The PAYM provides the students with a broad-based developmental programme beyond the classroom by tapping on the existing resources of other PA divisions such as the Outward Bound Singapore (OBS), National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) and National Youth Council (NYC) to develop a structured training roadmap for the students. These programmes and opportunities seek to hone SLC members’ knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, communication, public speaking as well as to nurture a deeper understanding in community around them.

A 30-week modular programme framework is prepared as a guide which the SLCs may follow. This framework, which excludes the school examination periods and school holidays, is currently being practised by some of the schools taking up the PAYM SLC programme as a CCA. The programme consists of two components, namely Training & Development and Community Engagement through Projects & Activities. It aims to develop skills and to strengthen the characters of the members through involvement in courses and hands-on practices.

Training & Development

SLC members are expected to undergo four levels of training in the training & development programme.  When they first join the CCA, members will also undergo an orientation programme so that they can gain a better understanding of the PA, PAYM, the constituency and the community surrounding the school.  As the members progress to higher levels, they will be exposed to more intensive training in leadership and character building and self development. 

The process of learning can be further enhanced through hands-on experiences and activities or courses offered by the PA Water-Venture outlets, varying from kayaking and dragon boating to abseiling proficiency and sports climbing courses.  These activities not only allow SLC members the opportunity to discover that hidden interest, but also to experience an avant-garde lifestyle.

Community Engagement through Projects & Activities

The Community Engagement component creates platforms for the SLC members to be more involved with their community.  They will organise one school-based or community event and participate in two of such events per semester and they can work closing with their mentors – the CC YEC members or other GROs.  Through the hands-on process of jointly organising such school and community events, members will learn lifelong lessons which are as important as those taught him the classroom.

Some of the activities that the SLC members organised and/or participated in include:

• Community Service projects, such as mural painting and cleaning equipment at homes, beach and park clean-up and befriending the elderly, organised in conjunction with President’s Challenge 2006;
• Family Fun Day for residents;
• Completing GST rebate forms for elderly;
• School Camps for peers;
• Racial Harmony Carnival / Bazaar in schools; and
• Helping senior citizens staying in one-room flats add a fresh coat of paint to their apartments.