulnerabilities faced by children.\nParticipants were also given an insight into a real-life case of human trafficking and abuse through a powerful monologue theatre performance.\n\nThey then went into break-out groups where they devised an awareness/education campaign for the protection of children. Most\, if not all groups\, based their program on the use and abuse of technology stressing on online safety\, which is rightfully so\, in these days of rampant internet and social media use.\n\n            \n      \nThe participants shared that they had learnt a lot from the workshop and they would now be more mindful of the vulnerability of a child. They proudly affirmed their role not only as educators\, but also as protectors.\n                                                   \n\n\n\n      \n  \n  \nGlobal Shepherds was one of the facilitators for the break-out sessions; They also set up a booth selling key-chains hand-made by survivors of a government shelter.\n \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\nThe event was graced by the presence of Mr. Michael Newbill\, Deputy Chief of Mission\, US Embassy and YBhg. Datuk Mohamad Fauzi\, Deputy Sec-Gen\, Ministry of Home Affairs\, who officially launched the event.\n\n\n\n#endhumantrafficking\n\nMichele Rozells\, Monitoring & Evaluation-cum-Communications Officer\nGlobal Shepherds Berhad\,  \nKuala Lumpur\, Malaysia
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/world-day-against-human-trafficking-malaysia/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220903T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220903T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220902T053923Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220909T070151Z
UID:3459-1662192000-1662224400@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Teachers' Day - Singapore
DESCRIPTION:On 2 September 2022\, Singapore celebrates Teachers’ Day. Ms Anna Tan\, Vice Principal of Marymount Convent School\, has written an inspiring article on  the sacred vocation of  Educators in collaborating with parents are stewards of God’s garden\, nurturing the seeds of faith planted by God in the hearts of students\n  \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/teachers-day-singapore/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20220905T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20220905T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20220905T190840Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20220909T072108Z
UID:3470-1662364800-1662397200@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:International Day of the Girl 2022- Girls Speak Out
DESCRIPTION:Our program participants  have artistically and creatively presented their artworks and their positions for the International Day of the Girl which will be celebrated on  11 October 2022 \n  \n  \n \n(Above)  This artwork means that if girls in my community had gender equality\, we would have the same status as boys and get treated fairly. Gender equality enables girls and boys to have the same rights. For example\, in a family\, daughters will also be given the same priority as sons\, especially in terms of education and receiving equal amounts of attention from their parents.\n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \nScript by Gia\, 15\nIf girls in my community had gender equality\, we would be able to improve ourselves to be better and change our weaknesses to become strengths. We can also achieve our dreams. My dream is to become a counsellor so that I can advise other girls to become stronger and to become an example to other girls.\n\n\n\nScript by Ella\, 12\nHi\, my name is Ell and I am 12 years old. The girls and I in my community need to be supported to build our resilience to realize our equal rights as girls. Thank you.\n\n\nScript by Jesline\, 17\nThe fight for girls’ rights needs me because there are many rights that are found in every child.\nFor example\, children have the right to speak. They have the right to express their opinions to others. Besides that\, the rights of protection. Every child has the right to be protected from all forms of harm\, abuse\, and trafficking.\n \nScript by Yhini\, 15 \nThe fight for girl’s rights needs me because we have been taught that girls are not capable of doing things that men are able to. Being a girl\, for me\, freedom means I am comfortable and confident with myself. Not feeling guilty or shameful of doing certain things just because they do not fit into societal norms.\nFreedom\, love\, respect and care are the best gifts for girls.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-the-girls-girls-speak-out/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221007T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221007T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20221023T200145Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T045535Z
UID:3554-1665129600-1665162000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Children's Day 2022 @ Restful Waters\, Singapore
DESCRIPTION:Celebrating Children’s Day by Caring for Our Common Home\, Earth\n7th October 2022\, we welcomed our young visitors from Montfort Junior School.  Fifty-three children ages 4 to 12 and 7 parent volunteers.  A day of new experiences for us all – our first time hosting a group of young boys and we did not know what to expect.  They were a boisterous group\, raising the noise level many decibels above our usual.  As noisy as boys can be\, they brought joy to everyone\, so full of cheerfulness\, positive energy\, eager to learn\, responsive and most polite.\n\n\n\nWelcome\, Welcome!!\nSurprise\, surprise – we had initially expected thirty children but ended up with fifty-three.  A 40-seater bus was not enough.  Adeline had to hire another smaller passenger van.\n\n\n  \n\n\nWe started the morning with a lively song of praise and prayer\, followed by an animated video about climate change and the importance of caring for our common home\, Earth.  The children were introduced to two additional Rs of Refuse and Repair (please refer to pyramid by Tzu Chi Foundation\, Singapore) which reads as Refuse\, Reduce\, Reuse\, Repair and Recycle.\n\n\nIt is time for every single person to stand up\, act and do their part to save Mother Earth and all of God’s creation.\n  \n \n \nTime to get out into the garden! \nFirst\, our chicken and chicks.  How timely for the eggs to hatch in time for the children to see the chicks.  Two roosters\, two hens and five chicks.  To see them up close was an exciting adventure for the children.  We shared with them the developmental process from egg to chick.  It was a topic they were most interested in.\n                 \n\nGoing round the garden\, we identified the various flowering plants\, vegetables\, herbs\, and fruit trees such as guava\, papaya\, lemon\, lime\, soursop\, fig\, avocado\, jackfruit\, belimbing etc.  For Sr Francesca\, in her enthusiasm to show the children as much as possible she even pointed out our neighbour’s durian tree.\n                                                   Belimbing                                             Buah Kelongdong                                          Lettuce & Spinach  \n\nTour of the garden:  Learning through touch and smell\n \n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \nWe explained about composting and how food wastes such as fruit peels\, vegetable\, stale bread could be returned to the earth as fertiliser in the form of compost.\n\nTime to get to work boys\nWe had upcycled discarded plastic containers and milk cartons for use as planters and spades.  The children were free to choose the type of cutting\, planter and even how to arrange the plants.  We were on hand to guide them in the process\, but the children were the ones who decided what they wanted.\n \n \n\nWe were impressed with 8-year-old Kayden.  At such a youthful age\, he could identify the vegetables and even told us that he had planted those at home.  He even made a request to plant lemongrass.  Such a lovely young man\, how could we refuse him.\n  \n \n  \n \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n\n  \nLunch was a hearty homecooked meal of vegetarian fried bee hoon (rice vermicelli)\, vegetable fritters\, spring rolls and prawns.  And to top off their Children’s Day celebrations – Ice Cream and Yakult.\n \n                                            Each child proudly carried home the pot of plant they planted.\n\nThank You\nThank you to all our young friends for being so participative and a joy to be with.  Thanks to all the parent volunteers for assisting\, to Adeline for organising and to all parents for supporting the programme.  God bless you all.\nSome messages received from parents\n \n\n\n     \n\nReported by: Melina Ong\nRestful Waters\, Good Shepherd Convent\nSingapore\n22 October 2022
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/childrens-day-2022-restful-waters-singapore/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221009T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221119T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20221010T074455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221127T032505Z
UID:3517-1665302400-1668877200@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:THE LETTER #LaudatoSiFilm
DESCRIPTION:  \nClick to view: https://youtu.be/Rps9bs85BII\n  \nLAUDATO SI’ O MI SIGNORE\nThe much-anticipated film ‘The Letter’ premiered on 4th October 2022.  Three days later\, The Letter was seen by more than one million people worldwide.  And we are Restful Waters are happy to be a part of that one million people.\n\nFirst Screening\nOn Friday\, 7th October 2022\, Restful Waters held our first of two planned screenings of the film for friends and mission partners.  The evening started with a simple dinner to get to know one another. For some\, it was their first time at Restful Waters.  From our conversation\, we were very happy to find out that Ron was a former student of Good Shepherd Kindergarten at Kampong Java in the late 1940s.  He studied with Good Shepherd till he was in primary one.  So nice that he is now making a connection with us again through this film screening event.\n\nEcological Conversion Opportunity\nWe took the opportunity to introduce briefly on Laudato Si and invited all present to be a part our our Laudato Si Circle or to join in our activities to bring about ecological conversion.\nOur first time screening a movie at the Convent and because of the impactful message of the film\, we were confident it would be well received.  The purpose of the screening was not to only watch the film but to come together to understand the deeper meaning and impact of climate change.  To touch hearts and spur individuals to answer the call for action.  There is a need for us to have an ecological conversion of heart and mind.  The 90 minutes passed very quickly\, we were awakened to a new consciousness\, and we encourage all to watch the film.   At the end of the screening\, we were all in agreement that watching it as a group was more impactful than to watch it alone.  We took time to share with one another our thoughts.  I thank Helen Choo\, Sr Lucy Chia and Anna for putting their thoughts in writing so beautifully.  What they shared captured the feelings of those present.\n  \nSharing by Helen Choo\n“Laudato Si’ shows that Pope Francis is passionately advocating the right action to protect Mother Earth.  Pope Francis has his ears to the ground; he knows of the individuals who are suffering from the impact of climate change.  Lone individuals advocating for action to stem or reverse the disastrous impact of climate change\, he knows them all.\nThe Pope organised a different kind of seminar.  He invited several individuals from different lands\, different backgrounds to meet\, share\, pray together in Rome and in Assisi.  They represented the poor\, the youth\, the indigenous people and wildlife.  They became brothers and sisters in a united front forging a strong bond.\nWhat was most poignant in the video was when the young man from Senegal received news of the devasting floods that displaced many of his friends at home.  Just as he is comfortably in a seminar in Assisi\, as he is talking in the comfort of Assisi\, his friends who leave Senegal in despair and cross the oceans – are drowned.\nLikewise\, as we in Singapore sitting comfortably and sharing or even praying\, many across the world are dying from the impact of climate change.\nIt is easy to talk and pray.  It does not help the many who are dying this moment.\nWhat can we do?\nThe Pope says the greatest danger is that we become immune to this daily tragedy.  When will we stop talking and start doing something personally?  Action speaks louder than words.”\n\n \nSharing by Sr Lucy Chia\n“We are heirs of God’s creation.  We hear the Word of God and we become the keeper of the Word in our heart\, mind and soul.  Most importantly\, we must take action.  Our every action count\, knowingly or unknowingly.\nJust as St Francis of Assisi saw God reflected in nature – he gives thanks and praise to God for Brother Sun\, Sister Moon\, Brother Wind\, Water\, Fire\, and Earth.  Both\, Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis have followed in the footsteps of St Francis\, to love and care for creation.  We must take responsibility for all of Creation\, taking care of it and making sure everything stays healthy and integrated.  Let us all take action today.  Each small step goes a long way.”\n\n  \n  \nSharing by Anna\n\n\nReport by: Melina Ong\nGood Shepherd Convent Restful Waters\n9 October 2022\n~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~\n\nOn 19 November 2022 Ms Jane Marie Ng  together with other volunteers and their families had gathered to watch the film\, The Letter\, the fourth screening at Restful Waters.\n  \n \n  \nMs Jane Marie’s Reflection:\nI watched “The Letter” for the first time on 19 November 2022.  It was a very different experience than reading the encyclical\, which I have to admit was heavy going and took me a while to get through.  The video gave context to the issues raised in the encyclical and made it come alive for me.\nI was touched when the Pope apologized for speaking in Spanish because he was speaking from his heart.  I was moved by Arouna grieving for his people suffering from the effects of climate change.  I was awed by the beauty of God’s creation as captured in the video\, the Earth and all the creatures in it.  I grieved at the devastation to forest and wildlife in the pursuit of commerce and development.  I see hope in the young who care enough to fight to protect the home that they would grow up to live in.\nPerhaps it was a good thing that we did not have a sharing session immediately after watching “The Letter” because my thoughts and emotions needed time to percolate.\nThe delicious lunch and warm fellowship that followed was for me tasting and seeing the goodness of God\, his love and providence.\nThese words of St. Paul’s letter to the Colossians later that day (it was the Solemnity of Christ the King)\, resonated with me:\n“He is the image of the unseen God and first-born of all creation\, for in him were created all things in heaven and on earth: everything visible and everything invisible … all things were created through him and for him” – Col 1:15-16\nWhat is Laudato Si’ calling forth in me?  What am I being called to be and do if Christ is to be my King?\nI like to make lists\, so here are a few things that I can start with:\n\n\nBe more like Christ\, loving and forgiving. If I have nothing good to say\, keep quiet\, unless I must speak up for the vulnerable.\n\n\n\n\n\nTreat all persons with dignity and respect because they are God’s creation and made in his image. I often forget that when it is someone I don’t like.\n\n\n\n\n\nBe a responsible consumer. Buy and use only what I need\, don’t hoard or waste\, because everything visible and invisible was created through Jesus and for Jesus.\n\n\n\n\n\nListen with my heart and respond when God calls. I must trust that if God wants me for something\, I am worthy and He will provide what is needed.\n\n\n\n\n\nBe conscious of how I can care for and protect God’s creation and keep adding to this list.\n\n\nTo God be all glory and praise!\nTo Lucy and Melina for enriching me with this experience\, may God bless you abundantly!\nWith love and gratitude\,\nJane Marie Ng\nPartner-in-mission\n19 November 2022
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/the-letter-laudatosifilm/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221011T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221011T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131131
CREATED:20221123T190731Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T191504Z
UID:3605-1665475200-1665507600@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Children's Day 2022
DESCRIPTION:October 11th of each year is dedicated to the celebration of Children’s Day in Singapore.  This year it is also a day to draw attention to adolescent girls to ensure they have a just upbringing and equal opportunities. This is also to provide a message and to empower girls and young women in all their diversity around the world that despite the barriers\, they are able to rise up as leaders: To be change-makers; To be the forefront of areas like climate action; To demand for greater accountability from their governments; To speak out for human rights and for girls around the world who continue to face many unprecedented challenges.\nIn line with the theme “Our time is now – Our rights\, Our future” for this year 2022 International Girl Child Day which  inspires women and girls around the world to embrace their equality in order to receive and believe in their rights for education\, technology\, medical care and their future. In Good Shepherd Centre (GSC)\, the staff created experiential activities to let the women and children experience what it was like to have low technology and no educational opportunities.\n\nThe Phone-Cup\nThe first activity was titled “The phone Cup.”  Residents had to pair up with one another\, and make a phone using 2 paper cups.  They threaded each cup with the end of a long string and stood with a cup at a distance from each other to allow the string to be straight.  One would speak into the cup while the other listened to the message from the cup which is placed on her ear. The children were amazed at this way of communication.  One 9-year-old child shared that she would never be able to survive in the world if such communication exists and is thankful that she is able to use her handphone freely. Another 10-year-old shared the she admired the creative ideas of these girls who had to find ways to keep themselves occupied without a mobile phone.\n  \n  \n                     \n  \n  \nEducation & Technology for Today\nThe second activity\, “Find the word – Sesquipedalian” involves looking up the word in a physical dictionary. This activity was an eye opener for most of the children and mothers as they had never seen nor used a dictionary.  During the activity\, one mother felt the tediousness of physically searching the word and had requested the use of her phone. After some reflection on her request with the staff\, this same mother realized that freedom of education and exposure to technology was crucial for this day and age.   Through this simple exercise\, the residents could empathize with girls from underprivileged countries who had neither education or use of device to help them in their studies.\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nThe Contract\nThe last activity\, “The Contract” was the most impactful one for the mothers. This activity consists of a made-up wedding photograph contract which was in a language that was unfamiliar to the person who would be signing the contract.  During the activity\, many residents showed discomfort when Staff Ms. Brenda encouraged them to sign the contract.  Residents wondered what the contract was about and what would they be made to do after signing on a contract that they had no idea what it was all about.  At the end of the activity\, it was revealed that it was only a made-up contract\, everyone was relieved.  One of our foreign domestic worker shared that in her country\, girls were tricked and conned into being trafficked due to the lack of education or technology to understand the contract they had signed.\n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWith Gratitude\nAt the close of the programme\, some mothers reflected with gratitude on the opportunities which  Singapore provided for their children in education and technology without the discrimination of girls.  Some of the teenaged girls reflected that they were grateful for a safe place to stay which allowed them to focus on their studies and other interest they might want to pursue.  After their sharing\, each resident took a moment to give each other a DIY bead bracelet and said encouraging words to one another as a way of supporting and celebrating each other as Girls.\n  \n           \n  \n      \n  \nThe Young Poet : Equality\nAnd to officially end this year’s celebration of the International Girl Child Day 2022\, one of our teenage resident aged 14 wrote this poem\, titled “Equality”.  This young poet wrote this poem with a hope to  inspire girls around the world to stand strong and believe in their own uniqueness as a girl and to send a message to society about the importance of treating girls as equals to their male counterparts.\n  \n \n  \nArticle written & Activity conducted by:\nBrenda Lee\nSocial Service Assistant @ Good Shepherd Centre\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/international-day-of-girl-child-2022/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221012T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221012T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20221012T051558Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221123T191021Z
UID:3543-1665561600-1665594000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Season of Creation at Marymount Convent School
DESCRIPTION:Pope Francis’ Message\nIn line with Pope’s messaging on caring for our common home (Laudato Si)\, Marymount Convent School celebrated the season of creation with a sharing and some hands-on activities to bring to awareness in pupils the important role they play in caring for creation\, our common home.\nIntroduction\nThere was an introduction to the season of Creation during morning assembly. The school then launched the hands-on activities in celebration of the season. During the sharing\, information on St Francis of Assisi and how he loved and embraced nature and God’s creation was highlighted.\nKeeping in mind why we celebrate the Season of Creation\, As a community\, we come together in prayer and action to care for our common home”\, MCS adopted the following structure:\ni) Prayer\nOur daily morning prayer was on praying for our common home. Our daily Sacred Time at 12 noon involved reflection on the creation.\nii) Sustainability\nA clean-up project that helps all of creation to thrive (classroom corridors\, canteen\, hall) was initiated. The importance of care\, consideration and responsibility for our environment was emphasised.\niii) Advocacy \nVoice out and show through hands-on action on recycling and upcycling\nVoice out \nEach student were tasked to come up with a slogan / jingle on caring for our common home and/or recycling. Prizes were awarded to the top 3 entries per level\nStudents’ lovely works:\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nAction\nStudents were also involved in recycling; they collected bottles\, learnt how to wash and dry the bottles for reuse. The awareness and action does not cease with the end of the season\, it continues through the schools constant emphasis\, activities and programmes on sustainability and recycling efforts.\nStudents will be involved in FairPrice Supermarket’s used textbook donation. They will learn to use rubberised shoes as part of a recycling project and use recycled bottles for terrarium making activities.\n\n\nWritten by Geraldine Robert\nTeacher\nMarymount Covent School\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/season-of-creation-at-marymount-convent-school/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20221104T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20221104T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20221124T045016Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20221124T045016Z
UID:3639-1667548800-1667581200@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Learning Journey on Climate Change
DESCRIPTION:On 4 November 2022\, Restful Waters welcome 41 students from Marymount Convent School to participate in a program: “Learning Journey on Climate Change” They were accompanied b two teachers\, Ms. Evelyn chia and Ms. Elaine Han. \n\n“The Restful Waters Learning Journey was indeed a very fun experience for me. I learnt some interesting things from the sharing such as the poor living conditions of the multitude of people in other countries due to climate change and how the Good Shepherd Sisters helped them in their time of need. Having a better understanding of how climate change has affected so many lives\, I was touched by how the Good Shepherd Sisters and Good Shepherd mission partners around the world contributed to help the victims. After this meaningful learning journey\, I have a better knowledge of the seriousness of climate change and would contribute\, to the best of my ability\, to save the earth and millions of people.” by Liu Ye Jia\, Primary 5 (Perseverance) of Marymount Convent School\, Singapore.\n  \nThese were the words of an eleven-year-old\, who attended a reflection led by Ms Melina Ong and Sr. Lucy Chia. In the sharing on 4 Nov 2022 at Restful Waters\, Melina introduced the documentary\, entitled The Letter\, which featured the encyclical letter\, Laudato Si\, written by Pope Francis in 2015. This heart-wrenching film featured four main interviewees who represented various groups of victims of the ecological crisis from across the continents.\nTogether with Ye Jia were schoolmates from the Environmental Science Club Co-Curricular Activities from Marymount Convent School. In the Club\, the girls were exposed to the realities due to climate change such as global warming and learnt that every conservation effort like food waste reduction\, recycling and cherishing nature\, is crucial.\nIt was enlightening to have Melina share with the girls about the mission that the Good Shepherd Sisters in other countries have embarked on\, such as in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in Luanda\, Angola.  In addition\, Restful Waters had a mission trip to build a water filtration system for the Good Shepherd Charity School in Vietnam due to unclean water source.  These were such rich lessons that inspired the girls to go forth and help others.\n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\nTo put their learning into action\, the girls had a hands-   on activity of planting. Onions\, garlic\, and vegetables were some of what they planted. Sr Francesca taught them how to fill their pots with soil and submerge the stem-cuttings into their soil. The girls were excited and enjoyed the planting activity. It was heartening to see them grow not just their plants\, but also their love for nature. than one or two pots to bring home! Some of them even requested to have more.\n  \n  \n \n  \n  \n\n\n\nTo end off the wonderful afternoon\, the Sisters gave a treat of remember because that gift of hospitality and warm welcome is so tangibly felt yummy delicious food and ice-cream\, something the girls will always and experienced in their hearts. We are truly grateful that Restful Waters has been instrumental in extending the love of God to our girls and enriching them to become advocates for the creation of God!\n\nArticle written by:\nEvelyn Chia\, Teacher of Marymount Convent School\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/learning-journey-on-climate-change/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230125T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230125T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20230124T191629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230124T192213Z
UID:3671-1674633600-1674666000@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Keeping Keningau Migrant Kids Safe
DESCRIPTION:Global Shepherds has been working with alternative and community learning centres to protect children from sexual abuse.\n\nThanks to Vinodh Pillai\, UNICEF for this Article. It is being re-produced from this link: \nhttps://www.unicef.org/malaysia/stories/keeping-migrant-kids-keningau-safe.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nKENINGAU: Exploitation\, violence\, neglect\, child marriage and child labour – these are just some of the issues migrant children in Keningau\, a district south of Kota Kinabalu\, Sabah\, have to deal with as they live out their childhood.\nThankfully\, Jellferlyne Joseph and her team of social worker colleagues from the Global Shepherds non-profit are here to help. Throughout the pandemic\, they promoted safe environments for the Filipino\, Indonesian and undocumented communities here.\nIn collaboration with six alternative and community learning centres\, Global Shepherds worked towards raising more awareness about child rights\, preventing child sexual abuse\, empowering women and children and promoting the importance of child protection.\nThey did this by organising personal safety and self-protection-themed workshops (for adolescents\, parents\, teachers and community leaders)\, follow-up social worker visits and child protection committees in each learning centre.\n\n\n\nBesides providing an education\, alternative and community learning centres (which cater to marginalised youth and children not in the formal education system) provide some form of safety for the children\, who may otherwise live within communities in isolated remote areas.\nWith their parents out working\, sometimes doing multiple jobs so they can put food on the table\, migrant and undocumented children are often left at home alone. Living in isolation\, however\, increases their vulnerability to neglect\, violence and exploitation.\nWorking with these centres has been crucial in ensuring the success of the programme; the students trust their teachers\, who are part of the community. The programme also ropes in senior students to conduct some trainings\, making it sustainable for the long haul.\n“From there\, the relationship with the community is built\, the trust (as well)\, and they are more open to… come to our programmes\,” Jellferlyne said\, adding that Global Shepherds also provided food aid to the learning centres they worked with.\nGlobal Shepherds also built the capacity of the learning centres’ teachers. Through them\, Mary Ann Enriquez\, principal of the Home of Persuaded Education Community Learning Centre\, learnt how to counsel and help students who came to her for help.\nAt Mary Ann’s centre\, her students\, comprising mostly children and teenagers of Filipino descent\, learnt how to protect themselves from violence and abuse\, and to identify a safety support system. Parents\, too\, were roped in to enhance these protections at home.\n“I always encourage them to (report these instances to the authorities) because that is how we protect ourselves\,” Mary Ann told UNICEF in a recent interview. “Even though we have no papers\, we must speak up; if we keep quiet\, the harassments will continue.”\nMary Ann\, 40\, was appreciative of the support she received from Global Shepherds and its team\, saying her students and their parents are now more aware about child rights and have a better understanding of human rights as a whole – thanks to them.\nShe is particularly happy about the newfound role her secondary school-leavers have now. The project saw the setting up of a youth group where they are trained on child protection; previously\, teachers were the ones conducting the programme. \nRunning the programme\, however\, has not been easy\, with all sorts of unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic\, and Global Shepherds had to quickly adapt their approach from in-person to online implementation of activities.\nMary Ann and teachers at another Global Shepherds-supported learning centre UNICEF visited had to deal with movement restriction orders\, school closures\, lack of devices\, limited internet connectivity\, while also taking into account the loss of livelihoods and income and increased immigration raids experienced by communities during the pandemic.\nFor instance\, students at Forum Peduli Pendidikan Anak Indonesia Alternative Learning Centre\, a school for undocumented children and teenagers of Indonesian descent\, did not have money to “top up” their mobile phones\, their teachers said.\n\n\nThis meant they could not join the virtual sessions\, they said\, adding that the students’ parents would use their hard-pressed earnings for food. But almost everyone had difficulties getting good Internet signal – teachers as well\, joked teacher Abdullah Bada.\n“So\, I can say COVID-19 really affected the programme as we were not able to reach out to all the students\,” Jellferlyne said. “We could not help those with bad internet. (But we tried our best) by doing home visits every week and sending pandemic-suited modules.”\nWhen the Indonesian students started returning to schools\, more problems cropped up. The teachers discovered they were being sexually harassed by strangers they met through social media and mobile games; the students were often left to their own devices at home.\nAbdullah\, 36\, said he and his colleagues would confiscate the students’ phones if they use them during class. “Then we’d check their Facebook messages and WhatsApp groups to see who they are talking to… It was not other students. It was adults… It was extraordinary.”\n\nAbdullah and his team feel that the risk of online sexual exploitation\, harassment and abuse must be addressed. He spoke of the psychological impacts untoward advances and harassment might have on the students. Monitoring their online activities\, therefore\, is needed.\n“Whether you like it or not\, we must use the internet (for lessons). However\, it (internet use) needs to be (complemented) with safeguarding and promoting good online behaviour\,” he said\, noting that this could be a challenge for busy parents who are focused on working.\nThese accounts from the teachers highlight the continuing need for child safeguarding and protection policies to be integrated in schools\, and for parents\, teachers and community leaders to be adept in dealing with child protection risks\, both online and offline.\nJellferlyne’s team is working towards institutionalising measures to address these issues and ensure these students can live out their childhood with dignity and meaning. After all\, it is all about the children at the end of the day.\n\nUNICEF supported Global Shepherds’ child protection programmes at Home of Persuaded Education\, Forum Peduli Pendidikan Anak Indonesia and four other community learning centres under the “Protecting Children affected by migration in Southeast\, South and Central Asia” project co-funded by the European Union and UNICEF.\nThis article was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or UNICEF.
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/keeping-keningau-migrant-kids-safe/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230420
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230421
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20230430T063643Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230430T063643Z
UID:3726-1681948800-1682035199@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Easter Celebration @ Marymount Convent School
DESCRIPTION:He Is Risen! Alleluia!\nEaster Celebrations at Marymount Convent School\nBunnies\, Easter eggs\, Chocolates – These were some cute responses we got from our little primary school girls when asked\, What comes to mind when we talk about Easter?”\nWith these cute responses\, we commenced our Easter celebrations on the lovely Easter Monday morning.\nThe staff and students were taken through a short sharing on the timeline of where we were at present and the school’s journey through Lent to Easter.\n.\nLent Tree to ‘Alleluia’ Tree\n“The wonderful work you are doing is a tree of love and life”\nFor the season of Lent\, we had taken the quote “The wonderful work you are doing is a tree of love and life” as our inspiration and grew a tree – our Lent Tree\, which held all our prayers and sacrifices. This tree grew and bloomed into our Easter ‘Alleluia’ Tree with more brightly coloured leaves growing.\nOur Journey…Lent through Easter (in pictures)\n\n          \n  \n  \n  \n           \n\n  \n  \n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n‘Alleluia’ Easter Tree\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nThe Easter Story by Drama Club\nFollowing the sharing\, our school’s talented Drama Club girls put up an amazing skit on The Story of Easter. Costumes were improvised so intelligently\, and the full cast showed how we embrace different cultures and religions\, all coming together to add meaning and bring the Resurrection Story alive to the school.\n\n\n\n  \n   \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\nMedley of Easter Songs by Catholic Teachers\nFollowing this with a string of Easter medley led by our Catholic teachers. Easter favourites such as Easter Song\, Love Crucified Arose\, Jesus Christ is Risen Today were among the medley of songs. The Easter Monday celebrations ended with our school supervisor\, Sr Delphine\, addressing the school\, reiterating the meaning of Easter. We absolutely enjoyed the skit and songs.\n  \n  \n\n  \nBlessed and Merry Easter Season\, Everyone!\nContributed by:\nMs Geraldine Robert\nTeacher\nMarymount Convent School\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/easter-celebration-marymount-convent-school/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230423T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230423T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20230508T192615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230508T192721Z
UID:3787-1682236800-1682269200@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Foundress Day Celebration @ Good Shepherd Centre
DESCRIPTION:Foundress Day Celebration\n Good Shepherd Centre on 23 April 2023.\n\nOn the 23rd April 2023\, Good Shepherd Centre residential programme participants celebrated our Foundress\, Saint Mary Euphrasia’s Day. She is a visionary and founder of the Good Shepherd Sisters. The celebration was a cheerful and uplifting event that brought joy to the hearts of all involved.\n\nLaughing & Breathing Therapy!\nThe celebration began with a laughing and breathing program led by Miss Angie\, a well-known therapist who specializes in breathing techniques and laughter therapy. The program was designed to help the adult prpgramme participants who are mothers\, to relax and release any tension or stress they might have been feeling. The program was a hit with them\, who laughed and breathed their way to a relaxed and positive state of mind.\n          \n\nFun & Games Time!\nOn the other hand\, the young residential programme participants had a fantastic time engaging in a separate activity with the staff to celebrate Saint Mary Euphrasia. The day was filled with fun and laughter as the young ones participated in various games. The staff members were dedicated to making the day special for them\, and they appreciated their efforts. According to them\, the activities helped them to forget their worries and enjoy the moment. Overall\, it was a wonderful day for everyone and they were left with smiles on their faces feeling happy and cared for.\n \n  \nWhat a Treat! \nFollowing the adults’ laughing and breathing program and the children’s activities\, these residents: mothers and children were treated to a nice high tea buffet. It was a delicious spread of cakes\, sandwiches and other tasty treats. The buffet was a great way for both the adult & children to socialize and enjoy each other’s company while indulging in some sweet and savoury treats.\n                     \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOverall\, I would say\, the celebration of Foundress Day was a huge success. The mothers and their children were able to come together and celebrate the day while also enjoying some laughter therapy and delicious food. It was a heart-warming event that brought smiles to the faces of all involved.\n\nWritten by:\nBrenda Lee\nSocial Service Assistant\nGood Shepherd Centre\nSingapore
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/foundress-day-celebration-good-shepherd-centre/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20230614T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20230616T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T131132
CREATED:20230722T185304Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230725T060634Z
UID:3970-1686729600-1686934800@gssmmission.org
SUMMARY:Partnership Gathering: June 14 - 16\, 2023
DESCRIPTION:Participants of the Gathering share their inspiring Experiences & Reflections:\n  \nReflection by Sr. Jean Marie Fernandez\, RGS\nSr Jean Marie giving a presentation on the Universal Culture of Justice\n\nEnhancing Partnerships Through a Synodal Journey\nI attended the GS Partnership gathering held in Johore\, which was truly a remarkable experience. It was refreshing to finally come together in person after what seemed like an eternity of virtual meetings and digital interactions. The atmosphere was filled with camaraderie\, a sense of unity\, and an overwhelming feeling of joy.\nThe warmth of laughter\, smiles and conversations filled the room\, serving as a testament to the deep connections that had been forged over the years. The pandemic which had kept us apart had now given us an opportunity to experience synodality in the life and mission of the church.\nOur facilitator Nick Jarvis engaged us in various ice-breaker activities. It was a way to get to know one another on a personal level and to create an environment of openness and vulnerability. It was incredible to witness how such simple exercises could foster deeper connections and build a strong foundation for collaboration.\nWe had presentations on the various ministries and pastoral services\, which reminded us of the incredible work of GS Mission\, focused on our Province Direction Statement.\nThe presentations on the culture of justice by Jean Marie Fernandez and the enhancement of leadership by Sr. Helena Vitalingam & Willa Mowe were enlightening and thought-provoking. Jean Marie’s insights shed light on deepening the universal culture of justice within our organization\, emphasizing the need for right speech\, right action\, and right livelihood to create a fair and equitable environment for all. Helena’s presentation on enhancing GS leadership with a focus on St. M. Euphrasia and KPI (key performance indicator) offered valuable strategies and tools to empower us in our respective roles.\nIn addition to the enriching sessions and presentations\, the organizing committee also provided opportunities for relaxation and community building. One of the highlights was a community outing to a farm visit at Desaru. The combination of the farm visit\, breaking bread together and shopping excursion at the KSL hotel mall strengthened our relationships\, creating cherished memories and a stronger sense of camaraderie.\nAs I reflect on this gathering\, I am grateful for celebrating with one another a shared commitment in this synodal journey. It was a transformative experience of communion\, participation\, and mission\, co-creating with God and the whole universe.\n\n (Pic on L)Dinner fellowship with Singapore  Pre-schools team                 \n\n\n\n(Pic on R)Sr Jean Marie & Mrs Sumathy writing their name tags at the Welcome table\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \n\n\n\n\n\n  \n  \nReflection by Sr Fiona Yeo\, RGS\nIt was my first Good Shepherd Mission Partnership Gathering. I had known and heard about the various ministries across the province but it was always wonderful to put a face to the works as well as hear latest updates and stories. The sessions were well spaced with ample free time (we end early each day and even had an outing)\, so we had time to for fellowship and getting to know the new faces.\n             \n  \n  \nReflection: Marymount & Good Shepherd Preschools\n  \n\n  \nAs a leader\, we are indeed the spoken word\, the written word and the living word. Hence\, we need to set a good example for others to follow. Through the sharing of KPIs\, it has provided a structure to help me reflect upon my role as a leader. -Christina\n\n               \n  \nIt was an eye opener to learn more about the Good Shepherd mission which inspired me to continue doing what I am doing and even more. – Emily\nThe session on “Enhancing Partnerships Through a Synodal Journey” was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of collaborative decision-making and relationship-building. -Joyce\nIt was a meaningful partnership with other ministries as I got to interact with people from other ministries and I had a better understanding of their works. – Odette \nOverall\, the experience was relaxing\, fun\, engaging\, & nourishing. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of the conference and this mission that continuously strive to model & inculcate the culture of justice & love. – Liza\n\nReflection by Ruby Gan\, Social worker of Good Shepherd Centre\n\nParticipants of Marymount Centre  \n  \nI am honoured to be invited and be part of this year’s Good Shepherd Mission Partnership Gathering. It was  synodal journey filled with inspiration\, relationship building and Good Shepherd’s own charism of reconciliation. We were all invited to support and deepen our unity in living out our core values of compassion\, gratitude\, respect\, zeal and integrity.\n\n  \n\n(Pic on L) Ministry review – sharing of past 4 years in relation to Province Direction Statement\n  \n(Pic on R) Sr Helena’s sharing on enhancing Good Shepherd Leadership with the focus on St Mary Euphrasia     \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThroughout these three days\, I am truly informed\, involved\, interested and inspired. These are Mother Foundress’s KPIs which kept the legacy going. As Good Shepherd sisters and lay partners\, we shared and exchanged ideas of how each ministries lived up to the Province Direction Statement. Despite the different culture and language spoken\, it is the shared commitment and spirit that binds us together. \nMarymount Centre’s 3-year plan (2024-2026) is aligned to the Spirituality of Governance. We seek to govern an effective client-centric service for our children and women with integrity\, justice and transparency. By being an Environmentally and Socially responsible organization\, in honouring the relationship and partnership with the environment\, self and others. And strengthening our relational infrastructure with a learning culture that enhances Good Shepherd leadership and continuity.\n“Through fidelity to our Good Shepherd way of life we have a profound influence on one another.”   O. L. of Charity of the Good Shepherd Constitutions Art. # 55 3rd para.\n\n  \n  \nReflection by Brittocia Franklin\, Global Shepherds Bhd\n  \n It was not till I attended the recent gathering in Johor\, did I truly understand the magnitude of this annual sacred space that brings mission-partners (both lay and religious) together to share and harvest collective wisdom.\n From the very first day till the last\, there was constant sharing\, learning and understanding of common thread of values and goals through the presentation of the work of the different ministries in relation to the Direction Statements\, Sr Jean Marie’s sharing of 3 social justice mantras – right speech\, right action and right livelihoods\, a unique and different way of looking at St Mary Euphrasia’s leadership through the lens of Sr Helen in the form 4 KPIs and not forgetting the friendships and a sense of oneness that was strongly felt.\nPerhaps\, the most significant take away for me was an understanding and shift to recognise the power of reconciliation in achieving social justice.\n\n  \nReflection by Grace Wee\, Villamaria GS Kindergarten\n  \nIt was my first Good Shepherd Mission Partnership Gathering and finally got to put faces to the names and works as well as hearing how each ministry has been living up to the Province Direction Statement. The commitment and spirit of each participant made me felt truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of Good Shepherd Mission that perpetually inculcate the culture of love and justice. Through the various opportunity to get acquainted with the participants had me deepen and have a better understanding of the works in the Good Shepherd Ministries.\nAs I ruminate on the 3-days gathering\, I am thankful that I got the opportunity to connect and celebrate with one another in this synodal journey. \n  \n  \nReflection by Leanne Hong\, Good Shepherd Services\n  \n\nThe sessions provided me with greater insights on how different Ministries function – journeying together from our respective Ministries no matter where we are situated\, and the different approaches and activities put in place towards a common mission.\n It was inspiring and heartwarming to learn of the love we have touched in others and that we are also seeking to work with more intentional efforts towards integral ecology by cultivating ‘eco-spirituality’ and a sustainable lifestyle individually.\nOne of the sessions has also enlightened me with a totally different definition of KPI. Instead of ‘Key Performance Indicators’- I am constantly reminded of St. Mary Euphrasia’s KPI which is Keep People Informed\, Keep People Involved\, Keep People Interested and Keep People Inspired! The true qualities of a leader\, indeed. Looking forward to next year 🙂
URL:https://gssmmission.org/event/partnership-gathering-june-14-16-2023/
CATEGORIES:Feature Event
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