Nikki’s Growth Through the GEM Mentoring Programme

(From left) Mentor Sabrina Ng, Nikki and mentor Jasmine Ng

From Overcoming Shyness to Self-Assurance

At 10 years old, Nikki Ong Rui Yang is a reserved and introspective boy. When he first joined the GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme in March last year, he was hesitant to speak up, often withdrawing from group discussions and preferring to keep to himself.

“Nikki was referred to GEM by his school because of his low self-esteem,” said Ms Sabrina Ng, one of his mentors. “He struggled with confidence, and it wasn’t easy for him to express himself.”

Adding to his challenges, both of Nikki’s parents are visually impaired, which meant that parental supervision at home was limited. The GEM Mentoring Programme, which runs from primary school to post-secondary, became a structured and supportive environment where he could develop social skills, confidence, and self-awareness.

The programme is more than just a series of activities—it provides mentorship, guidance, and emotional support. Each session begins with a casual lunch, where mentors engage the students in small conversations to make them feel comfortable. This is followed by an interactive activity, learning reflections, and Circle Time, where students discuss their experiences and feelings.

For Nikki, this structured environment allowed him to ease into social settings at his own pace. Nikki’s mentor, Sabrina, played a crucial role in helping him open up. She observed that Nikki, like a few other students in the GEM Mentoring Programme, struggled with low self-esteem and tended to withdraw from group settings. To help him feel comfortable, she initiated one-on-one conversations, gently encouraging him to express himself. She also introduced small group sharing sessions, always checking in with Nikki to see if he felt ready to participate.

Recognising that drawing is a powerful form of self-expression for children, Sabrina encouraged Nikki to use art to communicate his feelings. She also noticed how proud he was of a sock puppet that he had sewn during a GEM workshop, a small but meaningful achievement that boosted his confidence.

The Turning Point: Inside Out 2

One of Nikki’s biggest breakthroughs came after watching the movie “Inside Out 2” with his mentors and peers. At first, he seemed to process the film quietly, as he often did. But during the post-movie reflection, he shared a profound takeaway: “Every emotion has its own space.”

For his mentors, this was a defining moment. “It was surprising because Nikki usually didn’t share much,” Sabrina recalled. “But when he said that, we realised he was absorbing everything around him, even if he didn’t always express it out loud.” It took two to three months for Nikki to become more comfortable with sharing during Circle Time. His mentors patiently encouraged him, and slowly, he started to open up—a small but significant milestone in his journey.

Finding His Rhythm: The GEM Day 2024 Performance

Another major breakthrough came when Nikki performed as part of the percussion ensemble at GEM Day 2024, held at Republic Polytechnic.

Initially, he was hesitant during rehearsals. The sessions were physically demanding, and a few students felt exhausted. But Nikki pushed himself to continue, refusing to give up. “He was tired, but he stayed focused and completed the entire rehearsal,” said Ms Jasmine Ng, another one of his mentors. “That resilience was really inspiring.”

Not only did he persevere, but he also volunteered to lead a segment of the percussion performance, guiding his peers through the performance. It was a big step for someone who once struggled with self-confidence.

His efforts extended beyond the stage. Without being asked, Nikki helped to clear lunch bowls with two other students who befriended him in the programme. “They looked out for him, and he followed their example,” Sabrina shared. “Soon, other students started doing the same.”

His mother later shared that Nikki kept watching his performance video at home. “He’s really proud of it,” she said. “It’s something that means a lot to him.”

A Positive Shift: School and Home Feedback

Nikki’s growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. His school has observed noticeable improvements—he now regulates his emotions better, cries less, and has fewer conflicts with peers. Teachers also noted that he is more independent and can complete tasks with greater confidence.

The mentors see this as a testament to Nikki’s progress. “It’s heartening to know that the skills he’s developing at the GEM Mentoring Programme are translating into his daily life,” Jasmine said.

As Nikki continues in the GEM Mentoring Programme, his mentors remain committed to helping him build self-belief.

“We hope he continues to believe in himself,” said Sabrina. “He’s come so far, and we want him to know that we’ll be here to support him.”

Jasmine echoed the sentiment, adding, “Nikki is more than what he thinks he is. I want him to remember that, and not let other people’s words put him down.”

From a quiet observer to a determined performer, Nikki’s journey with GEM has helped him find his confidence, one step at a time. As he moves forward, he carries with him not just the lessons he’s learned but also the encouragement of those who believe in him.