by Nur Adrea Elisqa, 10, and Qaseh Shuhara, 9
Ms Nur Aqilah Binte Johari, 30, is a volunteer in Taman Jurong. She is also an art teacher in a secondary school.
She loved art since she was in secondary school, where she first learnt it. After secondary school, she went to Lasalle College of the Arts where she pursued art further.
Ms Aqilah has been bringing art to the community by organising events such as PassionArts Festivals.
She has lived in Taman Jurong since 1996 and she said that Taman Jurong has served her a lot. “By being a volunteer, it is a way for me to contribute back to the community through the arts,” she said. “If anyone wants to volunteer, just contribute what you think you are good at. For example, if you are good at planning then you can contribute by organising events. For me, I feel like I am good at art so I try to contribute something through arts.”
Ms Aqilah’s favourite memory of volunteering in Taman Jurong is when she organised the PassionArts Festival in 2016. “I was very touched, seeing what I organised turn into reality and seeing everyone just enjoying the event. Having my volunteer friends help me out made me feel like I was supported,” she added. She has also participated in every PassionArts Festival since 2015.
There are some challenges she faces during volunteering, such as time management. “Back when I was a student, there were a lot of things between going to school, studying, and setting aside time for organising events or helping out. After I graduated and started working, I also had to juggle these with motherhood.” Her son is now 2 years old.
She overcomes this by planning her day out and she also gets help from her other volunteer friends and her family.
Even though it is hard sometimes, in the future, Ms Aqilah plans to continue volunteering in Taman Jurong. “Even if it is in the most littlest form, why not? My heart and soul is in Taman Jurong Community Club already. It feels like a family here, especially with the Community, Arts & Culture Committee.”
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