Learning Buddies

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Learning Buddies [previously known as HOPE Tuition] aims to enable holistic learning for youths. This programme supports youths through the provision of free tutoring by professional educators and enrichment sessions (e.g. Arts & Craft, Outdoor Play) led by dedicated volunteers Learning Buddies who also act as positive role models and mentors to the students.

To further bolster our programme participants’ learning, bursaries are awarded at the end of each academic semester.

From 2015 to 2022 , a total of 84 primary and secondary students have benefitted from this initiative. During school holidays, we also arrange face-to-face enrichment activities and excursions for the kids during pre-COVID times and virtual life-skill and interest-based workshops during the recent COVID period.

We acknowledge the support of corporate partners, volunteers from the Campus Ministry of Central Christian Church (CCC) and other individual volunteers for helping us with make a difference in the lives of the youth beneficiaries.

Testimonials from our Volunteers

Ms Vivian Chong, Student Volunteer for the past 3.5 years

I am blessed to be able to grow up with proper education. I have always felt that education is important and I want to be able to help this group of children who may have limited access to external help, apart from what their schools are offering. What really excites me is to see the students being proactive and motivated to do their best. I am happy when I see them enjoying their studies. I am touched by the generosity and gratitude of the students and their families. I remember this girl who gave snacks to all the volunteer teachers every lesson; it reminds me to be grateful for the simple things in life.

Mr Jeremy Chendrawan, Student Volunteer for the past 4 years

As a volunteer for the Learning Buddies, my challenge was my insecurity over my capability. I have never been good with children, so as I try to teach them, I sometimes question whether I am doing a good job. I overcame this by reminding myself that I serve in faith and with good intentions.

Ms Ruth Teo, Volunteer for the past 7 years

Volunteering has been a learning and growth journey for me. It brings me great joy to see the children in the Learning Buddies progress week after week in both their confidence and academic skills. What excites me the most is creatively working through each child’s challenges. I look forward to brainstorming with the team what to prepare for the next tuition session and how we can engage the children and nurture their love for learning.

Mr Lim Tian Yi, Student Volunteer for the past 3 years

Volunteering in the Learning Buddies has been an eye-opening journey for me, from teaching the children, understanding the challenges they face in learning, to liaising with the parents and listening to their hopes for their children. One challenge we faced is continuity for the volunteer tutors. We started an initiative for the volunteer tutors to have an After-Action Review after each tuition session and to log the progress of the children as well. This helped a new batch of tutors to continue where the previous batch left off. We also have regular pairings of tutors and children so that they can bond, fostering respect and allowing the tutors to better understand the needs of the children.