With a never-say-die spirit, CampusImpact supports the aspirations of local youths and serves their needs.
They say that youth is the most crucial period in life. It’s when we gain the most experiences, learn new things, and explore many possibilities.
But the journey toward adulthood can also be intimidating.
Some people look back and think about those who have made a significant impact on their lives during their teenage years. Others wish they were able to get advice and guidance when they were younger.
This is where CampusImpact steps in. Working with schools, grassroots leaders, and youths in Singapore to help students achieve their academic goals and learn practical skills, such as cyber-wellness and money management, the organisation particularly aims to support disadvantaged kids and their families.
Having the heart to serve the local community
For the last 12 years, CampusImpact has been continuously helping youths to navigate their journey from childhood to adulthood.
These days, many youths struggle to keep up with school and are incredibly stressed out. A study by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2019 found that three in four Singapore students have a fear of failure. Even students who have been achieving academic excellence often experience high levels of anxiety.
At their centre in a void deck in Yishun, CampusImpact provides refuge and a place for youths to learn how to handle disruptions and changes in their lives.
“We do what we do because we love children and believe that they have much to offer the world,” says Elysa Chen, Executive Director of CampusImpact.
After serving and volunteering overseas, Chen realised that there is much work to be done for local youths as well. Believing that youths are important members of society, the organisation sees the need to guide them in various aspects of their lives and also work with their family members to create the conditions for them to thrive.
What keeps CampusImpact going is their belief in the long-lasting impact of their programmes on youths.
Chen thinks of bougainvillea flowers when she sees the CampusImpact community.
“It’s a plant that can thrive even for long periods without rainfall. Many of our clients and even staff members have to bloom even in very harsh conditions, yet, their lives are full of zest, full of beauty, full of joy. That’s what makes serving here so special,” she says.
It’s not just about helping youths with their academics. It’s also about creating a nurturing environment for them to thrive and learn more about themselves.
Going the extra mile to address the needs of local youths through programmes and support
CampusImpact offers a variety of programmes that target the different needs of local youths. Programmes like the Learning Curve and Study Buddy Latch-Key Kid Programme focus on academic support, Evolve provides older youths with a drop-in space, while Art Therapy and counselling help with personal development.
In designing its programmes, CampusImpact acknowledges the importance of both physical and emotional wellbeing.
“As a social service agency that supports disadvantaged kids and their families, CampusImpact gives children and youths the right conditions to thrive by providing them with a safe physical space, nurturing adult role models, and [improves] their lives through the joy of a values-led education and focused academic support,” explains Chen.
The restrictions of social distancing due to Covid-19 did not stop the CampusImpact community from maintaining bonds and actively participating in programmes.
Volunteers from schools and partner organisations such as Heartware Network collaborated with staff members to come up with creative solutions to increase engagement through bi-weekly sharing and equipping sessions. They also recruited their friends to ensure that there would not be a lack of human resources.
“Trying to engage [the students] online was a gargantuan task which [the volunteers and staff members] rose admirably to. It was fantastic to see what the volunteers achieved when they came together and worked together. Because of them, we were able to transit our Study Buddy and Learning Curve classes online very smoothly,” says Chen.
Although local holiday programmes couldn’t continue due to physical restrictions, the Study Buddies were able to “travel” virtually to places through the online sessions with volunteers from Heartware Network. Mentors also played online games with mentees while having conversations about what comprises a community and helping youths renew pledges to the community. Mega Zoom Parties for Study Buddies are another way for students to relax and unwind by playing games and sharing updates on their lives.
These activities serve to strengthen bonds among members and provide them with emotional support, even if they aren’t able to meet up physically.
Creating a sense of belonging is also vital to CampusImpact. That’s why for every programme, there are teachers to increase familiarity with the students and create a comfortable environment for self-expression.
Growing alongside members of the CampusImpact community
Members play a crucial role in shaping the CampusImpact community. They are encouraged to take ownership of the programmes and come up with ideas and suggestions for improvements.
The community emphasises providing a caring and nurturing environment for students to open up. One-on-one time allows volunteers and staff to better understand the needs of youths, build rapport, and break down any barriers put up, according to Chen.
Increased staff strength throughout the years has added energy and more joy as they work in synergy within the team.
Chen believes that programme leaders also influence the culture of the community by cultivating a virtuous cycle during programmes in which leaders initiate and members reciprocate. As the cycle repeats, the culture strengthens and re-establishes itself.
Uniting through diversity and maintaining an authentic culture
CampusImpact welcomes children from all walks of life.
“We have kept our doors open to any child that wants our services, and that has resulted in some measure of diversity,” says Chen.
This makes the CampusImpact community a melting pot with a common culture.
“We are authentic, we are willing to try, and we have ‘one-ness’ despite being from very different backgrounds,” adds Chen.
To further reinforce the CampusImpact culture, there are various practices that members do together.
For example, Miracle Story Sharing sessions allow staff members to reiterate values within the team. These are weekly meetings where staff share stories about experiences that have made an impact on youths.
The team also establishes Chill Out Time when students can reflect on their behaviour.
Through a holistic approach, the community hopes to cultivate an authentic culture that allows community members to thrive and achieve.
Celebrating successes reminds them of their purpose
CampusImpact defines success as members achieving their personal goals and aspirations.
This is why celebrating successes is important, as it serves as a timely reminder of CampusImpact’s purpose in forming this community.
Whether it’s in the form of Weekly Miracle Story Sharing or choosing the child of the week, the community makes it a point to acknowledge members’ achievements.
“These celebrations remind us of why we do what we do. They show us what the end-goal is and they fuel our passion day after day,” shares Chen.
She and her team also believe that dedication and continuity indicate success, especially when students, volunteers and interns come back to serve or when clients speak well of their programmes.
Even after graduating from programmes, youths often come back and serve as Study Buddy Guardians and Study Buddy Captains. Knowing that youths are actively giving back to the community is a massive success to CampusImpact, something which was amplified after CampusImpact was appointed as the Volunteer Centre for Yishun Town by SG Cares in August this year.
But success is not limited to their community members.
“It is our hope at CampusImpact that every single person who walks through our doors would leave a better person. This is true for the clients, the volunteers, the staff members, and even the random auntie who needs to use our toilet,” says Chen.
CampusImpact’s vision is to touch the hearts of everyone, regardless of who they are.
For your reflection:
- What motivates you to keep serving your community?
- How do you support your community members’ emotional wellbeing?
- How significant a role does community play in shaping the community’s culture?
- How important is diversity in your community? How is diversity harnessed to strengthen your community?
- How do you celebrate successes (or each other) in your community?
