Many know the Red Cross Youth (RCY) simply as a Uniformed Group. But for Fatima Irfan and Rafah Naz, RCY Chapter is a place where they discovered a shared purpose, unexpected friendship and a mutual passion for serving the community. This Youth Day, they recount their shared experiences.
The two took completely different paths to get there. For 19-year-old Fatima, it was an intentional choice. Having already learned lifesaving skills through a uniformed group in secondary school, she was looking for a way to build on that experience.
“I wanted to continue using those skills to help others, and RCY felt like a natural next step.”
For 17-year-old Rafah, however, the decision was entirely accidental. RCY was never on her agenda until she happened to pass by their booth at Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s (NP) CCA Fiesta.
“I realised they not only taught first aid, but also planned and executed volunteer events, which was something I’d always wanted to do. That’s what convinced me to sign up.”
Serving Side by Side
Today, the duo serve as the Events Head and Assistant Events Head of NP’s RCY Chapter, planning community engagement initiatives for seniors, migrant workers and children.
While they lead different projects, they see their partnership as a tag-team rather than separate roles. For larger events, they work side-by-side from day one. For smaller initiatives, one takes the lead while the other quietly steps in to support.
“Our relationship is built on trust,” Rafah shares. “We trust each other when it comes to planning and executing events.”
Fatima adds, “Our partnership works because we share the same values. If one of us has an idea, we aren’t afraid to speak up.”
Of course, balancing school and CCAs requires some creative logistics.
“Our schedules almost never align,” Fatima laughs. “Most of our discussions happen over late-night calls after school. But we always make time for each other because we know we’re working towards the same goal.”
Building Communities Together
That makes all the late nights and hard work worthwhile is seeing the event come together, the beneficiaries enjoying themselves, and the positive impact it has on them.
For Rafah, the impact of RCY became especially clear during a befriending initiative with senior dialysis patients. One conversation she had with a senior undergoing dialysis remains close to her heart to this day.
“He told me that getting to interact with volunteers who visit them at the centre is his weekly highlight. That was when I realised this is why we do what we do. Even a small interaction can bring someone so much joy.”
Similarly, spending time with seniors through RCY activities showed Fatima the value of simply being present.
“Sometimes, all they need is companionship. Hearing them say, ‘Thank you for spending time with me,’ feels really bittersweet.”
These experiences also taught them that making a difference is not about running a flawless, massive event. True impact can be felt even in small, simple moments that bring people together.
More Than Teammates
Along the way, the pair also forged a deep friendship built on mutual trust and a shared heart for service.
For Fatima, Rafah’s ability to effortlessly energise a crowd and adapt to any situations inspired her to step out of her own comfort zone. Meanwhile, Fatima’s steady calmness and dependability is an anchor for Rafah.
More than anything, they both hope their journey encourages other young people to take the first step.
“You don’t have to do something huge,” Fatima says. “Sometimes simply showing up and being present for someone can have a bigger impact than you realise.”
Rafah echoes the sentiment, “You don’t have to know everything before you begin. Just take the first step. What’s more important is having the heart to serve.”
After all, neither of them expected their decision to join RCY would lead to meaningful friendships and a chance to make a lasting difference in the lives of others.