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    Social Impact

    GIC Sparks & Smiles

    Launched in 2015, the GIC Sparks & Smiles Award (Sparks) empowers youths from high-needs households to be change-makers in their communities. The award is given to students from across the universities, polytechnics, and Institutes of Technical Education in Singapore.

    How it works

    Sparks seeks to reduce the financial stress for students from high-needs households, while empowering them to tap on their strengths to pay-it-forward in the community.

    In addition to receiving a grant, awardees receive community leadership training by experienced social service practitioners and dedicate 25 hours to serving the community.

    Impact on the community

    Since 2015, Sparks has been awarded to more than 1,400 students. Collectively, they have dedicated over 35,000 hours to serve the community, through volunteering initiatives such as mentoring children, redistributing rescued food, and facilitating sporting activities for persons with disabilities.

    “I am thankful for the mentors who helped me with my academics and encouraged me when I was younger. Sparks gave me the opportunity to do the same for children from a similar background. Being a mentor has helped me hone my soft skills, such as problem-solving with my mentees and being adaptable to meet their needs.”

    Prithpal Kaur

    Sparks recipient

    “The Sparks volunteers display a strong sense of teamwork which is important in the work we do. Some of them continue to volunteer with us even after their programme has ended because they find meaning in reducing food waste and distributing food to the community. We hope that volunteering with us inspires them to continue giving back.”

    Daniel Yap

    Founder, Fridge Restock Community Singapore

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