More than $850k raised for Singapore Children’s Society in annual walk

SINGAPORE – The Singapore Children’s Society raised more than $850,000 from its annual fund-raiser walk and family day, which drew 4,200 people to the National Stadium on Aug 17.

The event this year, called Walk For Our Children, was organised to spur young families to get active and to teach parents how to help their teenage children strengthen their emotional well-being and resilience.

Throughout the 2km route along the National Stadium and Geylang River, placards and boards provided information on how to help young people, using a framework for developmental relationships.

The framework comprises five elements: expressing care to young people, supporting them, stretching their growth, giving young people a say in matters, and expanding their worldview and connections.

Since 2022, the society’s four youth centres have been working with teenagers using this framework.

“In day-to-day interactions, the centre’s staff will utilise the developmental relationships approach to challenge growth by pushing the youths to do better in their academics or personal interests, hold them accountable for their actions, and guide them on reflecting on their mistakes,” said Mr Taufiq Salehoodin, assistant director and head of youth centre The Fort @ Children’s Society in Radin Mas.

Mastering developmental relationships has been linked to improved academic performance, better emotional regulation and stronger interpersonal skills, said the society in its biannual report published in March.

Of the five elements, the centre’s staff struggled the most with the “challenge growth” pillar, which involves stretching their limits and helping the students deal with mistakes and setbacks, a recent survey by the four youth centres found.

Health Minister Ong Ye Kung attended the Aug 17 event, which also included a 5km run and carnival activities.

Proceeds raised through ticket sales, donations and sponsorships will support the programmes and services run by the Singapore Children’s Society.

Apart from Radin Mas, the other three youth centres are in Toa Payoh, Jurong and Chai Chee. These centres are not just for at-risk youth but any teen looking for a space after school, added Mr Taufiq.

The four centres, of which the oldest in Toa Payoh is 25 years old, have different ways of engaging the youth.

For example, students at Mr Taufiq’s centre are usually busy with leading community programmes and running a podcast, while the centre at Chai Chee helps students through digital platforms and games.

Mr Tian Enqi, 36, his wife and their two toddlers were among the 4,200 people who took part in the fund-raising event.

“The event and leisurely walk were fun for the kids, who are of the right age to join and play,” said the senior manufacturing manager.

The Singapore Children’s Society event was part of Singapore Pools’ SG60 weekend event – called Weekend with A Heart – which featured futsal and e-sports matches, alongside other family activities.

In a charity football match on Aug 16, several MPs and ministers played against former national footballers, including Fandi Ahmad, Baihakki Khaizan and Jeremy Chiang.

The politicians in the parliamentary team included Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth David Neo, Acting Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow, Leader of the Opposition Pritam Singh, and Minister of State for Education and Digital Development and Information Jasmin Lau.