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Programme introduction
Docent recruitment
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The Docent Programme
The Singapore Zoo Docents programme was established in May 1997 by then Assistant Curator, Lai Chien Hsun, and Marketing Manager, Evelyn Ng. Only Friends of the Zoo were invited for the pioneering intake. The programme started with 28 docents that predominantly consisted of expatriate members.
The danger of heavy reliance on expatriates to carry a volunteer programme was realised when many of them were suddenly transferred out of Singapore, leaving the pioneer group with only 15 members. Subsequent recruitment drives helped to increase the docent numbers significantly by advertising to the local community through publicity in the various media (papers and television).
Two recruitment drives were held in 1999 as efforts were made to build up a strong volunteer base as quickly as possible. Recruitment in the following two years took a slower pace to allow training of quality docents.
In 2000, the Docent programme tied up with the local National Volunteer Centre, leading to increased awareness of the programme. A Docent website was also set up. These new avenues have consistently brought in more Singaporeans, who now form the backbone of the SZ Docents.
Today, Singaporeans make up the majority of the 167 members.
Programme Management
The pioneering batch, the Docents were essentially managed by Lai and Evelyn, with the support of an administration team of four, whose main role was to update the duty roster.
In March 1998, the first Docent Management Committee (DMC) was formed, comprising five posts of Chairman, Secretary, Financial Secretary, Social Secretary and Public Relations Secretary. As the scope of the Docents’ work increased and widened over the years to meet the new targets and challenges faced, new posts were gradually created to handle the new tasks. With some fine-tuning along the way, the DMC today consists of nine posts in the Executive Committee, with two members from each section, chosen as Heads and Assistant Heads to support the exco.
A major change in management took place in 1999, when Tan Kit Sun, then Deputy Curator, succeeded Lai as the Zoo Management Representative. Kit’s appointment buttressed the Zoo’s support of the Docent programme and played a vital role in raising the spirits and morale of the Docents at a time of great uncertainty. Kit’s enthusiasm for the Docent programme drove the Docents into high gear and helped the Docents lay several significant milestones.
With Kit’s encouragement, the Docents became an essentially self-run volunteer organisation. The Docents undertook the programme's recruitment and training, and drew up its own constitution and by-laws. A Docent website was also set up.
Kit helped the Docents to streamline the training, management and control process. The Exco was encouraged to review its performance and chart new courses at management retreats. The Exco now meets regularly every quarter.
To foster greater support and boost Docent morale, Kit increased the Docent budget and introduced various incentives (such as the certificate of appreciation , docent badges, complimentary tickets, staff discounts). Docent uniforms were introduced, with the allocation of a Docent room for Docents' exclusive use. Many social events were also organised inside and outside the Zoo.
The SZ Docents forged strong links with the zoo management, playing a larger role in complementing the zoo’s mission, and participating in many events organised by the zoo to promote conservation awareness and respect for animals.
A Docent Dinner & Dance is held annually, reflecting the Zoo's endorsement of the Docent programme. Graduation of trainee Docents is held during the Dinner & Dance.
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