Shafira Aqilah (not her real name), aged ten, lives in a one-room rental flat with her parents and younger brother. Through the tuition, cherished mentorship, and enrichment activities of the Singapore Red Cross Young Hearts Programme, Shafira has flourished academically, and emotionally. From a reticent student, she has transformed into a kindhearted, confident student, and a budding leader. 

Shafira Aqilah (not her real name), aged ten, lives with her parents and younger brother in a one-room rental flat. As the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Young Hearts programme runs in her vicinity, an SRC employee enrolled Shafira, a primary school student, in the Young Hearts programme in 2022. Since then, Shafira has spent her time after school at the centre diligently completing her schoolwork with the guidance of the dedicated tutors. 

Developing Confidence in Her Studies, Thanks to Young Hearts

Although Shafira occasionally grapples with subjects such as Mathematics, she embraces a ‘never give up’ attitude and an indomitable spirit. She remains undaunted in adversity, prepared to navigate her challenges head-on. 

“I hope to go for the tuition classes for underperforming students that Teacher Balkis opens up during the December holidays,” said Shafira, who still regards Mathematics as one of her favourite subjects despite her setbacks. 

Shafira has gained newfound confidence through her tutors’ encouragement. Akin to a beacon of light illuminating and paving the way forward, the teachers strive to positively influence the children's academic and personal lives. Shafira is a testament to the positive impact of the Young Hearts programme. It has catalysed her academic progress. Instead of being a student needing help in school, she now lends a helping hand to peers who require assistance to complete their assignments. Through the cherished mentorship of the Young Hearts programme's teachers and volunteers, she has transformed from reticence to confidence, capable of voicing her opinions candidly.

Besides Shafira, the other eight students that the Young Hearts programme serves in the Primary Four cohort have also improved their grades.

"A few have progressed from the Foundation class to Standard in English and Mathematics subjects," said Siti Nurbalkis, a Programme Coordinator for the Young Hearts programme.

Developing Her Leadership Potential

Apart from benefitting from the tuition, children of the Young Hearts programme also gain enriching experiences, broaden their exposure and develop holistically through sports, enrichment, and outings. These were experiences that Shafira would otherwise not have benefited from had she not joined the programme. Coincidentally, Shafira discovered her leadership potential at one of the weekly bowling sessions at HomeTeamNS Khatib. 

“After a game of bowling, a few friends fought because they were dissatisfied with the outcome. I calmed them down by mustering the courage and bravery I never knew I had,” Shafira recalled. 

Her courage and selfless deed did not go unnoticed. On another occasion, the Young Hearts Programme Coordinator, Siti Nurbalkis (Teacher Balkis) assigned Shafira to assume the role of the leader in an excursion. Despite her initial concerns, Shafira assumed the responsibility with fortitude. To her surprise, she managed the students successfully. 

“The teachers ensured that the students listened to me. I didn’t think I could do it. But I did, and I’m very proud of myself,” Shafira recounted, with a smile, pleased with her efforts. 

The teachers and volunteers of the Young Hearts programme are committed to developing the leadership potential of the youth.

"We will assign a leader among the students for events on a rotational basis. About 12 students have been shortlisted for the role and they have executed their responsibility well. One of the students is now looking forward to applying as a student councillor in her secondary school next year," Siti Nurbalkis said.

Fostering Kindness and Mindfulness in a Safe Space

Shafira relishes the programme's conducive environment as she can indulge in reading and attend excursions, activities she could not partake in before joining the Young Hearts programme. In addition, the pre-packaged snacks, and beverages provided for the students ensured they had the energy to focus on their studies while ensuring their comfort. 

The teachers intentionally cultivated an accessible and safe space for students to learn and grow. Teachers imparted core skills and values to the students while maintaining healthy student-teacher bonds. 

“Teacher Balkis told me that how I treat someone is how they would treat me. I try to be kind, improve my communication, and be more mindful of my interactions with my friends,” Shafira said. 

Young Heart with Big Dreams

Shafira is a student with several aspirations. One of her ambitions is to become a chef, citing her mother's influence. Her mother has equipped Shafira with the culinary skills to prepare various dishes. On the other hand, Shafira also aspires to follow in the footsteps of her teachers at the Young Hearts Centre. She hopes to become a teacher for Primary One students, eager to provide guidance and mentorship to shape and develop young hearts and minds, just as Teacher Balkis has positively impacted her life. 

With all that she has gained in the Young Hearts programme, Shafira appreciates her teachers' and volunteers' steadfast dedication. Their unwavering care, love, and support have contributed to her mental, emotional, and social development. 

By Lee Qin Wei Elyse, Volunteer
Copyedited by Foo Ming Yee, Volunteer, and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications