On 19 Dec 2020, some of the students in the iC2 Athletics programme participated in the first MCA MY RUN 2020 – Bishan Park, organised by Coach Saravanan. Runners ran in waves of 2 parent-child groups each to ensure safe-distancing. Participants could choose between 1km, 2.5km or 5km runs. Medals and tokens were given out to all. Both parent and child had fun running and bonding. A total of 74 participants of all abilities took part, making the event a huge success! Thank you, Coach Saravanan and MCA for including students from iC2 PrepHouse in your event.

Research shows that support groups provide healthy parenting skills, an increased sense of empowerment, and a feeling of belonging. Moreover, parenting support groups can be beneficial for parents who are coping with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. Hence, iC2 vision teachers planned a new series of the preschool parent-support group in December. Four families joined this session on 5 Dec 2020 at iC2 premises. It includes activities and measures that families (children and parents) experience as supportive. In other words, parental support is also about looking into the broader life environment of families and all possible opportunities for development for children. When families join a parent group, they can meet other families with similar needs.

Six families were treated to a morning chat session with Joshua Tseng, a beneficiary of iC2, where he shared his experiences as a person with visual impairment navigating the post-secondary landscape. Joshua was very candid in answering questions from both parents and teens and provide rich examples of how he defied others’ limiting expectations of him to excel in his own way. He was honest to point out that the road was rough and difficult, and that he is grateful for all the people who had helped him along the way. His biggest takeaway for all parents is to give space for their child with visual impairment to grow and develop. For the teens, he advised them to think beyond conventions, and to pursue what they are passionate about.

In collaboration with Tech Able, Lego (Singapore), and Curious Squirrel, a Lego Coding Workshop was organised for our older teens in November. They were introduced to coding and robotics using Lego’s WeDo and the software on an iPad. Our students learned simple commands to get their robot (Milo) to move, sense obstacles, stop, and make some noise or music. Tactile pieces were specially printed for students for additional accessibility. The students had fun getting their robots to do different things and make various sounds. At the end of the session, each participant brought home a goodie bag filled with Lego items, generously donated by Lego Singapore.

​As a continuous effort to serve iC2 PrepHouse students during this pandemic, we collaborated with the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) to organize the first-ever virtual art workshop. In the comforts of their home, the students explored the world of contemporary art, featuring Justin Lee’s artwork “East & West”.

The students were guided to think about the items in their daily lives that have influences from the East, West or a mix of both. The image of his 3D- sculpture was modified and printed on swell paper for participants to have an actual experience. Audio-descriptions were also incorporated to supplement their exploration of the artwork. The workshop ended with each student moulding their interpretation of “East & West” using air-dry clay.

Ms Jamuna Rani Govindaraju, our Executive Director, was requested to share her experiences with Empact in the first event in our Tech Talk Series titled “Empowering NPOs through Outsourced Professional Services” on Friday, 13 November 2020. This event jointly organised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy. She shared her personal experience of working with Empact for the various services that iC2 PrepHouse engages them in.