Boisterous laughter and thunderous applause filled the air as the children took turns ascending the stage to receive their well-earned certificates for their efforts in 2025. Cheers erupted as each child was recognised, from the most improved student to the one with the most sparkling laughter.

Photo: SRC staff gathering children from the Young Hearts Programme at the Hall of Humanity in Red Cross House.

On 4 December, children and youth from the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) Young Hearts programme, along with volunteers from SRC and UBS, gathered at Red Cross House’s Hall of Humanity. The event was held to celebrate their efforts and hard work throughout the year, with a special focus on honouring the graduating Primary Six students.

With two centres located in Yishun and Tampines, the Young Hearts programme seeks to support and provide children and youth from lower-income backgrounds with better opportunities through tuition, mentorship, enrichment activities, and social excursions. The second year it is being held, the graduation ceremony is a testament to the success of the programme, which has empowered the children to develop greater confidence in both their academics and personal lives.

This year, approximately 50 students were recognised. The event affirmed the efforts and growth of all the Young Hearts, especially those who do not usually receive awards. By bringing together the children and volunteers from both centres to celebrate as a unified Young Hearts community, the ceremony also encouraged mutual support and learning among children for their peers' achievements.

Photo: Children from the Yishun and Tampines centres getting to know each other through icebreaker games, accompanied by UBS volunteers.

To help children from both centres get to know each other better, volunteers from SRC and UBS engaged them in icebreakers like Human Bingo. This was followed by various game stations designed to invigorate and energise the children. Laughter filled the air as the children delightedly moved around, engaging in the activities with the volunteers; from gingerly piling cups to create the highest tower at the cup stacking station, to carefully flicking their wrists to ensure their ball landed precisely in the egg carton at the Ponginator station.

Photo: Children playing at the Ponginator (left) and cup stacking stations (right) which were managed by UBS volunteers.

Another feature that drew the children’s attention was the phototaking area, which was decorated with celebratory colours and balloons of gold and red. The children’s excitement was palpable as they gleefully selected from an assortment of props to pose with their friends. The children were also entertained by a balloon-making performance while indulging in a sumptuous buffet for lunch.

Photo: Some of the children posing for a photo at the photo booth (left). Children receiving their lunch from the UBS volunteers (right).

The awards ceremony officially commenced after lunch. Every child received a certificate and Popular vouchers from the programme coordinators. They also received door gifts, which included notepads, stickers, a tote bag, and a file.

Photo: A volunteer packing door gifts for the children - kindly sponsored by a group of artists and small businesses.

In addition to the usual academic recognition, awards were given to praise non-academic merits, such as having the Best Imagination and being the Best Comedian. The presence of such diverse awards holds true to the purpose of the graduation ceremony: to ensure every child is recognised holistically for their efforts.

12-year-old Janis* was very appreciative of the effort put in by the programme's tutors. Beyond academics, she shared that the programme taught her to behave better towards her family, as she learnt that she should treat others the way she wants to be treated. Today’s graduation party was particularly memorable for Janis; it not only celebrated her primary school achievements but also saw her receive the Elevating Others award for encouraging her peers.

Photo: A group photo of the children from the Young Hearts Programme, SRC Staff and UBS volunteers.

The event ended on a reflective and forward-looking note, where the young participants were asked to share their favourite Young Hearts memory of the year and their aspirations for when they grow up. 

Primary Six student Hafiq* shared that he aspires to be a traffic policeman, citing his liking for the uniforms and a desire to ride a motorcycle. He is excited to start secondary school next year and expressed his hope to conquer his fear of heights. He also expressed great appreciation for his Young Hearts tutors.

 “At first, I thought the tutors were really strict, but then I realised that they were really kind, and I really appreciate their guidance,” said Hafiq, who added that he had a lot of fun making new friends in the Young Hearts Programme and enjoys the company of his friends and tutors.

Congratulations to all the students and the graduating cohort for a job well done this year! Overcoming personal challenges for their development is not an easy feat, and we applaud them for the tireless efforts they have put in.

*Names used are a pseudonym to protect the anonymity of the students.
Photos by Allan Tee, volunteer photographer