Initiated by students, the visit to The Terrace canteen in Business School was part of the “Cookies for Cooks” project aimed at recognising the everyday contributions of workers within NUS that might have otherwise been overlooked.

Dai Kaijun, a second-year mechanical engineering student and volunteer involved in the project, said, “Actually they (the canteen operators) have spent a lot of effort serving students. Not a lot of us are aware of this.”

The certificates of appreciation distributed to the vendors were personalised with details of individual stalls.

Comments on the stalls, submitted beforehand by members of the student body, were also included in the certificates.

May Phang, one of the drinks stall vendors at The Terrace, said, “I’m definitely surprised. I’ve worked here for many years, this is the first time you’re giving us gifts.

“I feel appreciated. Even when we work, we’d be happier, with these acts of kindness.”

Heather Chi, second-year geography major and director of the “Cookies for Cooks” project said it was “symbolic” to present the food vendors with handmade food from home.

“We didn’t want to buy something. We wanted to make something of our own,” Chi said.

“I think it is very symbolic to give cookies to the people who cook our food.”

Chi also said the Kindness Movement Interest Group would be looking to extend their gift-giving exercise to the other canteens in NUS, and to include other workers of the NUS community.

She said, “We are looking to focus on other groups that are not appreciated. People like the toilet cleaners, people like the shuttle bus drivers.”

Although unaware of the project, one student applauded the initiative for showing that not all students take the stall vendors for granted.

Lester Chua, a fourth-year law student, said, “A lot of the stall owners are usually forgotten. We usually take them for granted.

“Expressing our appreciation will make their day and help them find meaning in what they do.”

With the certificates distributed and displayed, it will also serve as a reminder to students.

Christine Tan, who runs the fruits and juices stall at The Terrace, said, “We are very happy and glad that you appreciate us.”

Referring to the certificate of appreciation, Tan said, “I’ll put this up at my stall.”