A party was rocking the night at Tampines Changkat Community Center on Dec. 18, 2009, but the loudness was not measured in decibels. The LOUD (Living Out ‘Ur Dream) party organized by POD (People of Destiny) was not about creating a ruckus, but about giving voice to inspiration and giving wings to dreams. The party for youth was back in its third reiteration since 2007. Unlike other youth events, the LOUD party provides an open platform for youth to perform and express themselves. 75% of the performances this year was performed by the youth themselves, the average age being only 17 years old. This is in stark contrast to the previous years where externally engaged semi-professional performers took the stage.
The party for the youth by the youth kicked off with an item by “The Part-Timers”, a band led by 15-year-old Amanda, whose recent original composition reached the finals of a songwriting competition held in conjunction with the Singapore Youth Olympics 2010. This was quickly followed by a rendition of Simple Plan’s “Perfect” by “rJR”, a band of average 16 years old with 2 members still studying in Secondary School. A highlight of the party was when Javen, 24, sang and then shared a moving testimony of how he started as a Normal Technical student diagnosed with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) but ended up as a degree holder from Newcastle Univerisity. To date, he is a successful guitar teacher on the brink of starting a school the following year. His message to the youth was simple—his achievements were only possible because he dared to pursue his dream.
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| PHOTOS: Lee Kiat Seng |
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Following a hearty dinner, the crowd was treated to slick dance moves from JEWX, a youth dance crew as well as a short film by 19-year-old Daryl Nah. The film chronicled his life story about how he found purpose in living out his dream. Today, Nah is an aspiring film maker.
Upon the arrival of guest of honor, Ms Irene Ng (MP for Tampines GRC), volunteers proceeded to give out to each youth a “Wishing Sphere” to write their wishes down for 2010 and hang it on a specially prepared Christmas Tree alongside POD staff and volunteers.
The penultimate showcase of talent was by 3 youths from the “Cherish” program who showcased their makeup skills with a parade of models. Ms Irene Ng eventually awarded 77th Street store vouchers to the youth with the best makeup skills of the night.
The LOUD party 2009 was definitely a success as the youth left, not with noise ringing in their ears but dreams pulsating strong within their hearts.
