Horses and other animals inspire personal growth and social connection
SINGAPORE – For Angel Huang, 20, her teenage years were marked by stress and isolation after dropping out of school in Secondary 3. Staying home for three years left her withdrawn and anxious about interacting with others. However, caring for animals has provided her with a pathway back to confidence and social engagement.
Through an innovative programme by Fei Yue Community Services (FYCS), Ms. Huang and other socially reclusive youth, known as NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) youth, have found opportunities to reconnect with themselves and society by working with animals.
Transformative Power of Animal-Assisted Programmes
On October 24, Ms. Huang completed the Horse-ibilities programme, a collaboration between FYCS and the charity Equal, which specialises in equine-assisted learning. Over five sessions, participants learned to care for horses, including feeding and grooming, while developing essential social-emotional skills like responsibility, empathy, and teamwork.
“Horses are intuitive and mirror human emotions,” explained Ann Hui Peng, Equal’s head of programmes and services. “This makes them ideal partners for helping youth understand their own feelings and behaviours.”
Ms. Huang described the experience as transformative. “The animals provided a safe space for me to de-stress and learn more about myself. I’ve gained confidence and learned to work better with others,” she said. She now plans to take her O levels as a private candidate and hopes to pursue a career working with animals.
Broader Impact and Expanding Horizons
Since its inception in 2020, FYCS’s animal care programme has supported over 220 youth, beginning with interactions at animal shelters and cat cafes. In 2022, the programme added a vocational component, partnering with CapitaLand Hope Foundation and Mandai Wildlife Reserve to introduce participants to job-related skills and pathways.
In the Youth-Reka programme, participants assist zoo staff with cleaning animal enclosures and preparing food while gaining insights into vocational opportunities. They also learn practical skills such as crafting resumes, empowering them to transition into education or employment.
Animals as Nonjudgmental Partners
FYCS social workers highlight the unique appeal of animals for NEET youth. “Many of these young people are drawn to animals because of their unconditional acceptance,” said Clarissa Gan, an assistant senior social worker. “The guarded exteriors these youth often display melt away when interacting with animals.”
This innovative approach aims to tackle a significant issue: an estimated 17,000 youth in Singapore are not engaged in school, work, or training. By fostering trust, empathy, and emotional growth, the programme is opening doors for many to rebuild their lives.
