Learning Skills That Can Help Others

Ask Mikkel about Scouts, and he will usually have plenty to share.

He joined the Scouts in Primary 3 because he was interested in learning practical skills that could be useful in real-life situations. Some of these skills, such as first aid, might even help someone during an emergency.

Through Scouts, Mikkel has learned about teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and the importance of staying calm when something unexpected happens. He enjoys activities that allow him to try things for himself and understand how each skill can be used.

When he comes home from school, Mikkel is often excited to tell his family what he has learned. He enjoys explaining the activities he took part in, the challenges he faced and how the skills could help someone in need.

For Mikkel, learning becomes more meaningful when it has a practical purpose.

Growing Up with Art and Hands-On Activities

Mikkel has been encouraged to explore art and creative activities from a young age.

He enjoys making things with his hands, experimenting with different materials and watching an idea gradually take shape. Through art and craft, he has learned to be patient, work through mistakes and find different ways to complete a task.

Not everything turns out exactly as planned, but that is part of what Mikkel enjoys about creating. He can adjust his idea, try another method and keep working until he is satisfied with what he has made.

These early creative experiences have also helped him feel comfortable during community activities involving art and craft. Instead of simply observing, Mikkel is happy to sit down, pick up the materials and create alongside others.

Connecting Through Craft and Play

Back in Singapore, Mikkel continues to join his mum in community activities.

He has spent time making crafts with adults with special needs and playing games with seniors. His familiarity with art and hands-on activities gives him a natural way to connect with people he may be meeting for the first time.

During craft activities, the focus is not only on completing the finished piece. Mikkel is also learning to work alongside someone at a different pace and enjoy the process together. When playing games with seniors, he has opportunities to teach a senior, laugh and keep someone company. He pays attention to the people around him and will often step forward when he notices that someone needs a little help.

Spending Time with Different Communities

During the school holidays, Mikkel often travels with his mum to Medan, Indonesia.

While they are there, they make time to visit children’s homes and eldercare homes, where they share food and spend time with the residents.

Each visit is different. Sometimes, Mikkel helps with an activity. At other times, he might share a meal, talk to someone or simply be present.

Through these experiences in Singapore and Medan, Mikkel is gradually becoming more comfortable meeting people of different ages, backgrounds and abilities. He is learning to observe what is happening around him and find small ways to participate.

Helping Starts at Home

Mikkel’s helpful nature can also be seen in the everyday routines of family life.

When he notices that his mum is busy, he is often willing to take on a task. He helps with cleaning, hangs the laundry, makes his bed and mixes ingredients when the family is baking.

These may be ordinary household chores, but they allow Mikkel to practise responsibility and contribute to the family.

There is no badge to earn and no audience watching. There is simply something that needs to be done and an extra pair of hands that can help.

Still Learning, Still Growing

Mikkel is a cheerful and bubbly boy who enjoys learning, creating and sharing his experiences with the people around him.

Whether he is practising a Scout skill, working on an art project, making a craft with someone or helping at home, Mikkel likes being actively involved.

He is not trying to do something grand. He is learning that being helpful can happen in many small ways.

It might mean knowing what to do during an emergency, sharing materials during a craft activity, playing a game with a senior or helping to hang the laundry at home.

As a Smol Friend, Mikkel is still learning and growing. Through each experience, he is discovering how his interests, skills and willingness to participate can help him connect with others.

Sometimes, making a difference begins with simply showing up, joining in and using what you know to help.