IMPACT 0525: BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS, CONNECTING COMMUNITIES
Youth Action Challenge (YAC) is a platform for youth to provide solutions that tackle the issues we are concerned about. Since October 2021, over 80 teams and more than 310 youths have undertaken the YAC Season 3 journey.
Joey, 23, is currently a student at the University of Queensland. He founded Conexa, an initiative that hopes to improve people’s social support through providing them with ways to make new, quality friendships and fun activities rooted in communities in Singapore. Today he shares more about the project and its motivations!
What was your role within your YAC project?
I had the privilege of leading a team of five awesome people from diverse backgrounds to bring Conexa to life. I focused on planning the business direction of Conexa and using my marketing and sociology background to better understand and plan the marketing efforts.
What motivated you to join YAC?
As an overseas student forced to do remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I had to look for new ways to find community as I was unable to join CCAs in Queensland. Stumbling across the YAC in a news article, I found it a meaningful and interesting way to contribute back to society and perhaps meet some unique people from diverse backgrounds at the same time.
Can you share with us your experience with your YAC project?
The YAC project really helped me to make new connections and coalesce our ideas into something sustainable and focused. I had many opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and meet mentors and industry experts, whether through the classes or when sourcing for new business partners.
What are some challenges you faced while working on your YAC project?
Some challenges we faced were needing to pivot and change our approach as new information is revealed to us. Learning that something we thought would resonate with our target audience might not be as effective, forcing us to rethink and really look at things from the perspective of those that we hope to benefit.
Could you share more on how your project has a positive impact?
Conexa started out as an idea to help working adults meet new people as it is difficult to make new friends after leaving school. However, as we progressed, we saw that the pandemic further worsened this situation and made it difficult for most people to connect. Conexa also helps integrate people from less privileged backgrounds to connect with the wider community through improving accessibility to activities, supported by subsidies through partnerships with welfare organisations. Conexa will be launching soon for public sign-up!
Were there any key takeaways or learning points from your time with YAC?
YAC helped me see that having an open mind and a willingness to have courage and try new things will make many things that seem impossible possible!
This article was published on Apr 20, 2022
