From Beneficiary to Mentor

When Loi Jun Hao was in Primary School, he often spent long hours alone at home while his parents worked to make ends meet. He struggled with his schoolwork and did not always have someone to guide him through the challenges of growing up. Everything changed when he was introduced to TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA) Mountbatten Club by a schoolmate. What began as a weekly activity soon became a steady, uplifting presence in his life, offering academic support and mentorship he needed to flourish.  

For Jun Hao, TYA was more than a weekly programme. It was a second home which he fondly remembers as a lively, energetic space filled with children from different backgrounds, energetic volunteers, and memorable weekly sessions that gave him room to grow. “I used to be a rowdy child who did not like to study,” Jun Hao recalls with a smile. “I am thankful to the mentors who were patient and persistent in believing that I had something in me to do well. They guided me through my academics every week and imparted important life skills to make me who I am today.”   

Caption: Jun Hao (left) having fun during an activity back when he was a TYA client. 

Among the many volunteer mentors who shaped his childhood, one mentor, Sylvia Soh, left a particularly deep impression on him. She was patient, persistent, and deeply committed to every child under her care. “Sylvia took time to build genuine relationships and organised festive gatherings outside of club time, involving us in planning activities so that we could learn responsibility and ownership,” Jun Hao shares. Such mentorship showed Jun Hao that care is not just about being present – it is about investing deeply enough to help someone grow. 

Caption: Jun Hao and Sylvia continue to keep in touch till today. 

“Whatever she did back then influenced the way I volunteer with youths now. Every moment we spend with the youths has a purpose. Having that mentorship is important because you never know when they require guidance,” he shares.  

Returning to Give Back 

When Jun Hao entered Secondary 1 in 2014, he wanted to give back as a volunteer after experiencing first-hand what long-term commitment from volunteers could do for a child.  

Caption: Jun Hao mentoring a TYA child during weekly club time. 

Volunteering during his school years was not always easy. Jun Hao recalls, “I had to sacrifice time with friends and turn down social plans, which was a struggle at first. Looking back, I don’t regret it because those years taught me the importance of prioritising what matters, and I was able to develop deeper and long-lasting friendships with like-minded volunteers who shared a similar sense of purpose.”  

Stepping Up to Lead 

In 2018, Jun Hao took on a bigger responsibility when he became the Club Leader of TYA Mountbatten. The role came at a challenging time when the club faced major changes like moving to a smaller venue, and fewer regular children attendees after a large graduating batch. The leadership change happened quickly, and Jun Hao was one of the few seasoned volunteers left to keep things running. 

Caption: Jun Hao (in white TYA tee) leading a game with children from TYA Mountbatten Club.  

This experience was a powerful learning experience for Jun Hao, helping mould him into becoming a better leader. He shares, “Being a Club Leader challenged me to widen my perspective and step out of my comfort zone. I had to do a lot of planning for our weekly club time, and this meant taking the lead in conducting briefings and debriefs and allocating manpower properly to keep the sessions going. I also had to speak to parents and learn how to listen and understand their concerns.”  

Caption: Jun Hao sharing more about an activity at the TYA Survival Camp in 2019. 

Jun Hao also came to understand that mentorship takes time. One of the most memorable examples for him was a quiet youth who initially kept to herself and avoided interaction. “Through building rapport with her week by week, encouraging her, and showing her that this is a safe space where genuine friendships are formed, I was touched when I saw her become more outspoken and confident during a youth camp. It showed me that whatever we do as volunteers truly helps the children build the confidence to pursue whatever they aspire to.”  

A New Chapter with YouthPhoria 

When YouthPhoria was relaunched in 2024, Jun Hao was roped in to support this new chapter. YouthPhoria was a space for TYA graduates and youths to return and receive academic coaching and mentorship. For Jun Hao, it became another meaningful way to give back to the community that had given so much to him.  

Caption: Jun Hao teaching a YouthPhoria teen mathematics.  

Caption: Jun Hao together with staff and volunteers from YouthPhoria. 

He first joined YouthPhoria as a volunteer during its trial phase, taking on academic coaching and skills discovery sessions. Over time, he took on more responsibilities like helping to run events, guiding newer volunteers, and mentoring teens. He also helped organise events such as Christmas gatherings and planned programmes like Camp Explorer, which exposed him to youth development work and helped him understand how much thought and coordination goes into creating a meaningful experience for others.  

Caption: Jun Hao enjoying a game of captain’s ball with YouthPhoria teens.  

A Life Shaped by Mentorship 

Today, Jun Hao is a Year 3 undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Nursing. He shares, “Nursing allows me to offer a personal touch and provide direct care to others, which aligns with the values I’ve developed through years of serving in TYA and YouthPhoria.”  

Caption: Jun Hao (most left) with some youths and volunteers at the YouthPhoria Camp in 2024.  

TYA and YouthPhoria shaped Jun Hao’s confidence, leadership, and sense of responsibility. They taught him that growth takes time and change is gradual, but pressing on and staying committed can make all the difference.  
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TOUCH Young Arrows (TYA) believes that children can be nurtured an sharpened like arrows to make a positive impact in society and be future leaders in the community. TYA aims to realise the potential of children from single-parent or low-income families through a series of mentoring activities such as academic coaching, values-driven social-emotional learning activities, enrichment programmes and camps. TYA runs these activities every Saturday at over 20 clubs located across Singapore. 

In 2008, YouthPhoria, a youth outreach programme, was launched to encourage children who have graduated from TYA to return as volunteers to mentor the younger generation. 

Story published in 2026.