Making a meaningful impact through volunteering can be daunting, especially when communicating with those who can’t verbally respond. Yet, a group of Nanyang Technological University (NTU) students took on this challenge, successfully running a three-day and two-night camp for deaf youth in 2023.
Kho Jia Xuan, an NTU student leading the team, shared her experience and the unique approach they took: “We decided not to work for, but with the deaf community – they are just like any one of us.”
Taking the Baton Forward: The Legacy of NTU Students
Source: WFDYS Youth Camp 2023
These NTU students wanted to continue the legacy of their predecessors at Camp OutReach (COR), a voluntary organization that used to volunteer overseas at a school for the deaf.
In recent years, COR has started organizing Local Deaf Camps in Singapore, providing a safe space for deaf youth and COR members to interact, learn, and bond.
NTU Students Learn While They Serve
Alongside serving the deaf community, these NTU students also saw this as a chance to hone their leadership and planning skills and deepen their understanding of Singapore’s diverse community.
To prepare for the camp, the team attended compulsory Singapore Sign Language (SgSL) lessons, demonstrating their commitment to effective communication with the deaf community.
Source: WFDYS Youth Camp 2023
Overcoming Obstacles
Contrary to what one might think, language was not the biggest hurdle for these NTU students. Instead, they faced challenges such as insufficient sign-ups from the deaf community, difficulty securing accommodations, and lack of cash sponsorships. Despite these obstacles, the students’ determination remained unwavering. Their perseverance paid off when they received the National Youth Council’s Young ChangeMakers (YCM) grant, which supports youth-initiated projects that benefit the Singapore community and society.
NTU Students Inspiring Change
The journey of these NTU students serves as an inspiration for all. Despite the challenges, their commitment to making a difference in the lives of the deaf youth prevailed. Their story illustrates how the youth can drive change, break barriers, and foster inclusivity in our society.
Seeing how these NTU students have made a difference might inspire you and your children to do something similar. There’s a wonderful opportunity available called the YCM grant.
Kho Jia Xuan, one of the student leaders, shared that she appreciates how this grant makes it easier for young people to start their own projects that benefit society.
This could be a great way for your children to learn about giving back to the community.
Why not follow in the footsteps of these dedicated students and encourage your children to start making a positive impact today?
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