Page 7 - NYAA Annual Report 2024

Community Leadership Initiative (Creating an Impact, Delivering Change)

Participants must demonstrate initiative by identifying a community need, developing actionable
solutions, and executing projects that foster positive change. The initiative encourages
collaboration with individuals from diverse cultural, social, and economic backgrounds, promoting
inclusivity, mutual respect, and intercultural understanding.

Objective: To develop and apply leadership skills through the design and delivery of service-
oriented projects that address community needs while promoting cultural awareness and
sensitivity.

Gold Level participants may undertake the Community Leadership Initiative as an individual
project or in small groups, taking full ownership of the planning, coordination, and implementation
of their chosen initiative. Projects may be carried out locally or internationally, and are expected
to demonstrate meaningful, measurable contributions to the community.

Through this component, participants strengthen their leadership capabilities, strategic thinking,
teamwork, and communication skills—qualities essential for leading positive change in an
increasingly complex and interconnected world.

PARTICIPATION IN THE NYAA JUNIOR PROGRAMME

In 2020, the NYAA Junior Programme was introduced as a pilot initiative with the support of the
Ministry of Education's Character & Citizenship Education Department, marking a significant
milestone in extending the NYAA journey to younger students. The pilot phase engaged seven
primary schools and three uniformed organisations, offering children early opportunities to
develop character, leadership, and community values.

Following the success of the pilot, the NYAA Junior Programme, known as The Butterfly Award,
was officially launched by Madam Halimah Yacob, President of the Republic of Singapore, at the
NYAA 30th Anniversary Celebration on 27 October 2022. The occasion was graced by Mr Heng
Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the NYAA Advisory Board, who witnessed the
launch.

The programme is administered by the NYAA Council with the generous support of the Stephen
Riady Foundation, enabling the NYAA to nurture a spirit of service, resilience, and leadership
among primary school students from an early age.

THE NYAA JUNIOR PROGRAMME – THE BUTTERFLY AWARD
The NYAA Junior Programme – The Butterfly Award offers a balanced, age-appropriate self-
development platform for children aged 9 to 13 years. Anchored on the principle of individual
challenge, the programme engages young students in voluntary, non-competitive activities that
encourage personal discovery, self-reliance, responsibility, and service to the community.

Participation in the programme is based on personal improvement and growth, measured against
each individual's starting point and unique abilities. Through persistence, dedication, and
consistent effort, every participant works towards achieving milestones tailored to their
capabilities.

The Symbol of the Butterfly
The Butterfly Award symbolises growth, transformation, and the unfolding of each child's unique
potential. Like the metamorphosis of a butterfly, the NYAA Junior Programme guides young
participants on a journey of personal discovery, confidence-building, and active contribution to
family, community, and society.

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