From rental flats to community leaders: Meet the tweens on patrol and the youths playing sepak takraw and performing ‘getai’

The club is intentionally designed to encourage children to develop an interest in community connections and take up leadership roles – a “more kind, caring” environment where kids can “learn better behaviours”, said Ya Xuan.

Ms Gan said: “The impact is doubled, because … it’s not us telling them what to do. It’s their own community members influencing them.”

Education Minister Desmond Lee – who is also Member of Parliament (MP) for the Boon Lay area – told CNA TODAY that he has seen many children grow into caring, confident young adults with the club’s support. Boon Lay is part of West Coast-Jurong West Group Representation Constituency.

“When youths from vulnerable backgrounds step forward to serve, they gain a greater sense of purpose, grow in confidence and recognise that they too can contribute to the community,” said Mr Lee. 

“The residents they serve often feel a stronger sense of trust and connection, knowing that support is coming from someone who (comes) from similar circumstances and understands their journey.”

In Lengkok Bahru, the emergency response team members have become young experts of the area. They’re now adept at picking up on subtle signs they might have overlooked before – for example, that a foul smell that may indicate animal hoarding or an elderly neighbour in distress.

Zuanita and Nur’s mother is Ms Nasita Nasrul, 32, who works in a community and operations role in a social enterprise. 

“We just moved in here about a year ago, so I’m still learning about the neighbours as well,” she said. “Now, (after patrolling with the team), they know which neighbours need help and what they can do better.”