POD (People of Destiny) is the brainchild of City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA). Formed in partnership with Tampines Changkat Citizens’ Consultative Committee and Ministry of Community Development Youth & Sports, POD provides holistic youth services for the residents of the Tampines GRC.
It was established two years ago to engage, involve and provide opportunities for youth to develop their interests, potential and skills in serving the community and in the process, build “People of Destiny”.
POD has a three-fold mission in serving the community: (i) Penetrate the Schools (ii) Outreach to at-risk Youths and their Families and (iii) Develop Leaders in the Community. POD targets youths from 13 to 17 years of age and organizes programs to fulfill their mission.
The Drop-in Centre is a one-stop centre with a café, study rooms and a dance studio for youths to study, socialize or pursue their interests. An estimated 50-60 youths drop by the Centre every day.
The cornerstone of POD lies in its Community Programs which are implemented for effective mentorship to take place. POD makes a difference in the lives of the youths through creative means such as Loud Crew — a hip hop dance team that will allow youths to meet up for regular practices and allow leaders to mentor them and inculcate positive values in them. YouthTM is another mentoring program in which a mentor is assigned to the youth.
Relationship building is the core element in the mentor’s positive influence over the youth. POD has also developed a range of curriculum to address the socio-emotional well-being of the youths and to shape their core belief system.
Youth events play a very significant role in attracting the youths and gear their energy towards positive interests. The activities include street soccer tournaments and LAN gaming competition. At the invitation of schools, leadership and smoking cessation workshops have also been organized. POD has also conducted Community Involvement Projects in schools, teaching the youths how to organize charity events to better serve the Community.
POD seeks to make a positive difference in the lives of youths — to be their voice and their listening ear, and to shape their values and maximize their potential to become “People of Destiny” in their generation.
