YMCA International | Singapore University Program
Touching Lives, Lifting Spirits
As part of WAH’s strategy of engaging in targeted partnerships, YMCA & Singapore Universities have established a program that empowers young people through their supportive role in sustainable impact, covering infrastructure, education and medical initiatives, linked to YMCA International Service & Youth Expedition Program (YEP), & Singapore’s world leading tertiary institutions.
Funds from the National Youth Council Singapore help support YEP volunteers, which enables youths to embark on service-learning expeditions to make a difference to overseas communities across South-East Asia.
YMCA and WAH have identified ways of providing an effective response to basic community needs: health, education, productivity & local economic activity. During the first year in 2017, YMCA volunteer students helped educate villagers on a specific healthcare project, nutritional benefits of rice water for the sick, and de-hydrated children.
In 2018, our healthcare initiative was expanded into a broader collaboration with MoH Doctors and Medical School Students:-
Main MoH Goals:
Share medical knowledge through Nursing workshops – local health clinics are keen to improve on basic health assessment skills, especially certain areas:-
Respiratory system, Basic Cardiac Life Support, Basic Anatomy, Physical examination,
For future teams: Cardiovascular & Gastrointestinal systems.
Work to improve health education in schools (hygiene, oral health and menstruation for girls)
In 2020, a new virtual NUS Pharmacy training program addressed the major issue of over-the-counter medicine misuse, and well as general health & hygiene. For 2021, a new series of virtual instruction is planned with leading Universities, including NUS, SMU & SUTD. A post-stroke Physio-Rehab program is also proposed to enhance coordination and improve quality of life through a wellness program. The goal is to reduce the burden to care givers and enable more independent living again.
