Page 3 - NYAA 30th Ann Dinner Report 2022

Launch of the NYAA Junior Programme:
The Butterfly Award

The success of the NYAA Programme over the last 30 years
has prompted the NYAA to introduce a Junior Programme for
primary school students. The Junior Programme will provide the
participants with opportunities and platforms to learn essential
life skills and prepare them to face an increasingly complex world
confidently.

In 2020, the NYAA Junior Programme pilot project was launched
with the support of the Ministry of Education’s Character &
Citizenship Education Department. Seven primary schools and
three uniformed organisations were involved in the pilot project.

The NYAA Junior Programme comprises four mandatory
components. The components are Service Learning (Learning to Launching of the NYAA Junior Programme-The Butterfly Award by
President Halimah witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee
serve), Outdoor Appreciation (One with Nature), Healthy Living Keat.
(Health is Wealth) and Family Bonding (Meaningful Interactions
with Family Members). Upon completing the four components,
the student will attain The Butterfly Award. Students are assessed
on personal effort and achievement. When students imbibe
these values early in life, the values become instinctive. These
young students will become adults with a deep sense of social
responsibility and civic-mindedness. They will have the will and
confidence to overcome any challenges they may face.
The pilot project was a success. The principals of the seven primary
schools and the heads of the uniformed organisations involved
in the pilot project were pleased with the transformation of their
students and members. The students on the pilot project displayed
positive values and cared for others. They were confident and
gracious and cared for their well-being and those in need.

The NYAA Junior Programme - The Butterfly Award was officially
launched by Mdm President at the NYAA 30th Anniversary
Celebration on 27 October 2022 and witnessed by Heng Swee Keat,
Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic
Policies. The NYAA Junior Programme is administrated by the NYAA
Council and supported by The Stephen Riady Foundation.

President Halimah and Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat
with the Principals of primary school, the Heads of Uniformed
Organisation in The Butterfly Award pilot project and the Ministry
of Education’s Representative.
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to
participate in this meaningful pilot project as the NYAA
Principals of the primary school and Representatives of Uniformed goals and objectives are in line with our school’s vision
Organisation participating in The Butterfly Award pilot project with of “nurturing servant leaders and changemakers of
Ministry of Education’s Representative. tomorrow”. Our student leaders were able to apply
the values they have learnt in school in authentic
learning experiences that require them to be active
“Embarking on the Butterfly Award’s journey has contributors to serve the community.
been enriching and edifying. I have become more These experiences inspired our young Hildans and
self-aware of my strengths and weaknesses through convinced them they could make a difference in the
the various activities, endeavours and tasks as part of community even at a young age.
the programme. It also allowed me to appreciate the After the initial experience, we hope to scale up the
importance of our environment and community and programme to benefit more students. I hope that
not take things we have for granted.” more primary school students will have the chance to
benefit from this programme.”
Bethuel Tay Huei
Primary 5, St Hilda’s Primary School (2021) Mrs Daphne Yeoh
Principal, St Hilda’s Primary School