Project Intan 2013

Over the last 5 years, Project Intan has raised more than $150,000 to support local charities in areas such medical equipment, training programs, therapeutic fixtures etc. This year, The Intan is raising funds in support of Singapore Children's Society.

This is my second year participating in Project Intan as a volunteer. When my friend Alvin called me some months ago on whether I was keen to conduct a craft workshop for the youths at Roundbox, I couldn't say no to such a meaningful event! So I said yes! Last year, paper fans were given to guests as door gifts and we decided that we would use the same gift again this year. 

So I got down to work on the concept of making a paper fan that would encompass the elements of the Peranakan culture. And so I the idea of Peranakan tiles with beautiful motifs came to mind. 

This was the mock up:

The workshop was intended to get the youths who will be benefiting from Project Intan to make the paper fans as appreciation gifts for the guests who would be attending the charity event at the end of this month.  

The workshop was held this morning at Roundbox, a drop-in centre managed by the Singapore Children's Society targeting youth-at-risk through a variety of performing arts programmes. At this centre, youths are able to express their creative energies, learn new skills as well as make new friends through activities such as dance, drama, puppetry, mime, circus and music. The classes, conducted by professional trainers or volunteers, are offered at no charge to these youth.

It was a maiden experience for me conducting a craft workshop. I didn't want a one design for all kinda paper fan, so I provided them with different coloured papers to mix and match however they like, gave them embellishments, stickers and paper doilies to decorate their own unique pieces which they would sign off after.

Unlike having a group of adults, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It took awhile for some of them to warm up and after, you have them crafting this minute and skateboarding, singing, dancing or playing pool the next minute. While speaking to them and observing the extra activities they were doing in between the craft work, I realised that each one of them have a hobby there are very passionate about like singing, dancing etc. And they seem to be quite good at it. One boy was singing to all the songs that was playing on 98.7FM and he sounded really good! 

I think the existence of this centre provides these high energy youths with a good environment to hang out. And the centre conducts activities that encourages these youths to pick up a fun skill like learning the guitar etc. I would definitely love to conduct more workshops for them in the future :) Can't quite explain that great feeling of seeing them progress from idealess to creating really lovely art pieces.