Beatriz, Benecia, and Bettina are 3 sisters who volunteer together at Filos, dedicating their time and hearts to children and youth programmes. Their story is a testament to the power of unity, love, and the impact of small acts of kindness.

Beatriz, the eldest, is taking a gap year to transition into a new career after teaching English at Raffles Institution. She spends her free time cooking and cultivating edible plants. Benecia, a university student majoring in International Relations, finds solace in baking, sewing, and letter writing. Bettina, the youngest, is a student at Temasek Polytechnic studying early childhood education and loves painting, and carving stamps. Together, they care for their dog, Barney, who brings them endless joy.

Their volunteering journey began with Benecia, who was inspired by her part-time job at a childcare centre. She saw the need to support children struggling with their schoolwork and self-worth. Beatriz, moved by her experiences at a call centre during the COVID-19 pandemic, realised the extent of need within her community. Bettina, inspired by her sisters' dedication and the tangible impact they made, joined them at Filos.

The sisters' close-knit bond seamlessly transitions into their volunteer work, creating an environment of love and support for the children they mentor. They recall countless moments of joy, from seeing a child’s face light up upon understanding a difficult concept to hearing heartfelt stories shared by their young charges.

Benecia, with her nurturing approach, helps children separate their self-worth from their grades, encouraging them to enjoy learning. Beatriz’s patient guidance transformed a pessimistic student into a motivated learner who now eagerly tackles challenges. These experiences not only impact the children but also enrich the sisters' lives, teaching them patience, empathy, and resilience.

Volunteering together has strengthened their relationship. Their advice to others is simple yet profound: “Listen with an open heart, be patient, and embrace the journey of growth and fulfilment that volunteering brings.”

As we celebrate National Sisters Day, these sisters' stories remind us of the beauty of family bonds and the transformative power of giving back. Their journey at Filos is a shining example of how compassion can light up the lives of others, one small act of kindness at a time.
 

Keen to volunteer with children? Check out the volunteering opportunities at Filos’ Volunteer Portal at https://bit.ly/FilosVMS to start your journey today!