SHINE Newsletter (March Edition)
- SHINE Children and Youth Services
- Mar 5, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 20, 2024
Welcome to our newsletter, where we bring you the latest updates and insights from SHINE Children and Youth Services.
Beginning 2024, we will endeavour to provide you with regular updates on our programmes and events.
In This Issue:
Featured Stars:
Two shining stars from the STAR Programme, joined by students from Pacifica Music Academy, spread love and joy when their adorable video was shared on Valentine's Day. š
Volunteers Spotlight:
Discover the Heartwarming Stories of SHINE Volunteers: Spreading Joy and Inspiration Together! š
(1) Awards & Achievements:
Highlighting SHINE's commitment to excellence and children and youth empowerment
SHINE most recent awards and achievements š:
The Friends of MSF AwardĀ from the Ministry of Social & Family Development (MSF) affirms our commitment to supporting disadvantaged children and youth.
TheĀ Charity Transparency Award 2023 for the seond consecutive year, highlighting our commitment to transparency and governance excellence.
Our Youth Community Outreach Programme (COP) was recognised with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) National Day Award 2023, showcasing our dedication to community service & youth empowerment.
Associate Professor Peace Wong, a board member, was honored with the Outstanding Social Worker Award 2023 for her exceptional contributions to social work.
These prestigious accolades underscore our unwavering commitment to the children and youth in our community.
(2) SHINE Highlights:
Shining Bright: Empowering 100 Children Through STAR
SHINE launches STAR š:
The STAR programme is an eight-year mentoring initiative for children from low-income families aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty
Each child, from ages six to 14, will be paired with a full-time professional mentor, focusing on educational support and social-emotional development.
Trade and Industry Minister Gan Kim Yong highlights the importance of mentors in providing consistent support and fostering a growth mindset.
The programme targets children from government rental flats in Choa Chu Kang, Queenstown, and Lengkok Bahru, with plans for expansion to reach 100 children by 2025.
Based on the successful model of the Friends of the Children programme in the US, SHINE aims to provide a mentor for each child, with a projected return on investment of $7 for every $1.
SHINE partners with Research for Impact to assess the sustainability and potential scalability of the programme.
Initial funding from Octava Foundation and The Moh Family Foundation kick-starts the programme, with ongoing fundraising efforts essential for long-term success.
Testimonials from parents highlight the positive impact of the programme on their children's development and readiness for school.
In closing, the STAR programme stands as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards brighter futures for our children and breaking barriers to create a more equitable society
'Just Fur Fun': The Transformative Impact of Animal-assisted Care Programme
SHINE launches 'Just Fur Fun' š»:
The 'Just Fur Fun' (JFF) programme is a unique initiative aimed at enhancing the mental well-being of young individuals in Singapore. Supported by the National Youth Fund (NYF) and the Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, JFF provides mental health support for youths aged 15 to 25 through animal-assisted care activities. This innovative programme leverages the therapeutic benefits of interactions with animals to create a supportive and nurturing environment for participants.
By partnering with reputable organizations and conducting extensive research, SHINE ensures ethical practices and the well-being of both participants and furry companions. Through JFF sessions, participants have the opportunity to develop coping strategies, improve self-esteem, and foster meaningful connections with peers and facilitators. The success of the program is evident in the positive feedback from participants, who report feelings of joy and calmness during interactions with the animals.
As we continue to navigate the challenges of mental health awareness, SHINE remains committed to providing accessible and effective support for youths in need. Join us in our mission to promote mental well-being and resilience in the community.
(3) Events and Volunteer Opportunities Updates:
Exciting announcements about upcoming events and ways to get involved
Take a moment to explore the various opportunities š:
Inter-school NERF Competition @ Clementi CC
Date: 11 Mar (9am - 6pm)
Happy Hour @ NTUC Health Nursing Home Jurong West
20 Apr (11 am - 2 pm / 2.30 pm - 4.30 pm)
24 May (2.30 pm - 5.30 pm / 6 pm - 9 pm)
17 Jul (2.30 pm - 5.30 pm / 6 pm - 9 pm)
Click hereĀ for more details.
Karaoke with Seniors @ Meeting Point 128
Dates: 14 Mar, 21 Mar, 28 Mar (1.30 pm - 4.30 pm)
Click hereĀ for more details.
RISE @ Enabling Service Hub - Gaming at Heartbeat Bedok
21 Mar (1.30pm - 4.30pm)
24 Mar (9.30am - 2pm)
28 Mar (1.30pm - 4.30pm)
Ā Volunteer Tutor (JC General Paper)
Provide extra help in JC General Paper to students. Supporting JC students from low-income households who have received scholarships.
Requirements:Ā Competent with JC General Paper syllabus, comfortable working with JC students, commit at least 3 months
Date & Time:Ā To be coordinated by staff
Contact: Ms. Rachel Wong at rachel_wong@shine.org.sg, 86846396 for details
Youth Inspirator
Queensway Secondary School-SHINE Mentoring Programme, focusing on positive youth development through school-based mentoring
Requirements:
Minimum 18 years old (*Mentees are 15 years old)
Commitment to all mentoring sessions (dates shared during screening interview)
Developmental attitude towards youths; prior youth work experience is a bonus
Date & Time:
Tuesdays, 12:30 - 3 pm @ Queensway Secondary. Weekly sessions from now to the end of August 2024. No sessions during the March and June school term breaks.
Contact:Ā Ms. Sheryl Ng at sheryl_ng@shine.org.sgĀ or 93623080 for details
We appreciate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Let's work together to create memorable experiences and spread joy within our community!
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We look forward to your feedback on our newsletter, which you will receive every quarter.
Let us know what you think, or if there are features that you would like to see more of.
Please send your comments and suggestions to cp@shine.org.sg.
SHINE On!
Mr Lee Seng Meng
Executive Director
SHINE Children and Youth Services
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