Voices of youth

Youth volunteer groups play key role

Youngsters' passion for volunteering usually starts in school, with school visits to senior activity centres and overseas community involvement projects.

These activities expose young people to community service and help them find out how they can give back to the community.

When their interest has been sparked, they then venture into more programmes. Organisations like Team Ardor are important in providing a platform for them to explore more community service activities with like-minded youth volunteers ("Passion for volunteerism"; July 11).

These independent, non-school based organisations give youngsters a sense of freedom in terms of expression and leeway to come up with innovative ideas for different community service projects.

It is heartening to read that Team Ardor has 120 members, despite its lack of affiliation with schools.

Perhaps its success can be due to its relatability and appeal to a younger group of people, as it was started by an 18-year-old student.

Such youth-initiated organisations are crucial in developing and expanding young people's passion for volunteerism. I hope to see more of them in the future.

Kuek Yan Ling, 16,

Secondary 4 student

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on September 07, 2016, with the headline Youth volunteer groups play key role. Subscribe