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Republic Polytechnic (RP) reaches out to youths-at-risk by launching an
"adventure assimilation" programme.
ARAM-SE. In Hindi, this means to give ease and restore health; being at ease
with oneself and others. Aptly, a first-of-its kind programme targeted at giving
youths-at-risk a renewed sense of self-worth has been named Project Aramsay.
Jointly funded by the Singapore Totalisator Board and RP, this $1.26 million
initiative offers participants opportunities to learn about themselves and
society through a series of adventure-learning programmes.
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RP Principal/CEO Mr Yeo Li Pheow (left) and Mr Tan Soo Nan, Chief Executive of Singapore Totalisator Board, at the official launch of Project Aramsay. |
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Launched in March 2009 with 20 male students from Swiss Cottage Secondary
School as participants, Project Aramsay is expected to reach out to 2,000
youths, aged 13 to 21, over two years.
The three-phased programme involves outdoor team-building activities such as
scaling and abseiling, conducted at RP's Adventure Learning Centre (ALC) in
Woodlands, and a two-night camp on Pulau Ubin. In between activities,
counsellors facilitate debrief sessions to find out how Project Aramsay has
helped participants deal with issues at a personal and interpersonal level.
Says Wilson Ang, Deputy Director, Office of Student and Graduate Affairs,
"Using adventure education as a form of re-education is practiced in countries
such as United Kingdom, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand with positive
outcomes."
The key thing is for participants to develop life skills such as making
responsible choices. Developing communication skills and the ability to
socialise and trust is also part of the pilot programme's overall objectives. It
is hoped that Project Aramsay will give youths-at-risk the chance to discover
their innate characteristics and develop strength and resilience.
Participants are recommended by school counsellors and voluntary welfare
organisations such as Youth Guidance Outreach Services. In the near future,
youths from Assumption Pathway School, Bedok Town Secondary, Fei Yue Family
Service Centre and more will be taking part in Project Aramsay - RP's way of
extending its social responsibility to the community-at-large.
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Outdoor team-building activities as a form of re-education
can bring about positive outcomes. |
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