Official launch of Project Aramsay

A community engagement project supported by the Tote Board

3rd March 2009 witnessed the successful launch of Project Aramsay, a $1.26 million initiative jointly funded by the Singapore Totalisator Board and Republic Polytechnic. Blessed with some light showers, the event was graced by Tote Board’s Chief Executive, Mr Tan Soo Nan and Republic Polytechnic’s CEO/Principal, Mr Yeo Li Pheow.

The event also saw members from the respective Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs) coming together to witness and learn more about this programme. On-site, guests were treated to a live demonstration by the Republic Polytechnic students on the various elements at the Centre namely, low elements, the 12m high ropes course, abseiling off the 18m tower and the latest addition to the facility, the Adventure Learning Centre (ALC) maze.

Aram-se. In Hindi, this means to give ease and restore to health; being at ease with oneself and others. Aptly, a first-of-its-kind programme targeted at giving troubled Singapore youths a renewed sense of self-worth has been named Project Aramsay. This community engagement programme is expected to reach out to 2,000 youths, aged 13 to 21, over the next two years.The three-phased programme involves outdoor team-building activities conducted at RP’s Adventure Learning Centre and ending off with a 3D 2N mobile camp in Pulau Ubin.

In between activities, trained counselors and ALC trainers facilitate debrief sessions to help participants relate to their daily lives to deal with issues at a personal and interpersonal level, and helping them develop life skills such as making responsible choices. Developing communication skills and the ability to socialize and trust is another of the pilot programme's main thrust. It is hoped that Project Aramsay will give formerly wayward youths the chance to discover their innate characteristics and develop strength and resilience.