The internship has been really helpful in letting me know more about social issues faced by the community, especially through learning journeys to community spaces such as the enabling village. Such learning journeys allowed me to personally observe how different spaces are adjusted and equipped with different facilities for different target groups. I also learnt about analysing policy interactions as well as how to plan, monitor and evaluate interventions, so as to improve on the interventions for the different groups, ensuring better effectiveness of the policy, as well as a better outcome for the community.

I found the sessions that we had as Cahaya Interns really insightful and I really learnt a lot. In the two sessions we had, we visited rental flats and the Enabling Village, coupled with many deep discussions that helped me truly understand different facets of society better. I am really looking forward to more of such sessions exploring the various intricacies of society to contribute more as mature citizens.

I've done my fair share of tutoring projects, but Inspire has truly been different from the rest as there is a real and deep bond between the volunteers and the children, which really allows the programme to feel like a second home and for the children to have trusted adults to share their problems with and talk to. Personally, I've learnt so much from just a short six months of volunteering -- to listen, to communicate and to empathise -- and have also been inspired significantly by witnessing the growth of the children and the commitment of other volunteers. It's been an incredibly fun and meaningful journey and I am excited for more.

When I first started attending the first few sessions, I was really afraid that I could not portray a good enough image as a role model to the children. However, the factor that allowed me to settle in quickly was the children themselves. They are very active and welcoming even though it was a new face. Soon enough after a few sessions, I was able to build and develop personal bonds with the children. They may be mischievous and rebellious at times, but there are always reasons behind why they acted the way they did. Being a mentor means being the person the children need, either to look up to or talk to, an alternative to their family members. With Inspire’s objective to engage the children in activities in their own space, we play a significant role as the bonds formed with the children will encourage them to return more frequently. I am very thankful for each and every child and fellow volunteer who had shared their time to guide me into this new journey.

“Guiding the kids and witnessing their growth has inspired my personal development - in patience, in kindness and in fortitude. Children, as any other humans, face adversity in their lives and it is encouraging to see them face it with bravery and perseverance.”

“I find the programme meaningful as it provides an extra layer of support in the children overall development especially during their holiday period. The programme helps grow and inculcate values such as team-work, creative mindset and perseverance through a range of activities (e.g. interactive team work sessions, sports day and art and craft.) Through the programme, I managed to build a rapport with them and get to listen to their stories.They often face challenging circumstances from young which are mostly beyond their control but have a big impact on them in the future. Which is why, I learnt the importance of early intervention. I also picked up the skill of being a good listener and realised that to get through them, you have to come in on neutral ground and be creative and persistent in your approach.”