Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Hey, S-L sounds great! How do I get started?
If you are a teacher under MOE, it will be ideal to approach the National Education (NE) branch for more information and resources.
If you are involved in overseas youth expeditions, the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) will be in the best position to assist you.

If you are:
• a youth worker in a youth organisation or voluntary welfare organisation,

• a teacher, lecturer, student development officer at any of the tertiary institutions (ITE, Polytechnics, Universities)

• in private training or the education industry
and would like to get involved in S-L, please feel free to contact the S-L Section at the National Youth Council.

Q2: What is the difference between S-L and CIP? Are they the same thing?
Many people do think they are the same thing, that CIP projects – or other community service projects for that matter – are S-L projects because of the service rendered. However, S-L is more than community service projects. There is the added element of reflection in S-L, which is where the learning comes in. Youths are also involved in project management right from the start, instead of simply participating only in the service element. This helps them own the project and learn to take charge. In fact,
S-L is really the ideal tool for CIP projects, since youths can get the most learning out of their CIP projects. S-L provides a structural approach to make service to the community meaningful and enriching for the youths.

Q3: Must my youths be of a certain age to benefit from S-L?
There is no prescribed age for the benefits of S-L. In the US, S-L is used from kindergarten right up to university level. S-L is a form of experiential learning and its methodology can be adapted for teaching at all levels. It is up to you as the facilitator to craft the S-L project according to the learning objectives which you set for your youths.

Q4: I am already up to my neck in work. Will S-L only add on to my current workload?
If you are already carrying out youth programmes that involve community service, such as CIP, then S-L is a tool that can be easily integrated into the existing youth programmes, and it will not add to your current workload. However, if your youth programmes do not involve community service, then a fair amount of planning and organising is required, in terms of seeking out a real community need and balancing the service and learning components. You will then have to decide if S-L is a tool you would like to use in your youth development efforts, weighing the resources (time, money, manpower) you have against the benefits of S-L that will meet your objectives.

Q5: I am not sure how to start an S-L project. Does NYC conduct training in S-L?
Yes, we conduct S-L workshops for youth workers several times a year. If you are from a youth organization or voluntary welfare organization, you can enjoy a subsidy too. Check out our Events link to find out when is the next workshop.

Q6: S-L is not just about visiting old folks’ homes and doing flag days right?
Certainly not! There are a plethora of wacky and extremely fun projects you can work on, from helping your neighbourhood library run programmes for children, to raising funds for the homeless in other countries, to equipping the domestic helpers in your estate with basic computer skills, to even ‘adopting’ garden in your school and taking care of it.

All you need is an open mind and an observant eye to see what your community, or overseas communities need.

Q7: Can I obtain funding for my S-L project?
You sure can. Pop by our Funding page to find out more.
Feel free to email us if you have any other queries!