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Empowering Through Service Learning: The Impact of Overseas Service Learning (OSL) Expeditions
Overseas Service Learning Expeditions (OSL) have long served as a cornerstone of experiential learning, enabling young individuals to step outside their comfort zones and make a meaningful difference in communities in need. These programs provide unique opportunities for participants to develop leadership skills, build empathy, and contribute to sustainable development in countries with underserved communities. Over time, OSL has grown in scale and impact, enriching the lives of the participants and the communities they serve.
Globally, volunteerism is on the rise. According to the International Association for Volunteer Effort, more than 1 billion people are actively engaged in social and environmental causes, with young people driving much of this movement. In Singapore, this trend is reflected in the growing number of youths involved in community-centered volunteer programs. The National Youth Council (NYC) and its volunteering arm, Youth Corps Singapore (YCS), have seen increased participation in its Youth Expedition programmes, alongside organisations like Emaan Catalyst Community (ECC).
This surge in youth volunteerism is reflected in the success of OSL across Southeast Asia. Hundreds of students from Singaporean institutions—including universities, polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs), and secondary schools have contributed to impactful projects such as providing access to education in schools, installing clean water systems, and providing sustainable projects and aiding in healthcare and food aid in rural communities. While these efforts bring immediate benefits like education and clean water, the lasting impact is felt most in the personal growth of the participants. Many return home with a renewed sense of purpose, having developed critical leadership skills, deepened their empathy, and fostered a commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
Emaan Catalyst Community: A Decade of Impact
For nearly a decade, Emaan Catalyst Community (ECC) has been a driving force behind impactful expeditions and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, touching the lives of over 100,000 people across Southeast Asia. With close to 2,000 volunteers engaged, ECC's mission is not only to provide aid but to empower communities and promote sustainable development.
Established as Emaan Foundation Limited in 2017, ECC initially focused on consolidating the CSR projects of Emaan Inspection in Singapore and Cambodia. Due to overwhelming support and a growing mission, ECC rebranded in 2019 to reflect its broader goal of uplifting underserved communities. Though rooted in Singapore, ECC's work extends across borders, providing education, welfare, and capacity-building initiatives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) addressing poverty, hunger, education, clean water, and climate action.
Funding from Youth Corps Singapore
A key milestone for ECC this year is its partnership with Youth Corps Singapore (YCS), which will enhance the reach and effectiveness of the Youth Expedition Project (YEP). YCS, under the National Youth Council, provides a robust framework and resources for youth development, aligning perfectly with ECC’s mission. This year, ECC's OSL is set to expand thanks to the funding boost from YCS. With this support, youth participants will embark on a minimally 10-day OSL expeditions to engage in community service projects such as on education, healthcare, and infrastructure development. From transferring knowledge in STEM or teaching English to improving access to clean water, each project has a lasting impact on the community and the participants. These experiences provide invaluable life lessons in leadership, teamwork, and cultural sensitivity.
The Impact of ECC’s Youth Expedition Programme
One example of ECC's impactful work is the ECC-YCS (YEP) with the NUS Muslim Society (NUSMS) through Project ASA. In this 13-day expedition to Cambodia, participants worked in Koh Khong, Botom Sakor, and Kampong Chnang communities in Cambodia. At the Emaan Education Centre and Emaan International School, they led programs in English literacy, hygiene education, and upcycling while also engaging in community-building activities such as mural painting and tree planting. The expedition culminated in a cultural exchange during Aidiladha, where participants witnessed the Qurban process and helped distribute meat to villagers. This expedition was transformative for the local communities and deeply meaningful for the participants.
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Building a Sustainable Future
The collaboration between ECC and YCS highlights the power of partnership in creating meaningful change. By leveraging the strengths of both organisations, ECC can scale its impact and offer more youth the opportunity to engage in service-learning experiences. This year, ECC aims to welcome ten new youth teams, expanding its reach of the YEP from Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam to Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, China and India. At ECC, we believe that the OSL is more than just community service—it’s about building a sustainable future by nurturing young leaders. These expeditions demonstrate what’s possible when organisations and communities unite for a common purpose: to make the world a better place.
Get Involved!
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Join us in this journey of empowerment and change. Visit our website at https://www.emaancatalyst.org/expedition to learn more and become part of the movement to create a lasting impact.