Dayana Shahirah Binte Ridwan learnt the importance of generosity from her parents who dedicated their lives to volunteering. Now, as a mother of three, the Steady Steps Scheme beneficiary has launched her own charitable programme in a deliberate effort to contribute to her community whilst setting a positive example for her children to follow.
Dayana Shahirah Binte Ridwan wears many hats. She is the chief of staff, the head chef, and the dedicated educator of her home at Punggol Bayview. As a stay-at-home mom to three young children, she strives to create a nurturing environment for her family.
Her husband, Mohamad Ridhwan, is the sole breadwinner of the family. For 15 years, Ridhwan has sacrificed precious moments with his family, and many nights' sleep, to faithfully fulfill his shifts at a pharmaceutical plant where he works as a process technician. However, that has never gotten in the way of their time spent together as a family.
“We were always very diligent about bonding as a family. Every weekend we would make sure we bring our kids out to nearby places like Northshore. Every moment spent together counts!”
A Near Misstep
Things took a turn when the couple, in trying to improve their situation, fell victim to a scam that singlehandedly wiped out their savings. Due to Dayana’s health issues, she was unable to seek employment. Thus, the couple ultimately turned to the bank for a loan that only served to put a further strain on their finances and led to debt.
Their lifeline came through SINDA, which connected them to Singapore Red Cross and the Meals with Love programme, which ultimately progressed to the Steady Steps Scheme (S3).
“The S3 programme has helped us in settling our finances, and assisted us in a way that we feel has been helpful towards us and our little family. With the financial support from the S3 programme, we are able to take our children to more places like parks, indoor playgrounds, and the airport where they enjoy running around.”
The achievement of fully clearing their Service and Conservancy Charges marked a turning point, restoring their confidence in their own management of finances, and allowed them to face life with renewed determination.
Tag, You’re It!
So emboldened was she that Dayana started a give-back programme that is now close to four years old. It started right after the pandemic when Dayana and some of her friends living in the same area decided to to come together and give a bit of food back to those struggling in the Punggol Bayview area where she stays. To get more hands on deck, she launched the programme on the community group chat. Fellow do-gooders in the neighbourhood caught wind of her vision and soon more numbers were added to the group.
“This year we started during Ramadan and each one of us contributed something. Each person contributed thirty of the same items. From there we progressed and we even did a food distribution on Mothers Day. It helps us to bond with the community and I've even used the stuff given to me by Meals with Love too!”
The family's efforts haven't gone unnoticed. Their story was recently featured by Berita Harian SG, highlighting how recipients of assistance can become catalysts for community support. The recognition from their local Resident Committee further validates the positive impact of their grassroots efforts.
Genetically Altruistic
“I grew up looking at my parents giving back to the community all the time. Starting with generosity towards our immediate family, my parents slowly progressed to giving back to the community through volunteer programmes.”
Volunteering became part of Dayana’s lifestyle. And naturally, when she got old enough, she became active in the youth community at the mosque and assisted in the various programmes that helped those in need.
“When I was younger I knew that when I had kids one day, I wanted to teach them what it means to give back to their community. In this modern world, we are isolated by tablets and devices. I want my children to get away from their screens, and know what it means to be part of a real-life community. My message to them is to contribute in any way you can — because it still means something.”
Towards Financial Independence and Beyond
Looking ahead, the couple has high hopes for their children and their academic future. But more than that, they harbour dreams that extend beyond Singapore's shores. Dayana's eyes light up when she speaks of South Africa, where she hopes to take her animal-loving children on safari adventures. Ridhwan's heart yearns for Istanbul, drawn by Turkey's rich cultural tapestry.
“We want to be able to bring the kids to places outside of Singapore, to explore the world. I want them to learn about communities different from ours, and develop a broader perspective of life.”
Lives Well Loved
The Ridhwans embody the transformative power of well-designed social support. Through the S3 programme, they are not only incentivised to become contributing members of society, but empowered to take charge of their own situation and ultimately break the cycle to provide a better future for their children.
"Thank you so much to the Singapore Red Cross team for everything you've given us over the past year. It has helped our family tremendously in working towards financial independence. And thank you for the NTUC Meals with Love care packages! All the items have helped us move forward because we no longer have to worry about not having enough for the family — you have given us more than we ever asked or hoped for.
Thank you to the Meals with Love team for always checking up on us, especially Liane and Jing Feng, and the rest of the team. Thank you for giving us all the support that we need.
To other families in a similar position, my advice is — never be afraid to ask for help!”