The Youth Celebrate! event on July 26 was a huge encouragement for young people, and a recognition of their accomplishments in sports, academics and the arts, and their efforts in achieving the best for their schools and the nation ("Stretch your limits, PM tells Singapore youth"; July 27).

The young are the future of our country, and give vitality and strength to the nation. A tolerant society, a safe environment and a good education give hope to the nation's future generation.

Singapore has provided us with these building blocks. We should be grateful and not take anything here for granted.

Wong Yu An, 14,
Secondary 2 student

CALLING YOUNG READERS: If you are 21 or below and want to air your opinion on any article or letter in The Straits Times, e-mail your letter to stforum@sph.com.sg with the header "Voices of Youth". Do include your age, educational level and contact details, together with the headline of the article/letter you refer to.