Zakeera Azrina (not her real name), 11, had been grappling with low self-esteem stemming from her autism and her family's economic woes. Since enrolling in the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Young Hearts Programme in January 2023, she has made academic improvements, discovered her artistic potential, and found her second home. In this safe space, she could share her innermost feelings. She has regained the assurance of pursuing her dreams.
Zakeera Azrina, 11, learnt very early in life the formidable challenges that her autism and a disadvantaged family can bring. Her neurological and developmental disorders negatively impacted her daily life and hindered her ability to communicate and learn. These fuelled her reticence and engendered her feelings of reclusiveness at Rainbow Centre Yishun Park School.
“I took a while to count money to pay for things at school. I was worried that I would hold up the line during recess. Some people were rude to me because of my disability,” she shared quietly.
Living in a cramped one-room rental flat, Azrina witnessed her mother’s relentless struggles to make ends meet. As a part-time sales assistant, her mother’s earnings barely sufficed to cover basic expenses.
“Books, tuition, and outings are too expensive. There isn’t even a proper place for me to study,” Azrina said, her voice tinged with sadness.
Beyond her home, people's scrutiny and judgment compounded her insecurities, shattered her self-assurance, and spawned her inferiority complex.
“People think I don’t understand them, but I do. Making eye contact with strangers is challenging because I feared how they would perceive me,” said Azrina.
Surmounting Academic Struggles
Plagued by melancholy and despair, her life seemed like a poignant narrative devoid of hopeful prospects. But a surprising turn of events brought light to her world when an employee of the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) introduced her to the Young Hearts programme. Since enrolling in the programme in January 2023, with the support of a kind and caring community, Azrina has started a new chapter of transformation, teeming with hope and purpose.
The adage “It takes a village to raise a child” rings true for Azrina. The concerted efforts of the Young Hearts programme's employees, tutors and volunteers have helped Azrina improve her academic performance.
“I learn English and Maths during tuition. I am in the P3 class because I’m a little slow. But I’m catching up well. I’ve also learnt to be more patient with younger students and kinder to my friends. The teachers help us a lot when they make learning fun. The volunteers are amazing too; guiding us through the exam questions, encouraging us to solve them independently,” said Azrina.
Unleashing Her Artistic Flair
Apart from the tuition provided by the Young Hearts programme, Azrina and the other children also benefitted from its holistic curriculum incorporating enrichment activities and social expeditions. She discovered her artistic inclinations through creative endeavours.
“I love painting. Once, they gave us a blank canvas and encouraged us to paint anything we wanted. I painted a sunset on canvas. It was amazing! Another day, our teacher asked us to draw animals on a blank canvas but didn’t tell us why. A few months later, they took us to Marina Square for ‘The Sustainable Kids Market,’ where I met several adults, including the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment. I shook hands with them and saw my artwork displayed. It was much larger than my drawing and attracted much attention. I was proud to showcase my art piece,” said Azrina, with pride.
She eagerly looks forward to the activities the Young Hearts programme organises, which bolster social interactions while amplifying the children's and youth's exposure and experience.
“I enjoy my time here because I learn, play, and participate in several enriching activities and excursions. The Young Hearts employees take me to places I’ve never been before!” she quipped, her face lighting up with excitement as her eyes shimmered.
A Safe Place to Share
Azrina's story underscores that a helping hand and a listening ear helped Azrina build trust, and learn to express her feelings without judgment.
“The centre feels like my second home. Most days after school, I come by to study in a safe place and spend time with my friends. The teachers always listen to me when I share my day at school. I know I can rely on the adults here if I have any worries to share. Here, I feel safe, valued, and happy. I’ve found wonderful tutors and mentors who guide me along the right path in life,” said Azrina, smiling.
Regaining the Assurance to Pursue Dreams
Building the children's and youth's self-esteem and resilience is indispensable to empowering them to thrive in a world fraught with challenges. The Young Hearts Programme extends beyond teaching—it creates a haven where children and youth rediscover the joy of learning, the courage to dream, and the strength to love themselves. The support and care Azrina receives at the centre have dispelled her fears. Her newfound confidence blossomed in unexpected ways.
“The Young Hearts programme has transformed me in so many ways. I’ve learnt about leadership and picked up useful communication and interpersonal skills in speaking up and being heard, which are useful in life. These imbued me with the confidence and courage I never thought I had. I am a Student Counsellor at school now and am working hard to earn a spot on the Student Council Board. It feels surreal," said Azrina.
With renewed hope, she aspires to make her mark in society.
“My teacher’s friends—a female police officer and an artist—inspire me. I aspire to be a police officer or an artist like them. If I become a police officer, I’ll join the Home Team Academy. If I choose to be an artist, I’ll create and sell my art pieces,” said Azrina.
By transforming her struggles into stepping stones, Azrina’s journey is a testament to the power of humanity, unity, and compassion. Through the caring community of the Young Hearts programme's tutors, volunteers, and donors, she has found her voice and regained her confidence at a home away from home. These collective efforts have unravelled the vibrant colours in her life, charting the way for a brighter future.
Azrina's story is one of many. Your contribution as a volunteer or donor can play a role in nurturing children's and youth's mental, emotional and social development.
By Kaveri Chaturvedi, Volunteer Writer
Copyedited by Dr Nguyen Kien Truc Giang, Volunteer, and Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications