Giving opportunities and experiences.
Our services add colour to disadvantaged children’s lives through social interaction, recreational experiences, and skills-building programmes.
Highlights is active throughout the year, offering our children and young people all they need to feel like everyone else.
Our varied services have enormous impact, including:
Increasing self esteem
Improving mental health
Enabling lasting friendships
Providing recreational activities
Teaching life skills
Developing latent talents
Annual Performance
Children perform in their own professional stage show, watched by an audience of hundreds!
They discover and hone latent talents like singing, drama and dance, that would have no form of expression otherwise.
Practices are fun and engaging, helping our children feel good by engaging in creative expression and having fun with peers.
“I enjoy the talent project tremendously. I love working with friends to be dramatic and creative. It’s the best outlet.”
Sarah, age 11
“Just a note to express our utmost admiration and appreciation for producing the most fantastic show this week. My daughter loved the rehearsals, the excitement of performing, and was shining on stage with her friends! Everything was organised with such care and precision!”
Mrs. Brown
Weekly Youth Club
Children spend time in a warm, fun environment. Most importantly, they connect with others like them and build lasting friendships. Occasional parties, wholesome snacks and seasonal activities make this a fun place to be!
Each age group has a leader supervising the club. Children benefit tremendously from the listening ear and support they are often lacking at home. Our leaders are young staff members who were Highlights’ previous beneficiaries. Their personal understanding of the disadvantages faced by the children puts them in a unique position, enabling them to offer support and understanding.
“I’m usually quiet and don’t have much to say. Now I’m getting support from volunteers, I’m doing stuff with other people who understand me. In this group I finally feel good about myself.”
Bella, age 11
“A small note in appreciation for all that you do for my children throughout the year, enriching their weekend afternoons. They love it and come home so excited and fulfilled!”
Mrs. Wind
Sports and Trips
We fight sedentary lifestyle in disadvantaged children and young people by introducing them to the great outdoors, and enabling them to participate in organised sport. Our trips are wholesome, fun-filled, and focused on nature and physical activity — all of which promote good feeling and emotional wellness in participants.
“The outings we went on in the holidays were places I wouldn’t get the chance to go to. A water park with slides and waves. A real beach! I haven’t ever been to the seaside.”
Rachel, age 12
“Soft sand, energising hikes, exercises. Only with Highlights! I’m so grateful for this amazing experience.”
Diana, age 13
Summer Sleepaway Camp
A magical haven, our camp offers a fun-filled respite for a week or two. Disadvantaged children experience everything their peers do — at no cost. They build lasting friendships, enjoy exciting trips and socials, and come home refreshed and energised, ready to tackle the year ahead.
“I can’t find the words to express my appreciation for the fun times I had… a special thank you for sorting out all my food requirements.” (celiac requirements)
Sarah, age 14
“I really enjoyed the sleepaway experience! Thanks for always being available for us when we need you.”
Sherry, age 15
Our Leaders Programme
The young staff who help run our services are past members of Highlights, returning with their unique understanding of disadvantage to support children going through the same hardships. We recognize that these talented and dedicated YP also come from disadvantage, and would like to give them the surest start to their employment. Through training and encouraging our volunteers, as well as facilitating practical workshops to boost their skills, we help our leaders become independent, capable, and as employable as they deserve to be
“Thanks so much for the opportunity to be part of the staff! We enjoyed every minute, as much as when we were campers ourselves. It was an amazing experience to be the givers this time!”
Molly and Claire, age 18
“Until now we were the takers, now we’re the givers. That could have been a big jump, but Highlights senior staff is there to help us as we get our first experience of taking charge of a group of children. We get great training, and learn about responsibility hands-on.”
Frida, age 17