This year marks a significant milestone for YSKI (Yayasan Sekolah Kristen Indonesia) and WRSS (Woodlands Ring Secondary School) as they celebrate 10 years of partnership and cultural exchange. The annual International Youth Fellowship, a cornerstone of this partnership, brings students from different countries together to foster friendship, learning, and cultural appreciation. This year’s event, held in Singapore from July 16 to July 21, 2024, was particularly special as it included new participants from Chengguan Middle School in China and Satrinonthaburi School in Thailand.

A Week of Cultural Exchange and Learning

The program kicked off on July 16, with the main school activities taking place on July 18 and 19. The first day began with a flag-raising ceremony at the WRSS parade square, followed by a warm welcome speech from Mrs. Ng, the principal of WRSS. In her speech, Mrs. Ng emphasized that beyond academic pursuits, the primary goal of the fellowship is to build lasting friendships among students from different countries.

Students were then divided into groups, each consisting of representatives from Indonesia, Singapore, China, and Thailand. These groups participated in various activities designed to promote cultural exchange, including learning traditional games, sampling local foods, and engaging in ethnic activities. Each country also showcased its cultural heritage through traditional dance performances, which were met with enthusiasm and applause.

The day concluded with a neighborhood walk around Admiralty, where students observed the daily life of Singaporeans and learned about government initiatives such as specialized apartments for the elderly that include markets, medical centers, sports facilities, and restaurants within the same complex.

Engaging in Academic and Extracurricular Activities

On the second day, students had the opportunity to attend classes and participate in co-curricular activities (CCAs) alongside their Singaporean peers. They experienced a wide range of activities, including Guzheng (a traditional Chinese musical instrument), softball, volleyball, basketball, modern dance, YFC (Youth Flying Club) drone flying, band, and choir. These interactions not only enriched their educational experience but also strengthened the bonds formed during the fellowship.

The International Youth Fellowship exemplifies the commitment of YSKI and WRSS to fostering global citizenship and intercultural understanding among students. The inclusion of Chengguan Middle School and Satrinonthaburi School added a new dimension to the program, broadening the cultural horizons of all participants. As we look forward to the next decade of this partnership, we remain dedicated to nurturing the values of friendship, learning, and mutual respect that this fellowship embodies.