Poverty in Singapore
Singaporeans these days can be very self-centred, with only themselves in mind. How often do we stop to spare a second thought about the others that are less-fortunate? In Singapore, we hardly see poor people begging on the streets. However, this does not mean that they are not there. As we were searching, we found a story that struck us.
Vincent Thor, cheerful self-taught flautist, believes in living life with an outwardly vision whenever he finds the chance.
Visually handicapped himself, he scarcely hesitated when the Singapore Association of Visually Handicapped asked if he could take to other visually handicapped men who had been rejected by their families into his two-room flat. He considers it a heavenly calling to care for these men. His housemate have difficulty caring for themselves independently and Vincent gladly helps in his capacity. Under Vincent's care, Andrew and Steven found sufficient stability in their lives to be actively engaged by the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped.
Vincent strives for independence and believes in the dignity of work. Making his way around Bugis, Toa Payoh and Ang Mo Kio, he would busk heartily; after all, he believes that soothing music from the Chinese flute improves people's mood. On the plus side, an honest week's worth of work yields him up to $300 - on better weeks.
But life poses its challenges: Diagnosed with kidney failure in mid-2012, Vincent finds his body strength waning, and can no longer move about and play the flute so frequently. His physical capability is further undermined by his suffering from diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol for close to 20 years. The same can be said of his financial capacity; without taking into consideration the $600 incurred per dialysis session, medication alone costs him more than $1000 every month.
Thankfully, most of this cost is subsidised or covered by his Medisave monies. Against all odds, these challenged inspire rather than break his spirit of generosity. Vincent observed how the poor in his neighbourhood sell empty drink cans for a living. It occurred to him that he could contribute by collecting those in his house to donate to them. "Even though we are in need, we can still do something to help other people."
In his simple, unassuming way, Vincent's example shows us how handouts, while helpful, are insufficient. Even in the face of hardship, he seeks to make his life meaningful in his relationships with others, and through the dignity of work. The question is: As a community how are we going to respond appropriately?
The article above tells us about the life of Vincent. It is very in-dept, and the author posts many questions that set us thinking. Vincent's story touched us, as there is not many people who are willing to open their doors for handicapped strangers. However, this man is an exception. Even though he himself is in need, he still offers help. His actions set a good example for us.
