Volunteer writer Sourik Sinha takes a peek at the positive impact that the volunteers have on children and youth of the Singapore Red Cross' (SRC) Young Hearts programme at Yishun.

As we settle into normalcy after the pandemic, understandably, the past few years have been challenging for everyone. It was particularly difficult for the children of families in straitened circumstances, due to the lack of opportunities that others may take for granted. 

Through the Young Hearts programme, SRC reaches out to these children through storytelling, giving one-on-one tuition and organising holiday enrichment programmes providing children and adolescents aged between four and 12, with an opportunity for a better future. 

Just like a large family, Young Hearts’ strong support system gives the children and the youth a haven to trust one another, develop social skills, and inculcate important values while steering them on the right path in life. This is critical in shaping the children's characters, maximising their potential while giving them the fighting chance that they deserve. So, it’s fair to say that Young Hearts offers a ray of hope to those who need it the most. 

Located in A'Posh BizHub at Yishun, this centre supports more than 60 students from primary 1 to secondary 3. The tireless contributions and support of the selfless volunteers and teachers have been indispensable in running the programme amid the trying times. 

Garry Gan, who oversees the Young Hearts programme and the running of the Yishun centre, shared the importance of building children's character from a young age. In addition to the tuition, the children also go on excursions to give them exposure to how the larger world works. From a trip to the Google office to a day of experimenting at the Science Centre or going on a cruise, the children broaden their horizons to a world that they would otherwise not experience.

Embracing Her Passion for Teaching

Justina Tan Hui Ru, a teacher with Young Hearts since 2019, says, “We’ve covered some good ground from operating in community centres to finding this space which was graciously extended to us by one of the tenants."

After graduating from university, she pursued her passion for teaching by taking up a teacher education programme with the National Institute of Education (NIE). Despite her hectic schedule, Justina still finds time to tutor the children at Young Hearts every week. 

“I joined NIE to hone my teaching skills and understand how to interact with children with different behaviours and tendencies. After spending time interacting with the children at Young Hearts, I have developed a close bond with them, which makes it very difficult for me to walk away. Through my interactions with them, I’ve grown as a person. It’s the fusion of passion and work," she explains. 

Ting Chang, Ting Sheng and Jia Xuan, who have relocated here from Malaysia, are tutored by Justina. They explained how this programme helps them assimilate into the Singaporean way of life. While they are honing their English language skills under the tutelage of Justina, they are also picking up other skill sets with their friends here, including basketball!

Forging Bonds that Bind

Justina wears many hats. At the Young Hearts centre, she is their tutor. But, outside the classroom, the students look up to her as a big sister, someone whom they can rely on, beyond mere academics. 

Shiek Abdullah Mohamed Fazil, another teacher, and former Red Cross Youth - Chapter member note that the children from families in straitened circumstances do not come from stable backgrounds and often lack a father figure. Through Young Hearts, volunteers forge a strong connection with the children and give them a sense of belonging. 

“Having someone they can look up to makes a world of difference to them. They let their guard down and trust you to help them learn. We not only provide education, more importantly, we also strive to provide a familiar environment where they feel cared for and feel valued," affirms Fazil. 

Even though he comes in as a volunteer teacher after work, he feels the children bring a smile to his face and motivate him to strive harder in his own life.

Fazil adds, "Coming to the programme is not merely about learning, we also provide enrichment experiences. We put our best efforts to bring them out of a cycle where they feel trapped. We want to take the load off their shoulders so they can be themselves - children. It is our responsibility as a society to prevent them from going down the wrong path in life.”

While the start is easy, it takes much resolve to stay the course with the Young Hearts programme. Moreover, it does challenge the volunteer as a person. 

“After a while, the commitment becomes a routine. We come together as a community," explains Irene Chua, another teacher at the centre. 

“What you give to the students comes back to you many-fold. When you see that the children enquire about you, it makes all the time spent here worthwhile. Because, you know you are making a difference,” she says.

By Sourik Sinha, Volunteer
Copyedited by Aradhana Mozumdar, Volunteer
Photos by Shayene Gilflores Winfred, Volunteer and Joy Lim, Marketing Communications and Partnerships