The Istana received a helping hand with its chores from young Scouts yesterday at the launch of the Singapore Scout Association's Job Week.

The little helpers did housekeeping jobs around the President's residence such as polishing silverware and wiping staircases.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam, who is also the Chief Scout of Singapore, is seen here presenting a cheque for the young Scouts' efforts.

Dr Tan launched the annual event yesterday at the Istana. Around 10,000 scouts aged nine to 18 will knock on the doors of homes and offices offering to do jobs to raise funds for Scouting in Singapore during Job Week, from Saturday to next Friday.

Last year, the Scout Association raised about $800,000 and this year, it is aiming to beat that amount by $50,000.

"It is important that our young people do not grow up thinking that the world owes them a living," said Scout Chief Commissioner Tan Cheng Kiong.

"We have to start them young so that we do not create an 'entitled generation'."