NANYANG Polytechnic (NYP) of Singapore continues its commitment to holistic student development through its co-curricular activities (CCA), with the latest initiative being the NYP Youth Expedition Project (YEP) Philippines 2024.

Collaborating with Youth Corps Singapore, the project aims to nurture confident and resilient youths, fostering active citizenship and global engagement.

During the expedition, students engaged in various activities that fostered understanding with the local community.

From learning about the history of Oikos Helping Hand to participating in cultural exchanges at Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) in Las Piñas City, the students gained valuable insights and experiences.

One of the key highlights was the cultural exchange program at SISC, where the Singaporean students immersed themselves in Filipino culture through games, food, music and dialogue.

This exchange also marked Southville's first cultural exchange, making it a significant milestone for both institutions. The interactions promoted mutual understanding and forged new friendships between students from different cultures.

However, the expedition also presented challenges, particularly during visits to urban poor areas within Metro Manila. Students were emotionally impacted by the stark contrast between their privileged upbringing in Singapore and the harsh realities of poverty in the Philippines.

This experience served as a powerful lesson in empathy and gratitude, according to Oikos Helping Hand Partnerships Head Justin Ho Guo Shun.

Reflecting on their experiences, Ho emphasized the importance of initiatives like YEP in fostering empathy and understanding.

"By interacting with the beneficiaries, we have more understanding of their struggles and concerns. This, in turn, motivates and inspires us to be an advocate for those in need, in hopes of being the voice of change," Ho said.

YEP leader Mudam Akshaj said their visit to urban poor communities opened their eyes to the stark realities of life.

"The visit to the slums has left a deep impression on me. Experiencing life with them, even though just for a few hours, has taught me how resilient and strong Filipinos are. Despite the struggles they faced, they remained optimistic. This makes me appreciate the life I have back in Singapore and to feel blessed with the life I've been given because not everyone is as fortunate as me," the Singaporean youth leader said.

Ho said that as the students returned home, they carried with them memories and a newfound determination to make a positive impact in their communities.

"Through initiatives like the Youth Expedition Project, Nanyang Polytechnic continues to empower students to become compassionate and socially responsible global citizens," he said.