Diploma in Community and Social Services (half way through)
      This course commenced on 20 Feb 2012 and till date about 60% of the 19 modules have been completed.  Have found some modules very interesting.  The modules on dementia, volunteer management, funds raising and implementation of programs for the elderly have been very educational and enriching.  However, most of the other modules have been a big waste of time.  
      So far the 3 work attachments, one to a nursing home, another to a dementia day care centre and the 3rd to a eldercare centre have really been eye-openers..to a world that I never knew, the real world that most people do not see.  Having seen the conditions and interacted with the residents / clients of these 3 centres, I am more determined to do my utmost to bring relief and joy (+ hopefully HOPE) to the elders upon my completing this course by end July 2012.  Not so sure what the future holds  though - but will definitely look for a position where I can play a bigger role in the eldercare sector, one that can bring improvements and changes to positively impact this industry.  There are already so many elderly and so few resources now.  As the population ages, the demand for care and services in this industry will increase many folds.  
      The government's present philosophy of 'many hands approach', in my opinion will not work.  This is evidenced from the many cases that have fallen through the 'cracks', as well as the many dire cases which received so little help.  The government should go beyond 'lip-service'.  They should 'just fold up their sleeves and land on earth to feel for themselves the happenings of the real world'.   The quicker they do this the better, for the people as well as for themselves.  Or they risk losing more grounds at the next GE.
      So my fervent wish is that I can really play this positive role to bring quality care to as many of the elderlys as possible.  For now, 'que sera sera'.
Chan Yek Seng 
6 June 2012