Elfi’s enthusiasm stands out above all else. Despite her smile being covered by her mask, one can tell that she is smiling through her crinkling eyes which are immediately disarming.
At 26, Elfi has a youthful aura about her. Her positive energy remains unwavered as she shares her experiences with CARE Singapore, an organisation that helps at-risk youths such as those from low-income families by offering Positive Youth Development programmes and other resources for help.
Joining A CARE Singapore Programme
When Elfi was a student at Pasir Ris Secondary School, Elfi was introduced to CARE Singapore’s programmes. “When the instructors from CARE first came, they first conducted activities outside the classroom. We then moved back into the classroom environment,” Elfi recalled, noting that these activities helped the class warm up to the programme.
CARE Singapore also organised annual camps. “The camp was really fun and meaningful”, Elfi laughed. “On the last night, there was an emotional session called ‘Family Circle’ which gave students a chance to reflect on their family dynamics.” Elfi reflected on how meaningful those moments were for her and her peers, “It was the first time anyone had asked us to deeply reflect about our families.”
To Elfi, the teachers from CARE felt more like friends. “When we won ‘Most Improved Class’, we were rewarded with a barbecue at Pasir Ris Park. Three of the teachers came, and we could just enjoy ourselves.” Through CARE’ Singapore’s programmes, Elfi and her peers got to visit popular local destinations such as Resorts World Sentosa. While these could seem like mere outings, they meant so much more to the students. These outings encouraged them to expand their horizons and dream big.
Working At CARE Singapore
Upon graduating from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and learning about counseling and psychology through her Health Services Management course at Republic Polytechnic, CARE Singapore remained at the back of Elfi’s mind. “I tend to take a bus that passed CARE Singapore all the time, so that really reminded me of the times that I had with CARE as a student,” Elfi commented. This encouraged Elfi to join CARE Singapore as a Youth Worker Assistant in 2019.
Since joining CARE, Elfi has been responsible for their new mentoring programme that is a one-to-one programme that matches each student with a mentor.
The first run of this mentorship programme started in 2019 and ended in mid-2020. As it started before the Covid-19 situation, the mentors were initially able to meet their mentees physically. These initial face-to-face sessions made it easier to transition to remote mentoring sessions. The second run of the mentorship programme will be commencing in February this year.
“It is so important to have positive role models. I hope to make a meaningful difference to these youth in need of guidance during their formative years,” Elfi expressed sincerely.
The Importance of Empowering Youth
Elfi talked about the struggles of the children and youth under CARE Singapore. “Some of them can’t even afford to have food during recess. It really does come down to ensuring they can have essentials such as food on the table.”
Whilst there are resources such as The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and MOE’s Financial Assistance Scheme, Elfi noticed that most parents from low-income families do not know how to apply for help. Due to being less technologically savvy, many do not know much about the process, or what kind of help is made available. “That’s where CARE Singapore steps in. We help families apply [to financial assistance schemes], and we give out groceries to the students,” Elfie added. “Hence it is important to empower the younger generation and equip them with the right skills and mindset, so they can help their families.”
Elfi continues her work in CARE Singapore with a willingness to learn, not just from her colleagues’ caring spirit but also from the youth who exemplify resilience.
Elfi is confident about the importance of mentoring to lift low-income children out of poverty. Mentoring is a way to intervene early and holistically. “Mentoring programmes are crucial to those who do not have positive adult role models in their lives,” Elfi elaborated. “Everyday Singaporeans who are leading their lives as working adults with healthy family lives can provide insights that can benefit these children and youth. Such insights open their minds to different experiences, boosting their self-confidence,” Elfi concluded.
Do not underestimate the impact you can make. Contribute to CARE Singapore or start your volunteering journey with them: https://www.giving.sg/web/children-at-risk-empowerment-association
To explore more key issues which low income families face, check out: https://cityofgood.sg/sector-insights/low-income-families/
