A Gift of Hope: Igniting A Child’s Passion for Learning
Five-year-old Levon Sim dreams of becoming a doctor. But for children like her, the path of learning isn’t always easy.
Raised by her grandmother, Judy, who is her sole caregiver, Levon faced early challenges in school. She couldn’t recognise the alphabet, and coming from a Chinese-speaking background, English was especially difficult. When a social worker flagged her developmental delays, Judy knew Levon needed extra support – but she wasn’t sure where to turn.
That’s when she found TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA), a community-based programme supported by the Collective for a Stronger Society. TYA helps children from low-income and single-parent families through weekly academic coaching, enrichment activities, and values-based mentoring.
A Young Dreamer with Big Aspirations
Every Saturday, Levon eagerly steps into TYA Bukit Panjang Club, greeted by volunteers she affectionately calls jie jies and kor kors. There, she receives personalised literacy support through TYA’s Reading Odyssey – a literacy programme designed to help children build reading fluency and confidence.
She also works on basic math through fun, interactive lessons, guided by volunteer mentors like Cai Qi, who has been journeying with her since she first joined the club.
Dedicated volunteer coaches like Cai Qi provide weekly guidance, fostering growth and confidence in TYA children
“When Levon first joined, she couldn’t recognise the alphabet,” recalls Cai Qi. “Now, she confidently reads and explains storybooks,” shares Cai Qi.
Levon beams when she talks about her time at TYA.
“I love coming to TYA! The games are fun, and the jie jies and kor kors are kind to me,” she shares excitedly.
Through TYA’s reading programme and interactive activities, Levon has strengthened her problem-solving skills.
Building Character Through Play
Beyond academics, TYA nurtures character development through values-based games and team activities. These experiences teach patience, kindness, and respect, helping children grow emotionally and socially.
“As the youngest in the club, Levon receives so much love from all of us. She’s learned to share and express gratitude,” says Cai Qi.
Expanding Horizons Through Enrichment
During school holidays, TYA offers enrichment in STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), sports, and creative arts. Through these experiences, Levon has explored physics and engineering through hands-on experiments with her friends, broadening her curiosity and sharpening her critical thinking skills.
Spreading Hope, Inspiring Change
Judy has seen Levon’s transformation firsthand. “I never imagined she’d come this far at such a young age. TYA has built her confidence and love for learning.”
Inspired by TYA’s impact, Judy hopes to pay it forward as a volunteer when she retires. She has already introduced TYA to friends facing similar situations – spreading hope and support to more families.
“I hope others, who are struggling financially and are alone in caring for their children, will know that there is help,” she adds. “TYA has given us hope by strengthening Levon’s learning foundation and helping her dream bigger.
Empower Families, Transform Lives
The Collective for a Stronger Society brings together philanthropic donors, non-profits, and organisations to uplift families facing adversity.
Through CSS, your support will empower children like Levon with opportunities to thrive. Together, we can create lasting change: join us in uplifting families and children today.
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(Original story published in 2024)
Five-year-old Levon Sim dreams of becoming a doctor. But for children like her, the path of learning isn’t always easy.
Raised by her grandmother, Judy, who is her sole caregiver, Levon faced early challenges in school. She couldn’t recognise the alphabet, and coming from a Chinese-speaking background, English was especially difficult. When a social worker flagged her developmental delays, Judy knew Levon needed extra support - but she wasn’t sure where to turn.
That’s when she found TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA), a community-based programme supported by the Collective for a Stronger Society. TYA helps children from low-income and single-parent families through weekly academic coaching, enrichment activities, and values-based mentoring.
A Young Dreamer with Big Aspirations
Every Saturday, Levon eagerly steps into TYA Bukit Panjang Club, greeted by volunteers she affectionately calls jie jies and kor kors. There, she receives personalised literacy support through TYA’s Reading Odyssey – a literacy programme designed to help children build reading fluency and confidence.
She also works on basic math through fun, interactive lessons, guided by volunteer mentors like Cai Qi, who has been journeying with her since she first joined the club.
Dedicated volunteer coaches like Cai Qi provide weekly guidance, fostering growth and confidence in TYA children
“When Levon first joined, she couldn’t recognise the alphabet,” recalls Cai Qi. “Now, she confidently reads and explains storybooks,” shares Cai Qi.
Levon beams when she talks about her time at TYA.
“I love coming to TYA! The games are fun, and the jie jies and kor kors are kind to me,” she shares excitedly.
Through TYA’s reading programme and interactive activities, Levon has strengthened her problem-solving skills.
Building Character Through Play
Beyond academics, TYA nurtures character development through values-based games and team activities. These experiences teach patience, kindness, and respect, helping children grow emotionally and socially.
“As the youngest in the club, Levon receives so much love from all of us. She’s learned to share and express gratitude,” says Cai Qi.
Expanding Horizons Through Enrichment
During school holidays, TYA offers enrichment in STEM activities (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), sports, and creative arts. Through these experiences, Levon has explored physics and engineering through hands-on experiments with her friends, broadening her curiosity and sharpening her critical thinking skills.
Spreading Hope, Inspiring Change
Judy has seen Levon’s transformation firsthand. “I never imagined she’d come this far at such a young age. TYA has built her confidence and love for learning.”
Inspired by TYA’s impact, Judy hopes to pay it forward as a volunteer when she retires. She has already introduced TYA to friends facing similar situations – spreading hope and support to more families.
“I hope others, who are struggling financially and are alone in caring for their children, will know that there is help,” she adds. “TYA has given us hope by strengthening Levon’s learning foundation and helping her dream bigger.
Empower Families, Transform Lives
The Collective for a Stronger Society brings together philanthropic donors, non-profits, and organisations to uplift families facing adversity.
Through CSS, your support will empower children like Levon with opportunities to thrive. Together, we can create lasting change: join us in uplifting families and children today.
---
(Original story published in 2024)
