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Change Happens in Just 14 Days!
Imagine transforming a community, changing your perspective of the world, and building lifelong skills, all in just two weeks!. It might sound ambitious, but at Emaan Catalyst Community (ECC), this is the reality we witness through our Overseas Service Learning (OSL) expeditions. For nearly a decade, ECC has empowered youths to participate in life-changing service learning projects where real change happens—both for the communities they serve and the volunteers themselves.

The Power of Youth Volunteerism
Volunteering is more than just giving time; it’s about making a meaningful impact. Approximately 1 billion people globally volunteer annually, with youths making up a significant portion of this figure. According to Youth Service America, young volunteers contribute nearly 1.3 billion hours of community service annually. The ripple effects of these efforts are significant—communities thrive, youth gain leadership skills, and both parties experience the power of collective change.
Youth expedition programs, like ECC’s OSL expeditions, offer young people an opportunity to directly engage with communities in need, all while developing a sense of responsibility, empathy, and global awareness. In an age of increasing inequality and environmental challenges, youth expeditions provide hands-on experiences that equip young people with the tools to make a difference.

Emaan Catalyst’s YEP: A Gateway to Meaningful Change
At ECC, we believe in the transformative power of youth expeditions. Since our inception in 2017, we have mobilised nearly 2,000 volunteers through our YEP, reaching over 100,000 people across Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and by next year, China, India, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. Our OSL is built on the foundation of service-learning—a structured approach that integrates meaningful community service with reflection and learning. In these minimally 10 to 14 days expeditions foster leadership, collaboration, and cultural understanding. Our participants engage in activities such as teaching STEM to primary schools, improving water access, and supporting social enterprise initiatives. Every project aims to leave a lasting impact on the community while equipping volunteers with skills they carry for a lifetime.
With the partial funding boost from Youth Corps Singapore (YCS), we’re able to offer even more youths from age 15 to 35, community groups, and corporate teams the chance to participate in these impactful experiences. The funding covers project costs, making the program accessible to a wider audience eager to contribute to real, sustainable change.

Why Two Weeks?
Why does ECC’s YEP focus on two week expeditions? In our experience, two weeks is the perfect balance—long enough for volunteers to immerse themselves in the community, yet short enough to fit within busy schedules.
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Immersion and Connection: Between 10 to 14 days, participants have the opportunity to connect with the communities they serve. They are not merely visitors but active contributors, whether building or improving infrastructure, teaching children new knowledge or skills, or working alongside locals on sustainability projects. The immersive nature of the expedition fosters genuine bonds and a deeper understanding of the local culture.
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Personal Growth: A two week expedition is also a personal journey of growth. Volunteers often speak of how their worldview shifts as they learn to navigate new challenges and appreciate the resilience of the communities they encounter. By the end of the trip, volunteers return with enhanced leadership skills, a greater sense of empathy, and a renewed perspective on their own lives.
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Sustained Impact: While two weeks might seem long, the immersive experience our youth gain from these projects leaves a lasting impact. The activities such as developing and promoting hygiene programmes for school students, trees planted and educational programs introduced during OSL continue to benefit communities long after the volunteers return home. Additionally, these experiences often ignite a deeper passion for community service in our volunteers, sparking a lifelong commitment to making the world a better place.

Real Stories, Real Impact
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“The sight of families living on boats in Batom Sakor, Cambodia, left a deep impression on me during my participation in Project ASA Ignite a Youth Expedition Project (YEP) under ECC and Youth Corps Singapore in June 2023. Seeing families, especially young children, living on boats because they couldn’t afford homes was truly eye-opening. But what struck me most was their resilience and how they always smiled despite their hardships.
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This experience ignited my passion for caring for others, shaping my path in healthcare. During the expedition, my team and I conducted English literacy classes, built terrariums, and organized a Sports Day for local students. The eagerness and joy the children had for learning amazed me. We also took part in the Qurban and meat distribution at Emaan International School, and being part of that experience was incredibly meaningful. This journey deepened my connection with the community and reinforced my lifelong commitment to helping others.”
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Such stories aren’t rare. Over the years, ECC has seen countless participants come back transformed, inspired, and ready to continue their journey of service. In fact, studies show that youth who participate in volunteer programs develop stronger leadership skills, increased civic responsibility, and improved career prospects. It is incredible what these short stints can do as volunteering shapes communities and builds individuals into confident, compassionate leaders.

Aligning with Global Goals
Emaan Catalyst’s YEP isn’t just about short-term change; it’s about creating lasting, sustainable impact. Our programs align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of poverty reduction (SDG 1), quality education (SDG 4), clean water and sanitation (SDG 6) and climate action (SDG 13). By focusing on these critical areas, we ensure that our projects contribute to the broader global effort to create a fairer, more sustainable world.
How You Can Get Involved
As we look ahead, ECC is excited to welcome new participants to join us in making a difference. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or part of an organisation looking to engage in meaningful service, our YEP expeditions offer a unique opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself. With the recent funding boost from YCS, there’s no better time to get involved. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming expeditions and how you can sign up. Be a catalyst of change for sustainable impact and build a world where change happens in just two weeks—and the impact lasts a lifetime.

A Journey of Change in Two Weeks!
Change happens in ways big and small, and through programs like Emaan’s YEP, we believe that even a two week expedition can plant the seeds for lasting transformation. These expeditions empower not only the communities we serve but also the youth who participate—creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the initial experience. Be part of our mission and go on this journey of growth, empathy, and impact. Let’s make a difference, one community, one life, and one expedition at a time.