Afzal’s journey to understanding the true meaning of empowerment

It started with a fateful moment at an MRT station where Afzal spotted a Youth Corps Leaders Programme advertisement. That was 8 years ago. Today, Afzal continues to be a rallying spirit for good guided by the purpose he found through volunteering.

Going through the Leaders Programme, Afzal learned a range of skills from communication to teamwork to pitching and community needs analysis. But it is through interactions with his mentor that gave him new perspectives on volunteering. During a stroll down Stirling Road, Afzal's mentor shared a piece of advice that still sticks with him today.

“I’ll never forget what he told me. He told me that we don’t do things for people, but rather, we do things with people. The word ‘with’ was very impactful to me because I had been volunteering for a while and assumed that volunteering was about giving.’?

This change in perspective laid the foundation for a life lesson for Afzal, who alongside his team, were starting a four month long collaboration with Beyond Social Services to build neighbourliness among the Stirling Road residents.?

Each month, there was an activity which residents could look forward to. The first activity was an outing to Singapore Zoo where residents had the opportunity to get to know one another in a fun and relaxed setting. The following months saw the bonds built starting to flourish. Residents were coming together to share ideas and feedback on how the programmes could continue to evolve.?

By the end of the programme, the residents came together to plan an iftar barbecue and activities to engage attendees, on their own accord. Seeing them take the lead in engaging one another further reinforced this newfound perspective on empowerment.

“I used to interpret empowerment in its literal term. I was there to help, to give, and provide an opportunity. But we gave them no power, they found the power themselves, all we did was give them a platform to use their powers.”?

After completing the Youth Corps Leaders Programme in 2017, Afzal joined the Engagement Taskforce and Ambassadors Team as part of the Youth Corps Cluster Network to further his volunteering pursuits. From engaging with beneficiaries on ground, to levelling up as a volunteer coordinator and eventually going on to lead a cluster as part of the executive committee.?

Beyond pursuing his own volunteering goals, Afzal also believes that it is important to cultivate the next batch of youth leaders in their endeavour to continue doing good.

“Youth Corps offers a buffet of skills and causes youth can learn about. It’s truly a safe space for someone to explore where their interests lie and start their volunteering journey.”?

Afzal’s journey reminds us that when we support and encourage others, they can take charge of their lives and make good things happen. Instead of just providing help, it's about creating spaces where individuals can figure things out themselves and feel confident in what they can do.