CLAUDIA GONZÁLEZ speaks about goodwill, generosity and giving back to society.
TF: What are your duties as the Mexican Ambassador's wife?
CG: Ambassadors' wives are generally tasked with missions. Everything we do to support our husbands' work is based on love, commitment and a sense of belonging to our home countries. In Singapore, I work with the Mexican community to support their needs, strengthen ties and foster better understanding between the Mexican and Singaporean communities. I also build bridges to bring our respective cultures and traditions together. Singapore has welcomed us with such affection and I enjoy organising workshops at the local Community Centres. I think it's important for all expats to get involved in Community Centre activities to truly experience Singapore's uniqueness.
TF: Could you tell us about your involvement with Child at Street 11?
CG: Child at Street 11 is a non-profit organisation which supports children in finding their place in the world through instilling key values such as integrity, creativity and sensibility.
I worked with them to develop a painting exhibition project called Where My Heart Goes. In addition to exhibiting art, there were also painting and art appreciation workshops. The children were involved as artists and Guests of Honour, and together we learned techniques on how to express ourselves through art. The children had heaps of fun and discovered different ways of enjoying art.
TF: What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
CG: When I'm with these children I realise the huge impact my humble work has on them - their hearts are wide open, there's always a smile on their face and they know the sky's the limit - nothing is impossible. It's also a precious treasure to be on the
receiving end of the deep love only children are capable of expressing.
TF: Any challenges?
CG: Getting the public to understand there are children with many challenges and needs in Singapore. Helping these children goes beyond just writing a healthy cheque or including a good picture in the media.
TF: How do you spend your free time?
CG: I have many hobbies. I love to paint, read and write. I compose music and write the accompanying lyrics. I enjoy spending time with my family - nothing beats a rich day of entertainment and relaxation with my husband and daughters. I also travel. I've made a jolly bunch of Singaporean friends that I enjoy travelling with.
TF: Any amusing Singaporean experiences?
CG: After our first month here we decided to take a road trip to Malacca. Our driver gave us directions on how to get there, but not how to return. On our way back, after passing the border, we called our driver to ask for directions to get home. He gave us a number of references but kept using acronyms such AYE, PIE, etc. We didn't understand the acronyms. It took us two more hours to find a road remotely familiar and we ended up arriving home hours later taking about the same amount of time it took to travel all the way from Malacca to Singapore!
Child at Street 11 educates and assists young children from low-income and dysfunctional families break out of the poverty cycle in one generation. Children are educated by well trained pre-school teachers and have access to social workers, counsellors, educational psychologists, doctors and other professionals. For information or to volunteer visit www.street11.org.sg.
Posted Nov 2011
