The Youth Expedition Programme (YEP) was an initiative pioneered by SIF that took thousands of young Singaporeans on community service expeditions to China, India, and the ASEAN nations between 2000 to 2005.

Launched in 2000 by then Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the vision behind YEP was for Singapore youths to become active and responsible world citizens, and to inspire them through meaningful overseas community service to make a difference to the lives of others, at home and abroad.

The programme gave volunteers the opportunity to develop their own potential and a chance to experience other cultures and understand some of the socio-economic issues affecting other nations. Expeditions took place in environments that fostered this understanding, and comprised volunteers from 17–25 years of age. Each expedition lasted at least two weeks.

To ensure the best safety standards, team members were first given appropriate training courses such as the Singapore Adventure Leader Training (SALT); Expeditionary Service Learning (EXSEL) for facilitators; Emergency Management System (EMS), First Aid, and Basic Cardio Life Support (CPR). SIF partnered International SOS in the conduct of each project – aligning its protocols with those of the world’s largest medical assistance company and manager of international medical risks.

Expeditions were made possible with the collaboration of host communities that were selected for their service value and learning opportunities.

In the five years that SIF ran YEP, more than 9,727 participants and 1,003 leaders and facilitators joined SIF on overseas service learning expeditions throughout Southeast Asia, India, and China. Expedition work included helping tsunami-affected Sri Lanka after 2004; building new infrastructure like schools and water-storage systems; aiding in marine and terrestrial conservation; contributing to cottage industries; and sharing knowledge in areas such as primary healthcare and IT.

YEP became so successful that it gained the cachet of being a rite of passage for Singapore youth – a must-do experience that contributed significantly to personal growth. Over the years, many other organisations including the YMCA, schools, and institutes of higher learning have begun organising similar international service learning programmes, helmed by leaders trained through the original YEPs. 

In 2005, in alignment with the Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports’ drive to promote youth sector engagement and development, it was decided that YEP be expanded from a one-operator programme to one that is youth-led and youth-focused.

YEP ended on a high note on 31 October 2005. In its final year, SIF sent 48 teams of 14 young people each to aid Sri Lanka in recovering from the 2004 tsunami crisis.

For more information please click: http://www.yep.sg/