Shaping Clay, Shaping Bonds: YSMOU’s Experiential Pottery Workshop - SeaVoices - Singapore Maritime Officers’ Union (SMOU) Publication

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17 May 2022

2 mins

Shaping Clay, Shaping Bonds: YSMOU’s Experiential Pottery Workshop

For the first time in two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Young SMOU (YSMOU) organised an in-person Experiential Pottery Workshop for the youth members. Close to 15 youths, comprising members and officials, came together on 29 April 2022 to learn the art of making pottery.

During the session, members got to experience first-hand how to shape their clay pieces and try their hand at wheel throwing. They also got the opportunity to catch up with other members over the pottery session. The pottery pieces surrounded a maritime theme and saw members molding clay and hand-building cups embellished with ships, lighthouses, and anchors. Of which, some may be presented as a token to beneficiaries in SMOU’s upcoming volunteering events.

Following this, SMOU spoke to some of the youth members to get to know more about their thoughts on attending their first physical event after the pandemic.

“Today’s pottery session organised by Young SMOU feels surreal because all this while we have been participating in virtual events through online platforms. This event has allowed me to get together with other seafarers who are going through the same journey as I am. The networking session after the event was interesting and very engaging. I find this to be a good experience, and YSMOU can consider organising more events like this in the future so that others can have the same fruitful experience as I did.”

– Siti Nur Amirah, Deck Cadet, YSMOU member

Ng Jing Jie, who is currently pursuing his CoC Class 5, was also one of the youth members who participated in the pottery event. SeaVoices approached him to ask him about his experience, and he said, “I felt very excited upon knowing that there will be a physical event taking place after two years. The pottery session was very meaningful, as it was the first time since the restriction of social gatherings and interactions that my friends and I were able to meet face-to-face to catch up with one another. Making those unique pieces was very meaningful as we could contribute to the community while having fun.”

The event ended with participants gaining pottery knowledge whilst forging stronger friendships amidst renewed conversations and laughter. SMOU looks forward to catching up with more members as subsequent events start to roll out with Singapore’s gradual opening after the pandemic.