Hi, my name is Jun Hao, and I’m a volunteer befriender at The GRIT Project (TGP), where we serve children and youths aged 5 to 18. I first discovered Lakeside Family Services through the Me & YOUth volunteering project on LinkedIn. After completing two school-based community service projects, I found myself enjoying the experience and wanted to continue serving in a meaningful way.

As a befriender, I support the programmes planned by the TGP team and build connections with the youths, journeying with them through their schooling years. The youths struggle with many stresses from academic demands to peers relationships and having faced them myself, I strive to be a source of support and comfort, listening to their concerns and challenges.

I firmly believe in serving others and investing in their growth. Hearing their stories and witnessing their progress brings me great joy. I also hope that one day, these youths will be inspired to serve and uplift others around them.

This is now my fourth month volunteering, and it has been encouraging to see some of the youths opening up and becoming more comfortable around me. Each small step taken every week, by showing up, being present, and making the effort to connect, reminds me that even the simplest acts can make a difference.”

If you, like Jun Hao, believe that every small step can pave the way to bigger dreams, we invite you to support our Small Steps, Big Dreams campaign today. Your small acts of support help our youths and other beneficiaries overcome challenges and move closer to achieving their dreams. Donate now at: https://lakeside.org.sg/support-us/small-steps-big-dreams/