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SINGAPORE YMCA of Singapore: Project Bridge for Early School LeaversProject Bridge started in 1 November 1999 and is jointly managed by the YMCA of Singapore, National Youth Council and North West Community Development Council. It is a programme specifically targeted at the early school leavers between ages 13 and 19 years, to provide them with the much-needed guidance in order to prevent them from falling into juvenile crime. Early school leavers join this programme on a strictly voluntary basis. We aim to help these early school leavers realise positive life values and provide assistance in their process of returning to formal education or taking up skills programmes. Objectives include: • Providing these young clients with guidance and direction • Nurturing and creating lasting and positive impact on their lives • Imparting life skills • Discovering and developing their potential and talent • Influencing them to serve the community Some of our young clients are offered opportunities to return to government schools and we walk alongside them to help them cope with challenging issues - academic, personal, social, family and the like. Family support is heavily stressed. In order for us to work on the above objectives and aims, these youth members participate in revision classes (selected subjects at selected levels), music workshops, community service projects, camps, outings, and life skills sessions conducted at Project Bridge throughout the year. They also get to participate in sports clubs such as soccer, basketball, cycling or form their own bands and practise at the Centre. In fact, family members are also welcome to join us in the various events and activities organised in order to help bind the ties between the youth members and families. In short, the youth are empowered to take up projects such as organising a cycling trip for fellow members, thus, enabling them to gain self-confidence and better understand teamwork and commitment. We work with school principals and over the years, have also developed our links with the Ministry of Community Development and Sports (working closely with some probation officers and probationers), Juvenile Court, Teen Challenge, Salvation Army's Grace Haven (Hostel for teens), etc. As for those who have left school prematurely for a longer period of time or faced learning difficulties, they will be recommended to take up various skills courses (basic computer skills, automotive, hairstyling & make-up programmes, etc.) and other career types and expectations. Some male youth will be advised to register for early National Service too. In order for us to help more young people, we tap on our volunteers, donors and sponsors (corporations and individuals) and together help to contain the problems faced by these early school leavers. Over the years, we see a good number of youth returning to formal education programmes (part-time or full-time basis), working, serving National Service, married etc. A few are also moving on in life after completion of their probation sentences. We are now also working with potential early school leavers as well - these are direct referral cases from the schools. It is a constant challenge to understand and address the needs of this group of young people and we take great pride in giving them recognition for the positive steps they take in their attempt to make changes in their lives. In fact, many of them - especially the older ones feel that they need to share their experiences and help mentor the younger early school leavers. Contact Information:Project Bridge |
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