Voices of Impact: Youth Volunteers’ Reflection for the Year

As the year draws to a close, we have 5 of our youths share reflections of their volunteering journey and the reasons for their continued dedication to volunteerism.

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For Saiful, he highlights the importance of hearing youths’ personal stories. Witnessing the courage displayed by youths as they openly share their vulnerabilities during various events under the Youth Corps Mental Health Cluster has deepened Saiful's appreciation to address mental health issues and ensure inclusivity and sensitivity to cater to the diverse experiences of youths. Saiful's journey is an example of how volunteering can help to transform our perspectives and our actions so that we can a more compassionate and understanding community.

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Esther continues to volunteer by weaving her love for creativity and her deep commitment to social causes. Through her engagement in various Youth Corps programmes, such as A Walk Around Kampong Gelam (AWAKG) and Project Films of Gold, she found a platform to blend her love for volunteering with her keen interest in the arts. One of the most memorable parts of her volunteering journey is the lasting friendships she cultivated along the way with fellow volunteers who in turn became her good friends. ?As she reflects on her journey, Esther acknowledges the positive impact volunteering has had on her interpersonal skills. The experience has encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, and be more confident in engaging with strangers.

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For Kashif, volunteering was a meaningful way to give back to the community and a way for him to make a positive impact on issues close to his heart. Kashif's volunteering experiences have not only been personally rewarding but through his efforts as a community peer supporter he has helped to break down barriers, foster understanding, and creating a supportive environment for those facing mental health challenges as part of Project Re:Ground As he looks ahead to the coming year, Kashif hopes to continue volunteering to advance greater awareness in mental health and hone his skills in active listening to be a better peer supporter.

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Shree approaches volunteering with a willingness to try new things and going beyond her comfort zone. As she reflects on her volunteering journey with the Special Needs Cluster, she emphasises personal growth, expanded horizons, and a deepened understanding of the diverse backgrounds within her community. Volunteering has been a journey of self-discovery, and has made Shree happier, more light-hearted, and bolder. Looking forward, Shree hopes to continually learn and become a better person for herself, her loved ones, and even any passing stranger. Above all, she remains grounded in the belief that volunteering is a heartfelt contribution, not an obligation, but a genuine means to give back when she can.

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For Jex, the journey into volunteering was fuelled by a desire to contribute meaningfully in an area that resonated with his skills and interests. Joining Youth Corps, he discovered his calling in Youth Corps Media Team, where he recognised the impact his technical expertise with a camera could have. Throughout his volunteer journey, Jex actively engaged with diverse communities, cultivating a deeper sense of empathy and connection. This immersive experience not only expanded his technical proficiency in photography but also helped him communicate messages through his photos. Looking ahead to 2024, Jex has set goals to elevate his photography and videography skills further so that he could use his skill as a catalyst for positive change, hoping to encourage more youths to embrace the spirit of volunteering.

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Starting to make your new year's resolution? Why not join Youth Corps Singapore's volunteer programmes and be a catalyst for change today!

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Find out more here https://t.me/YouthCorpsSG