Communities

GIC Sparks & Smiles

Launched in 2015, the GIC Sparks & Smiles Award (Sparks) supports committed Singaporean students from low-income households in making a real difference in the lives of others.

How it works

Our Sparks awardees gain access to different skills, experiences and opportunities, to empower them to grow in confidence and leadership, and play a positive role in their communities over the long term.

They are trained by experienced social service professionals, engage with GIC Management and receive a grant to support their studies. Each awardees commits 25 hours to community service, particularly mentoring children and youth.

The impact of Sparks goes far beyond our awardees to reach the wider community. It has provided the mentees with unique support and exposure, enhanced the overall well-being of the mentees and their families, as well as helped our charity partners, Beyond Social Services and Very Special Arts, to expand their outreach.

From our recipients

By sharing my life experiences and guiding my mentee, what I’ve learnt is to be more confident, and also more responsible. The great thing about GIC Sparks is that you are not only helping someone else; they help you to grow as a person as well.

Akhtar Saadiqa

Awardee (Nanyang Technological University) and Mentor

Through Sparks, I embarked on an amazing journey with my mentee. It was challenging at first, as he kept to himself. But with time and effort, he slowly opened up and we are now close friends. We have come a long way but the road is still far and we are walking it hand-in-hand.

T Subash

Awardee (Singapore Management University) and Mentor

I learnt many things throughout the programme – particularly, building my communication skills and understanding. When volunteering, it was important to listen and understand the situation of others, in order to truly understand the difficulties they are facing.

Benedict Lim

Awardee (ITE) and Mentor

GIC Sparks & Smiles

How it works

Delivered in collaboration with our charity partners

500 awardees over four years

Six universities, five polytechnics and the Institute of Technical Education (ITE)

From our recipients

Be part of the programme