Tutoring/Mentorship of Children under Heartware Youthbank, Lighthouse @ Suncare

When I first started this experience, I expected it to be the typical one-off volunteering opportunities that I would dread committing to. However, as I dedicated my time to helping these children grow, I realised that I was growing alongside them.


As O-Levels ended and I closed the chapter on my secondary school journey, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands. Many friends asked me to join them in Temporary Jobs but I never found much fulfilment in it, other than having extra cash in my wallet. Earlier this year, I stumbled upon the Heartware Youthbank Organisation and its various programmes. Having had some form of experience volunteering with children, I was intrigued by the mentorship and tutoring programme. At first, I was a little hesitant, fearful that I would not excel and would not do well in the opportunity. However, after reading previous volunteers’ experiences, I took the leap of faith and signed up as a Tutor Volunteer.

In April 2025, I began my journey as a mentor. Assigned at a youth-centric hub, Lighthouse @ Suncare, I was surrounded by many other volunteers that offered their time to help children in their studies. On my first day, sweat was dripping from my forehead as I stepped into the classroom. Partly from the sweltering heat and partly from the sheer anxiety I was holding within myself. Then, I saw a little boy sitting in the corner all alone. Stepping towards him, I asked to sit next to him. Turns out, it was his first day there too. Easing his nerves, we started working on his Chinese homework together. I learnt that an hour later, it was time for “Play-Time”. During that I started learning about his interests and formed an actual friendship with him. That day, it made me realise that forming a genuine connection was really important in building a solid mentor-mentee relationship. It made me inspired to dedicating more time into finding ways to teach the children effectively and help them feel welcomed as I mentored them.

Now, a few months has passed and I’ve built many beautiful friendships with the children at the centre. Regularly, I mentor a Secondary 1 Boy, a Primary 6 Girl and a Primary 5 Boy. We spend the sessions improving their understanding of their work and strengthening their emotional communication with other children. I believe that they see me as a pillar of support that they can lean on with their struggles which I am very grateful for.

Through this volunteering experience, I have fostered a passion for aiding in youths’ education and playing an important role in their holistic development. p