Artefact 6 - National Youth Achievement Award Programme

The NYAA Council of Singapore is a Partner of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, which operates in over 130 countries worldwide under various national titles. NYAA Council of Singapore also serves as an Advisor in many international agencies worldwide. The Mission Statement of NYAA is to develop and maximize the potential of young people through selfless community service, challenges of adventure, skills development and physical recreation so that they may be exceptional individuals who can contribute effectively to society and the nation. More details can be found at the NYAA website.

During my term as the NYAA co-ordinator in cjc from 1998 to 2010, I have helped facilitated the achievement of 946 NYAA students from 2001 to 2010, including 575 Golds, 338 Silvers and 33 Bronzes. 

During the same period, I have organised Adventure Camps, Service Learning Residential Projects, Sports and Astronomy programmes for the students. 

I adopted various pedagogies for different programmes: 
(a) Project Adventure (Adventure) 
(b) Service Learning (Service Learning Residential Projects) 
(c) Reflection-in-action and Reflection-on-action (Sports and Skill programmes) 

Astronomy Skills 

This programme is designed around the Astronomy Club which I was in charge of for a period of 12 years. Student activities included:
(a) Talks
(b) Learning Journeys to Observatories
(c) Field Trips
(d) Astronomy-based Research projects
(e) Astronomy-based Competitions

Adventure

This is a programme designed based on scenario-based
challenges. Students go through a 4-day programme on
a remote island in the South China Sea, where their
survival skills are pitted against the elements. Activities
included:
(a) Trekking / Kayaking / rafting
(b) Survival Cooking / Water collecting
(c) Wilderness problem solving
(d) First Aid Skills

Service Learning 

This programme is designed based on the Service Learning principles on Batam Island, Bintan Island, and Johore. Students are trained systematically through the following stages:
(a) Service Learning principles
(b) Needs analysis through a reconnoissance trip
(c) Project Planning and preparation
(d) Project execution and reflection

Physical Recreation Programmes

This programme is designed based on the needs and interests of students. The regular but progressive training brings about the development of a particular sports activity, so that the participants may develop a self motivated healthy lifestyle. Examples of sports programmes included:
(a) Archery              (b) Rock Climbing
(c) Abseiling            (d) Challenge rope courses