Community service is an integral part of life at NLCS (Singapore), fostering empathy, responsibility, and global citizenship. At NLCS (Singapore) students have diverse opportunities to make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. Students engage in service activities across four broad categories:
- Direct Service: Involves hands-on interaction with individuals, animals, or the environment.
Example: Tutoring younger students, assisting at animal shelters, or developing community gardens. - Indirect Service: Focuses on activities that benefit the community without direct interaction.
Example: Designing websites for non-profits or nurturing seedlings for reforestation projects. - Advocacy: Raises awareness and inspires action on important social or environmental issues.
Example: Organising anti-bullying campaigns or creating videos on sustainable practices. - Research Projects: Involves gathering and analysing information to influence policy or practices.
Example: Conducting environmental surveys or compiling data to address homelessness.
These varied opportunities empower students to contribute meaningfully, develop a sense of responsibility, and become compassionate leaders in addressing local and global challenges.
The Enrichment Activity Programme at NLCS (Singapore) provides students with a wealth of opportunities to make a meaningful impact while fostering connections within the school and the wider community. From initiatives that promote educational equity and environmental sustainability to peer-to-peer activities like tutoring and mentorship, students collaborate to support and uplift one another. These experiences not only encourage teamwork and leadership but also cultivate compassion, creativity, and a sense of shared purpose. By engaging in activities that address real-world challenges, students build strong relationships and develop the skills to contribute positively to their communities. Some activities are:
- Maths Peer Tutoring: Senior School students mentor Junior School students to strengthen their mathematical skills, fostering collaboration and academic growth across age groups.
- Environment and Sustainability: Students work together to initiate and support environmental projects, starting with the Eco-Schools programme, to reduce the school’s environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices in the wider community.
- Vocabulous: This initiative aims to bridge the income-achievement gap by supporting vocabulary development for children from lower-income backgrounds, promoting educational equity and empowerment.
Student led service societies provide meaningful opportunities for students to engage in community service while developing leadership, collaboration, and advocacy skills. Each society is headed by a committee of students, chaired by a student leader, and guided by a Lead Teacher, ensuring a balance of student initiative and mentorship. These societies focus on addressing a range of local and global issues, empowering students to make a positive impact through hands-on activities, fundraising initiatives, and awareness campaigns.
By taking ownership of these societies, students foster a deep sense of responsibility, teamwork, and social commitment, while building empathy and a global perspective. Here are examples of some of the impactful societies:
- DepotAid: Promotes a culture of authentic, meaningful, and sustainable service by organising and supporting school-wide service initiatives, including fundraising and community outreach.
- Amnesty International Society: Focuses on advocating for human rights through creative campaigns, awareness programmes, and service-oriented actions to inspire positive change.
- ChildReach Service Society: Enhances bonds within the school community through internal service projects and partnerships with external organisations to improve the lives and education of children locally and globally.
- Eldercare Society: Partners with local NGOs to provide befriending support for the elderly, particularly Empty Nesters, while helping students develop leadership and communication skills.
- The Wellbeing Society: Raises awareness about mental health and well-being through initiatives like a digital magazine, WELL-THY, and community events in the school’s well-being space.
- The LifeLine Society: Supports refugees and children in conflict zones by fundraising for UNHCR Crisis Relief and running awareness campaigns, including social media outreach and pen-pal activities.
