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Community Chest Project elevate Singapore

Community Chest, Singapore

Through its ELEVATE programme, our partner equipped and empowered disadvantaged students at risk of dropping out of higher education by providing mentorship support and community-related work experience

Through its ELEVATE programme, our partner equipped and empowered disadvantaged students at risk of dropping out of higher education by providing mentorship support and community-related work experience.

(Programme concluded and no longer supported by the Trafigura Foundation)

Students from disadvantaged backgrounds studying at Singapore’s three Institutes of Technical Education often struggle with financial issues, difficult family dynamics and other challenges that impact their studies.

Community Chest, the philanthropic arm of Singapore's National Council of Social Service, has designed "ELEVATE", a 24-week programme, through which students were provided with mentorship, financial support and invited to participate in a community social project related to their course of study.

The practical application of what they learn helps boost the students’ confidence and highlights the relevance of their education to “real-life” situations. Moreover, students received token grants for the delivery of their project, enabling them to manage their financial burdens without needing to take on a temporary or part-time job which could distract them from their studies.

In addition, students benefitted from a sustained relationship with social service professionals in charge of the programme. These relationships acted as a key protective factor, enabling students to tide through difficult times without feeling isolated.

“I’ve grown a lot through this programme and learnt to take more initiative when solving problems or managing interpersonal conflicts. I also had the opportunity to take on a leadership role for the first time and through that experience, I have learnt to be more self-disciplined and confident in taking action,” a student reveals.

Trafigura Foundation supported project ELEVATE through a three-year partnership during the period 2017-2020.

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