Yuan Ching LLP - Empowering Youths to Lead with Empathy, Vision, and Purpose

Yuan Ching Secondary's Learning for Life Programme in Leadership - Community Youth Leadership

We believe that leadership begins with the courage to serve, the ability to influence others for the better, and the strength of character to do what is right, even when no one is watching.

Our Community Youth Leadership (CYL) Learning for Life Programme nurtures students to become self-aware individuals, compassionate changemakers, and visionary leaders who make a meaningful difference within and beyond their communities.

Rooted in our school values of Integrity, Excellence, Compassion, Enterprise, and Loyalty (IExCEL), the CYL programme is designed to progressively develop students’ leadership capacity through authentic, purposeful experiences. It fosters empathy, cultivates resilience, and builds a strong sense of social responsibility in every student.

Programme Overview

The CYL programme follows a three-tiered developmental framework:

Tier 1 (Rise): Basic Leadership for All Students
All Secondary 1 to 3 students develop foundational leadership skills grounded in Servant Leadership principles. They participate in Values-in-Action (VIA) projects through their CCAs, undergo Design Thinking training, and work towards the Silver National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA). Students cultivate empathy, personal responsibility, and a commitment to community care.

Tier 2 (Lead): Intermediate Leadership for Identified Student Leaders
Formal student leaders — such as Student Councillors, Class Chairpersons, Peer Support Leaders, CCE Leaders, and top-tier CCA Leaders — are guided through The Leadership Challenge model by Kouzes and Posner. They undergo role-specific leadership training, plan school-wide initiatives, and collaborate with grassroots organisations to deepen community engagement.

Tier 3 (Elevate): Strategic Leadership for Selected Student Leaders
Exceptional leaders who have excelled in Tier 2 are selected to lead student-initiated VIA projects, participate in national leadership platforms, and mentor younger leaders. They craft a personal leadership legacy rooted in vision, empathy, and service, and may represent the school in national or overseas service-learning initiatives.

Distinctive Features of Yuan Ching’s CYL Programme

• Dual Leadership Models:

  • Servant Leadership (Greenleaf) develops a service-oriented mindset at the foundational level.

  • The Leadership Challenge (Kouzes and Posner) refines leadership practice at higher levels.

• Tiered Leadership Progression:
  Structured pathways allow every student to grow at their own pace, from basic leadership in everyday interactions to leading complex initiatives for the broader community.

• Community-Rooted VIA:
  VIA projects are integrated into CCAs and student leadership roles, leveraging Design Thinking to ensure that initiatives are student-led, purpose-driven, and community-focused.

• Post-YCSS Opportunities:
  Students with strong leadership portfolios are well-positioned for leadership development programmes at post-secondary institutions and may pursue pathways in social leadership, community development, and civic engagement.