Daily Dose of Vitamin V(alues)

As a photographer, I often find myself quietly observing life as it unfolds, capturing fleeting expressions, small gestures, and the little stories that tell something much bigger about who we are. Recently, at Little Olive Tree Ghim Moh, I witnessed a moment that struck me deeply.

The K2 children were at the playground that day, running about joyfully. Their voices carried far, perhaps louder than usual, as they tried to speak and play above the constant hum of nearby construction works. To them, it was simply the sound of childhood, laughter, running feet, energy released into the open air.

Then, unexpectedly, a sharp whistle cut through the noise. Shouts followed. For a brief moment, confusion washed over the playground. We soon realized the sound was coming from a lady at a window in a nearby HDB block. She was upset, and her frustration poured out in whistles, threats, and scolding.

The teachers gathered the children, pausing the play. Instead of brushing past the incident or reacting in frustration, the teachers took the opportunity to discuss with the children: What should we do now?

What happened next surprised me most.

In the middle of the discussion, one child quietly suggested, “ Maybe that lady has a baby in the house. Maybe that’s why she doesn’t want us to be so noisy.”

It was such a thoughtful, empathetic remark, the kind that stops you in your tracks. At an age where it would have been natural to feel defensive, upset, or even angry that their playground fun was cut short, the children chose a different path. They considered the other person’s perspective.

With that in mind, the class agreed together: they would move elsewhere and continue their activities in a way that would not disturb.

From where I stood, camera in hand, I saw something far more important than children at play. I saw young hearts learning how to live with empathy. I saw teachers guiding not just with rules, but with wisdom and gentleness. And I saw a class choosing consideration over anger, compassion over conflict.

That day, the children’s decision reminded me that kindness doesn’t always look grand. Sometimes, it’s simply choosing to step aside so that someone else might have peace.

And in that small act, they gave me one of the most meaningful images I could carry with me, not on my camera, but in my heart.