Publication Society’s Service Learning Project with Migrant Workers

Written By: Tay Jil-Lene (23S6T) 

Edited By: Megan Lim (24S6E)

A group picture with the migrant workers!

On 14th April 2024, the Publications Society partnered with Homestay Lodge, Project Bhai, Welcome In My Backyard and MOM ACE Group to carry out a Sports Carnival for migrant workers in Singapore. Early in the morning, the members of Publications Society made their way to Homestay Lodge, a dormitory that has been offering a safe and comfortable living environment for foreign workers from all sectors in Singapore since 2001.

Publications Society’s members before the sports carnival

Upon arrival, members set up the Carnival before welcoming the stream of migrant workers. Some members teamed up with the migrant workers to participate in different games, while others took on the role of game masters, managing the booths and ensuring a smooth flow of the carnival. 

“Don’t Let the Ball Drop” activity

Bridge structure undergoing the “Red Bull Test”

A wide array of game booths offered activities such as "Don't Let the Ball Drop," memory games, and more. Mixed groups of migrant workers and our members rotated between the booths, striving to achieve the highest cumulative score for a grand prize. CCA members and migrant workers bonded over these games, be it strategizing to prevent balloons from falling or (our members) being impressed by the migrant workers' exceptional volleyball skills.

After a full rotation between all the different game booths, we settled down and transitioned to the final task: building a bridge using materials like ice cream sticks, tape, scissors, and rubber bands. Groups were challenged to construct a bridge capable of supporting as many cans of Red Bull as possible, with migrant workers taking home the cans they successfully balanced. 

Bridge-building activity in groups to win Red Bull

While engaging with the migrant workers, we found ourselves deeply impressed by their innovative methods of constructing the bridge — a notable departure from the ordinary techniques typically employed by us in school-related games. Some groups opted for a pragmatic approach, resulting in a remarkably stable structure that, while not resembling a traditional bridge, served its purpose well. Conversely, others crafted visually appealing and architecturally impressive designs that drew the attention of onlookers from different groups. 

Despite language barriers, communication was facilitated through gestures, basic English terms, and shared humor, enabling us to engage in meaningful conversations and learn more about each other's experiences. As the sports carnival concluded with photos, Red Bull and goodie bags for the migrant workers, we reflected on the enriching experience and the deeper understanding gained through interaction with the migrant worker community.

By interacting with migrant workers, a community we are not often exposed to, we got to appreciate this community better, albeit it being a one-day interaction, grounding this understanding in first-hand experiences rather than hearsay or online echo chambers. Additionally, this interaction brought us closer to the migrant workers, creating memories that inspire a desire for a lasting connection. Some migrant workers shared their extensive time in Singapore, with some even exceeding 30 years, and their love for our country and its delectable cuisine.  

From hearing about their daily work routines and their families back in their hometowns and more, it allowed us to understand and appreciate their hard work even more. Enduring hot and humid conditions for extended periods and being so many miles away from their families is no small feat and we certainly would not be able to enjoy the accessible transport infrastructure, skyscrapers and scenic landscapes without them. As we marvel at the city's rapid development, we honor the sacrifices these migrant workers have made in leaving their homes to come to Singapore, and express our heartfelt gratitude to them for making this garden urban city dream a reality. 

To our migrant worker friends, a big thank you for your work and we hope to engage in our intense balloon competition, bridge-building battle, or games and conversations of any sorts again!