Impart Launches Innovative Program to Help Youths Overcome Adversities through Virtual Gaming
Impart, a charity supporting youth at risk, has launched a unique program to connect socially reclusive teens using the popular game Minecraft. This new initiative is designed to engage teenagers, aged 13 to 18, who struggle with social interaction and emotional challenges, offering them a virtual space where they can gradually develop life skills while having fun.
The program, starting on October 28, 2024, will run for 12 weeks and include various in-game activities, such as a railroad adventure and parkour challenges. These games are crafted to address important issues like healthy living, self-esteem, and relationships. The activities are based on the Super Skills For Life intervention program, developed by Dr. Cecilia Essau, which helps youth cope with anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties.
Impart’s co-founders, Joshua Tay and Narasimman Tivasiha Mani, aim to meet youths “where they are,” providing them with support directly through their favorite platform—video games. This pilot program comes as part of Impart’s broader mission to assist young people facing various adversities, including those who are not in education, employment, or training.
The organization’s commitment is reflected in their success stories, such as that of Mohammed Narish, a young man who overcame significant personal hurdles with Impart’s support. Now a full-time youth mental health advocate, Narish exemplifies the positive impact of Impart’s efforts, highlighting the charity’s holistic approach to youth mental health and development.