By Vera Heng Shi Ning (24S03R)
A year ago, I was flooded with the endless CE recruitments in Stamford. A quick Google search directed me to merely a brief overview of the Community Education Program (CEP), as found on the school’s website. I have to admit, back then, that information alone was barely sufficient to convince myself that I was ready for such a commitment.
CE? What’s that?
The CE curriculum is executed in Community Education Form 1 (CE01) and Community Education Form 2 (CE02), with the former being student-initiated and the latter being student-sourced. To give you a clearer idea, student-initiated projects revolve around events and activities proposed by students while student-sourced projects feature students volunteering in existing initiatives.
01: Getting started
If you enjoy working in groups, have high levels of commitment, and are ready to take on a challenge: why not start your own CE project?
02: Deciding on a cause
This is a tough one. You are now given the option of supporting any beneficiary group of your choice, which shall you choose?
Have an answer? Great! Move on to the next step.
If you’re stuck, chances are you haven’t found a cause that closely resonates with you. And that’s okay! A good start would be to research various non-profit organisations and their beneficiaries to get to know what you’ll be working with. (14 social causes on Giving SG: https://cityofgood.sg/articles/14-social-causes-to-donate-on-giving-sg/)
At the time, I found myself at a crossroads unsure of which target group to serve. It was only after several volunteering experiences before a clear preference began to surface—interacting with kids enabled me the opportunity to foster meaningful connections with them, that enriched both their world and mine. Fortunately, this realisation was further solidified when I found out that my team members shared the same inclination towards working with children as well!
03: Seeking endorsement
The 4-page long CE form might seem daunting, but it’s also another step closer to kick-starting your project! Do keep in mind that the form requires information on your partner organisation, contact information, et cetera. Doing your research before working on the form will guarantee you a smoother submission process.
More than just service!
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Helen Keller
It’s almost impossible to sugarcoat that starting a CE project is no easy task, especially when you have to juggle between academics, CCAs, enrichment programs and so on. The JC curriculum is hectic, it’s no secret. But that doesn’t mean we discount ourselves from a well-rounded student life.
Juggling many commitments can be difficult, but it’s also fulfilling and helps me treasure the bonds I’ve built during my time.
Alena Siaw (24S03O, Chairman of Project Freesia)
As cliché as it sounds, I promise it’s worth it!
Being part of a CE project is so much more than just your acts of service towards the community. Meeting like-minded individuals, finding a sense of fulfilment, as well as developing sensitivity and empathy towards the respective social groups are just some of the many insights you can expect to gain from your journey.
Drawing from my own experience, handling multiple CE projects was definitely no walk in the park, especially during demanding periods where my commitments would overlap such as open house and recruitment for project handovers. It didn’t take me long to realise that spending my entire day hopping between different meetings and venues wasn’t sustainable, and that’s when I decided to try something new: time blocking! This meant setting aside specific time slots for each task and project, ensuring I had dedicated periods to focus on work without neglecting rest and rejuvenation. This approach not only helped me better manage my tasks, but was also a game-changer in keeping my sanity intact.
Is this really for me?
Ask yourself if you can commit to a CE. This is especially important if you’re considering leading your own project as it comes with immense responsibilities.
Ethan Ong (24S03R, Vice-chairman of Project Tiny Heroes)
Ultimately, self-initiated CE projects are not for everyone. If all this seems too daunting, consider looking into one-off volunteering opportunities or taking over an existing project instead.
For starters, be sure to check out the school’s CE website for the volunteering opportunities available. The myriad of options makes it almost impossible not to find a cause that resonates with you!
On a final note, remember: CEs are commitments that require consistent effort; don’t set them aside during busy periods. When everything starts to get hectic near exam seasons, remind yourself why you chose to commit to a CE in the first place! Always be sure to stay accountable and communicate with your team members or partner organisation if you require additional support.
