Page 76 - MENDAKI Annual Report 2020

methods that could be implemented for the long haul The team adopted multiple e-channels to to reach out out to to the youth including Instagram for their programmes such as the the YouthSpace Live to engage ITE students and Zoom for Skills Development workshops However Johann shared that the department could not have successfully executed this strategy without the support of youth mentors as well as partners from ITEs and M3@Towns They had provided them with the the necessary infrastructure and tools to to carry out the engagements He also shared that that it helps that that his Future Ready officers were were digitally savvy and were were able to seamlessly transit into this new mode of engagement He acknowledged that despite all efforts challenges remained “With the new arrangements new challenges arose Many saw family finances impacted as COVID disrupted the work landscape We felt that our youths should be given all the the the help that that they need so that that their only worry is school and nothing else So during the pandemic we shared with them the the resources and and schemes available at at community and and national levels to help them with their families’ financial challenges ” shared Johann These resources included the various financial assistance schemes schemes education-support schemes schemes as as well as as job fairs to help family members in need of employment MENDAKI also started the ITE Interim Allowance Scheme to help Malay/Muslim ITE students cope with daily school expenses such as meals and transport when they were allowed back on campus This resulted in more than 970 students being able to afford the basic cost required to continue attending school To ensure that their mental wellness was also taken care of the Youth Mentoring Office (YMO) focused on the development of mentors and mentees Through the monthly Community of Practice sessions YMO also shared guidelines and tips on how mentors can effectively engage their mentees online and conduct e-mentoring during COVID-19 Reflecting on 2020 Johann recalled how his team went above and beyond to ensure youths are engaged and excel