NUS researchers and students support Singapore’s vulnerable communities
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) Chua Thian Poh Community Leadership Centre (CTPCLC) and their students are conducting research to better understand the lives of people struggling on the margins of Singapore.
Dr Kevin Tan and Ms Kuah Ting Ting studied Waterloo Street and found it provides a vital, if precarious, support system for older, low-income individuals, people Dr Tan terms the “precariat.” They believe sharing these personal stories can inform policy and decision-making.
The CTPCLC, established 15 years ago with a donation from Dr Chua Thian Poh, combines academic work with community engagement. The centre gives students opportunities to apply their studies to real-world problems, and many graduates go on to work in the social sector. Recently, CTPCLC fellows worked with =DREAMS Singapore, a boarding program for children from low-income families. The NUS team evaluated the program by conducting focus groups with the students, using interactive tools to gather feedback.
They then provided =DREAMS Singapore with recommendations to improve family bonding and tailor tuition to individual student needs, as well as a survey to track long-term impact. =DREAMS Singapore’s Executive Director, Ms Juliet Tanuwira, hopes this partnership will inspire more young people to support their peers.
