23 August 2021 saw Youth Work Association (Singapore) (YWAS) and SUSS sign an agreement to jointly develop the Graduate Diploma in Youth Work programme to better equip those who work with youths.
This programme aims to educate learners on the challenges youths face, impart the scientific knowledge of working with and developing youths, and demonstrate the art behind building a trusting relationship with youths from where they are at. The programme is mapped against the National Youth Work Competency Framework, the Skills Framework for Youth Work in Social Service, and the Youth Work Association (Singapore)'s Code of Ethical Practice for Youth Workers.
Apart from developing the courses under the programme, YWAS leaders will provide counsel to the programme advisory panel and teach in the courses. The association will also grant a one-year professional membership to graduates of the programme. Students will have the opportunity to learn and gain experience at YWAS and its member organisations via their activities, events and programmes.
Mr Nicholas Gabriel Lim, Head of Graduate Diploma in Youth Work Programme, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS, said: “This programme is designed to help individuals understand and engage youths deeper and more effectively. We hear the cry of parents and caregivers, as well as practitioners. The programme has a close partnership with the industry and we have veterans and experts on the team to lend support and to impart the necessary skills and knowledge.”
Dr John Tan, President, YWAS, said: "We applaud SUSS for the launch of this programme. It's indeed a landmark event for the youth work sector in Singapore. We look forward to journeying together in equipping generations of youth workers for the betterment of youths in our nation."
The Graduate Diploma in Youth Work programme will start in January 2022.
The agreement was inked by (seated from left) Dr John Tan, President, YWAS, and Associate Professor Lim Lee Ching, Dean, S R Nathan School of Human Development, SUSS. (Standing, centre) Mr Eric Chua, Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development & Culture, Community and Youth, was the guest-of-honour.