Young Singaporeans return from community project service in Punjab

Nineteen young Singaporeans returned on22 December 2006 from a journey of selfless and charitable service in aid of underpriviledged and needy children in Punjab, India. They had left for Punjab on 7 December 2006 under YSA’s Project Khwaish VI banner. Khwaish means hope or aspirations in Punjabi.

The project represented a truly Singaporean ethic flavour. It comprised all the religious and racial groups on the island, namely, six Chinese, two Malay/Muslims, two Indians and nine Sikhs. This is in line with YSA’s spirit of inclusiveness, reaching out to the youth from all walks of life and backgrounds.

During the project, the team set up a library and a computer-cum-multi purpose hall in a school in Dhembru Khurd village in Moga. They also catalogued the books and conducted briefing sessions for the teachers to manage the library and the computer room. They made library cards for all the school children. The participants had collected 1,300 books, seven computers and 30kg of clothes and toys over a two-month period for the project. They have also prepared stationery gift sets for the 300 children at the school.

The participants also spruced up the school and painted its walls, conducted workshops for the teachers and held interaction sessions with the children. They also distributed toys and clothes to the children and the needy in the local community.

The project is supported by Air Sahara (as the official airline), the Youth Expedition Project at the National Youth Council, Lee Foundation, TriStar Electronics, and individual donors and well- wishers