When Gabriel first joined the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), he struggled to express himself and connect with others. Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), he often felt alone as he struggled to fit in with his classmates, convey his sentiments, or envision what his future might be.
His mother, Alice, worried about him constantly: “Will my son find his footing? Will he make friends? Will he be able to find employment after he graduates?”
Gabriel’s situation took a turn for the better when he joined the Aptitude Buddy Club (ABC), a programme under TOUCH Youth Enablement (TYE) which aims to bridge the social, emotional and employability gaps of students with special education needs in ITE.
With the support of dedicated mentors and a nurturing ABC community, Gabriel gained confidence, discovered new talents, and learned vital skills for life and work. From mastering teamwork and social skills to exploring music, barista training, and even completing a successful internship, Gabriel’s journey is testament to the life-changing power of support, opportunity, and mentorship.
For Alice, her son’s continual transformation has been heartening: “The activities at ABC gave Gabriel the opportunity to mingle with his peers in an inclusive and supportive space. I could see that he not only enjoyed the activities but also grew in his confidence to speak up, work in a team, and make new friends!”
According to statistics, there are some 2,000 youths with special education needs, which forms about 9% of its student population, who require assistance with the transition to school and the workplace. There are more youths who share similar circumstances like Gabriel – going through quiet struggles and uncertainty of what comes next. Some even fall through the cracks. With your help, we can change that.
Join us in empowering youths like Gabriel, and many more who need transitionary support to school and the workplace. TOUCH Youth Enablement offers programmes that provide holistic support, mentorship and opportunities for self-discovery and growth. With your support, we can continue to nurture, mentor, and empower youths to find their strengths and become future-ready.
Every dollar you give empowers a young person to discover their strengths, grow in confidence, and step into a brighter future. Here’s how your donation can make a tangible difference through our youth programmes:
- $50 provides a personalised mentoring session for a youth who needs help expressing themselves confidently
- $150 funds 1 holiday activity or skills certification workshop for a youth, including support, fees, meals and transport
- $300 supports 4 job training sessions for a youth with special needs adjusting to the work environment during an internship.
- $500 funds 1 enrichment workshop, including support, materials, logistics and meals.