One hundred young volunteers took part in YouthGiving24, a 24-hour islandwide service effort organised by the SINDA Youth Club (SYC) in collaboration with community organisations on 23 November 2025. The initiative placed youths directly on the ground – from community kitchens and children’s programmes to food rescue operations, migrant outreach and overnight clean-ups. The objective was to expose them to “real needs” and strengthen their sense of responsibility to the community.

Across the day, volunteers rotated through activities run by partner organisations, including a soup kitchen, a health and wellness roadshow, children’s engagement, programmes for persons with intellectual disabilities, an elderly excursion, food rescue, befriending migrant workers, food distribution to rough sleepers and an early-morning urban clean-up. Many were stepping into such frontline environments for the first time.

Small gestures, big impact

For several volunteers, the experience left a strong impression. “Working closely with our migrant brothers made me realise how similar we all are as humans,” said Selvam Sangreeth, 18. “Seeing them smile at the simplest activities reminded me that even small gestures can brighten someone’s entire day.”

“Health education in our community is something we cannot take for granted, especially with the high rates of metabolic disease.”

– Sruthi Muralikrishna, 22, SYC Volunteer

Beyond carrying out tasks, YouthGiving24 emphasised critical reflection. Throughout the 24 hours, SYC coaches and senior youth leaders held short debriefs prompting volunteers to consider what they had observed, how beneficiaries might feel and how issues such as loneliness, food insecurity and social exclusion affect families and individuals. These discussions helped link practical service to wider social challenges.

Realities of life

For some, the sessions deepened their understanding of community work. “I learnt how much effort goes into caring for children and families who don’t always get the support they need,” said Saranisha D/O Saravanan, 23. “It made me more patient, more aware and more motivated to keep contributing.”

Leadership development was one of the objectives of the programme. Senior youth leaders guided newer volunteers, coordinated logistics and ensured on-site safety, demonstrating the teamwork and accountability central to SYC’s youth development approach. Community partners played a key role by creating accessible, structured and meaningful opportunities for engagement.

For others, the experience offered insight into the realities by some of the beneficiaries. “I wasn’t aware of what rough sleepers face until I met them directly,” said Abay Sugumaran, 19. “It showed me that empathy grows when you step out of your comfort zone.”