More avenues for youth to contribute to society: PM Wong

Many opportunities being created for them to make a positive impact, he says

- Elisha Tushara

As an ITE College Central student in 2014, Ms Sheila Manokaran, 29, was not keen on co-curricular activities, much less volunteering.

She was focused on getting into a polytechnic after completing her Higher Nitec in Process Plant Design.

After being nominated by her ITE principal to join the pioneer batch of Youth Corps Singapore leaders in June 2014, Ms Manokaran now helps youth groups, with a focus on building up their portfolio.

Today, she is a member of the Youth Corps Advisory Committee, and works with the Institute of Technical Education to develop internship opportunities for its students.

On July 6, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong celebrated the Youth Corps’ 10th anniversary at a carnival at *Scape.

It was established in June 2014 by PM Wong, who was then Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, to encourage youth volunteerism, and to foster a caring and cohesive society. Since then, it has grown from 90 youth leaders to about 30,000 members today.

It offers more than 20 programmes including local volunteering opportunities, such as senior befriending programmes, and literacy programmes for pre-schoolers.

PM Wong told the audience the Government will provide more opportunities for youth to contribute to society and make a positive impact, like what Ms Manokaran did.