Partnership with Youth Corps Singapore expands service-learning expeditions to more underserved communities in Asia, creating a new wave of youth leaders and deepening social impact.

SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 25 September 2024 - Emaan Catalyst Community Ltd (ECC), a Singapore-based foundation, is making a transformative impact by expanding its overseas service-learning (SL) program, aimed at empowering Singaporean youth and supporting underserved communities. This expansion is fueled by a strategic funding model made possible with Youth Corps Singapore (YCS) a division of the National Youth Council (NYC) under the Youth Expedition Project (YEP) Programme Funding grant. This support opens the door for more Singaporean youth, community groups, and corporate teams aged 15 to 35 to embark on transformative service-learning expeditions across ASEAN, China, and India. 2. These youth expeditions will receive partial grant support and are designed to nurture leadership, build resilience, and promote sustainable development, significantly expanding ECC's reach and deepening its impact on underserved communities in the region. This strategic model strengthens ECC's commitment to developing socially conscious youth leaders, providing them with the resources to bring about sustainable change in the communities they serve. A Decade of Impactful Service Learning 3. For nearly a decade, ECC has led impactful SL overseas trips, engaging over 2,000 volunteers from schools, Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs), and corporations. These initiatives have improved the lives of over 100,000 people in Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. 4. With the support from YCS for the period of April 2024 to March 2025, ECC will expand its service-learning experiences to more countries, including China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Malaysia. These immersive expeditions of minimally 10 days focus on making tangible social contributions, such as providing access to education and introducing new skills such as STEM education to school children, building infrastructure to support sustainable goals such as clean water systems, providing food aid, and working alongside the community on biodiversity projects for self-sufficiency. 5. This is in line with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of poverty reduction (SDG 1), zero hunger (SGD 2), quality education (SDG 4), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and climate action (SDG 13). Through this service-learning experience, participants apply their skills in real-world settings and develop resilience and leadership qualities focused on sustainability and related areas. The longer duration is structured to provide an immersive experience, to allow for deeper reflections, and valuable insights to make a lasting difference. "A Lifeline for Communities, A Launchpad for Youth" 6. "This funding is more than just a financial boost but a lifeline for communities and a launchpad for our youth to act as changemakers," said Mr. Hafiz Othman, Director of Emaan Catalyst Community Ltd. "We want every participant to return home not just with priceless memories, but with the mindset and skills to become global leaders in service and sustainability." Having already left a positive mark in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam, ECC is excited to extend its opportunities to other parts of Asia under the YEP. Mr Hafiz added, "These expeditions are at the heart of ECC's mission to empower youth through meaningful service and cross-cultural exchange. We aim to nurture more culturally aware changemakers who return to their communities equipped with the insights, skills, and confidence to lead and inspire." Nurturing a New Generation of Leaders 7. Mr Ong Kah Kuang, Executive Director, Youth Corps Singapore, echoed this sentiment: "We are happy to support Emaan Catalyst in their mission to empower communities through service-learning. This partnership will help develop Asia-ready youths who are socially and culturally aware, and also equip them with critical skills and confidence to execute impactful service projects in the region." Real Stories, Real Impact 8. Participants of ECC's service learning expeditions have shared valuable experiences. Ms Syasya Nadya Umairah, an NUS graduate and currently a nursing professional in the health industry,, reflected on her journey: "Being part of the ECC service-learning programme showed me how such collaborative projects can lead to real positive change in communities. From redecorating playgrounds to teaching local children, every action was deeply appreciated by the local community and developed a strong kinship between us. I highly encourage students to join these once-in-a-lifetime self-development opportunities while making a tangible difference in the lives of others." 9. ECC invites schools, IHLs, MMOs, youth organisations, and corporate entities to participate in these...