Yeong Yuen Hoe, 66

Volunteering in Cyberguide Programme, Active Ageing Seniors Programme

How did you get into volunteering and why?

I got to know about RSVP through the newspapers and as I wanted to learn to use the computer I joined their Basic Computer course in January 2007. I found that RSVP is a very good place for seniors to learn the new technology. The volunteers are so friendly, so generous, so kind and so patient in contributing their knowledge, time and energy to teach everyone in the class.
After completing the three day course, I came to practice every day from Monday to Saturday. At the same time, in order to widen my computer knowledge, I took some other IT courses. A year later I decided to volunteer in the Cyberguide Programme as a Tutor. Another year later, I took charge of one of the Practice Sessions and became a Certified Trainer in July 2009.

Could you share where you volunteer currently and what your responsibilities are?
As a volunteer at RSVP, I am sharing my computer knowledge with seniors through teaching. I conduct Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007, Basic Computer, E-travel, E-transaction, E-communication and Digital Photo Management courses. Besides these IT courses I am also conducting the Basic Conversational Japanese class. I enjoy my volunteer work through sharing my knowledge with other seniors.

How often do you volunteer each week and how many hours?
I am in charge of the practice session on every Tuesday for 2 hours. If there are courses to conduct or as a Tutor for other courses, it will involve 3 hours per session. Sometimes I have to conduct two classes a day.

What satisfaction have you gained from the experience?
During these few years, I am not only sharing my knowledge with other seniors, I am also gaining some experience from them. I realise that seniors are lonely. They need friends and they want to know more about IT.

The satisfaction I get from my volunteer work is when I see the satisfaction in the faces of the seniors after completing a course. Most of them said "Thank you very much; we now know how to use the computer. We will continue learning". One of the participants presented me with a bundle of hand-made flowers. She said "We love you!" At the end of the lesson, some of them clapped hands happily; some of them hugged me before leaving the class.

What would you say to other seniors about volunteering?
Let's work hard. Let RSVP be the best organisation in Singapore for seniors!