In his 2013 National Day Rally speech, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong called upon organisations in Singapore to expand opportunities for young people to do projects that will benefit the community.
The People’s Association has done just that, with the launch of The YOUths Care Ambassadors Programme. A two-month long movement, the YOUths Care Ambassadors Programme was launched on Nov 9, 2013 by guest-of-honour, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office Mr Lim Swee Say, at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard. Delighted to be involved in the launch, Mr Lim said: ‘’ It’s one of the most beautiful days for Singapore as 6000 youths over the next 2 months through 100 projects are going to touch the lives of almost 11,000 Singaporeans in our community. Now that, to me is very beautiful. ”
The YOUths care programme is a service initiative that has been launched to provide youths in Singapore with platforms for them to contribute meaningfully to the community, sharpen their sensitivity to community and enhance their appreciation for what they have.
Numerous activities have been planned for the following two months, for the volunteers to participate and to showcase their social activism. Activities include visits to welfare homes, educational trips and home refurbishments. Marisa Lee, a 16-year-old student from School Of The Arts, was one ambassador who could not wait to get started. “The line-ups planned for the programme are really interesting and I want to get involved,” she said.
As the programme was launched, the 350 ambassadors from the People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM) were in full force, urging people out and about in town to sign up for the programme. Marisa said: “It’s so heartening to see many Singaporeans sign up for the programme.’’ With the launch of the YOUths Care, it is expected that youths will be inspired to come forward with youth initiated community service programmes that will have an impact on the community. As Mr Eric Chua, Chairman of the Organising Committee, put it: “It doesn’t matter where you volunteer as long as you have a heart and desire to do so.”
