In the bustling neighborhood of Ang Mo Kio, one woman's determination has sparked a movement to nourish both bodies and spirits. Ms Lydia Susiyanti Sukarbi, a 36-year-old mother of six and sole breadwinner, runs the Breakfast Buddy initiative, providing free breakfasts three times a week to underprivileged children. Balancing multiple part-time jobs and her family responsibilities, Ms Lydia’s compassion transcends her own circumstances, offering not just food but also hope and community support. Her efforts have been bolstered by local donations and partnerships with government entities, ensuring the program thrives despite financial constraints.
Ms Lydia, who lives in a two-room Housing Board rental flat with her family, began this initiative in February after witnessing students sacrificing their own needs to provide for younger siblings. With limited means, she initially funded the project herself, spending up to $400 monthly on supplies. However, word spread quickly through her network, attracting cash and in-kind contributions from friends, extended family, and eventually the broader community. Cereals like Froot Loops and spreads such as Nutella became popular choices among the children, replacing earlier offerings that didn’t resonate well.
Aiding Ms Lydia is Ms Halinah Yatim, a 52-year-old divorcee with mobility issues due to knee and nerve problems. Despite these challenges, Ms Halinah travels 20 minutes via scooter from her nearby home to assist at the morning gatherings held at Block 228A Ang Mo Kio Street 23. Together, they serve around 15 children each session, creating an inclusive environment where kids feel empowered by having options. This collaborative effort fosters open communication about personal struggles while promoting camaraderie among participants.
The Singapore Government Partnerships Office (SGPO) stepped in to address logistical hurdles faced by Ms Lydia, securing storage space through collaboration with the People’s Association (PA). Additionally, Skillseed—a social enterprise employing Ms Lydia—is assisting her application process for a community grant aimed at sustaining Breakfast Buddy operations. These developments highlight how grassroots movements can inspire institutional support, reinforcing collective responsibility within society.
Beyond feeding hungry mouths, Ms Lydia embodies values instilled by her retired hawker mother: generosity without judgment. From inviting playmates over for meals during childhood to mentoring others today, her actions reflect deep-rooted empathy shaped by early experiences. She advocates against labeling individuals based solely on material wealth, emphasizing universal human worth regardless of resources. Ultimately, her work underscores the transformative power of kindness shared freely amidst adversity.
Through perseverance and partnership, Ms Lydia continues nurturing future generations alongside her own children. By fostering connections across diverse backgrounds, she exemplifies the essence of communal upliftment. Her story serves as a reminder that even small acts of goodwill can ripple outward, inspiring countless others to contribute positively to their communities.