Building social bridges

HU Tongyu, a Year 2 Data Science and Economics student, joined the Youth Corps Leaders Programme (YCLP) to “make a difference on the ground”. Working with underprivileged youths fired her passion in volunteerism.

As a grassroots leader, she helps to communicate policy information and gather feedback, serving as the bridge between the community and government agencies. The youth network also brings the community together through events such as Halloween parties, art festivals and sporting events.

She says, “I learned to empathise with people on the ground, pick a few words from a different language to better connect with them and listen to what they have to say.”  The work also strengthened her conviction in volunteerism. “Family circumstances should not hinder one from achieving their goals,” she says of the residents she works with. 

A recent indoor golfing session hosted by Tanjong Pagar Youth Network was especially memorable for her as it was the first time a community centre hosted a golf event. Tongyu had the opportunity to coach residents using a virtual golf simulator.

She adds, “I enjoy golf and being able to share it with residents and make it accessible to them was a milestone for me.”

Volunteering can get “really tough sometimes”, but for Tongyu the network she has formed with fellow volunteers is her biggest takeaway. The support and encouragement of her batch-mates and mentors from YCLP keep her going, in spite of challenges such as managing her time between academics, golf training and volunteering commitments.   

In the future, Tongyu will be organising an NUS Golf charity event to raise funds for charity organisations and NUS students from financially disadvantaged families.