| Q: |
Who can join the NYAA Programme? |
| A: |
Participants aged 14-25 years old can join the NYAA Programme. The minimum age is 14 for the Bronze level, 15 for the Silver level and 16 for the Gold level. Award participants must finish the Award Programme before they turn 25. |
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| Q: |
What does it cost? |
| A: |
The NYAA Programme is not expensive. The Record Book, Diary and Registration fee include public liability and personal accident insurance. The only costs are expenses such as bus fares, and possibly course fees. |
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| Q: |
Do school or work activities count? |
| A: |
No. Time spent on activities done during school or work hours or before one receives his/her Record book cannot be counted towards the Award. NYAA Award activities must be done during the individual’s spare time. |
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| Q: |
How difficult is the completion of the NYAA Programme? |
| A: |
The three levels of the Award are within the reach of all. The NYAA Programme is completely voluntary and non-competitive. The only person you need to impress and compete against is yourself. Of course, the NYAA Award Programme can be quite demanding in terms of the amount of effort and time you need to put in but it is also very rewarding. |
| Q: |
Do lower Awards count towards higher Awards |
| A: |
Yes. A Bronze Award holder could get a Silver Award within a minimum period of 6 months instead of 12 months. In fact, most NYAA Award participants prefer to work up through the awards rather than go directly for a higher Award. |
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| Q: |
How many individuals have gone through the NYAA Programme? |
| A: |
As of 2010, there are 212,000 individuals who have taken the NYAA Programme. |
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| Q: |
How does the NYAA promote long-term volunteerism? |
| A: |
The NYAA promotes long-term volunteerism through the “Beyond the Gold Programme” of its Gold Award Holders’ Alumni (GAHA). The Beyond the Gold Programme allow as Gold Award recipients to continue to serve at various levels of the community. |
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| Q: |
Is NYAA able to track the progress of students in community service beyond fulfilling the requirements of the Award? |
| A: |
The NYAA is able to track the progress of young people through our Operating Authorities, which include secondary schools, ITEs, junior colleges, polytechnics, universities and self-help groups, as well as youth ad community-based organizations. |
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| Q: |
What sort of tangible rewards do awardees get? |
| A: |
Those who complete the NYAA Programme receive a certificate and a badge.
Outstanding NYAA Awardees are sent on various training programmes overseas, such as the US Congressional Leadership Training Programme, United Nations’ programmes, as well as programmes run by NYAA Council’s partners, the Commonwealth and other international agencies. NYAA representatives also sit on the various committees of these agencies.
Outstanding Gold Award participants and holders have a chance to be nominated for various youth environmental Awards from Multi-National corporations. One of the most notable is the HSBC Youth Excellence Award, which consists of a plaque and a scholarship worth $10,000. This Award was initiated by HSBC with the support of the NYAA Council and is presented by the President of the Republic of Singapore. |
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| Q: |
Is there a public recognition ceremony? |
| A: |
The NYAA Council organizes two national Award Presentations each year. The Awards, which consist of a certificate and a badge, are presented by Government Minister. Due to the large number of participants, many Operating Authorities organize Award Presentation Ceremonies at the school level with the endorsement of the NYAA Council. NYAA Council will assist Operating Authorities in inviting a Guest-of-Honour for the Ceremony. |
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| Q: |
: After obtaining the Award, is there any opportunity or platform for Award recipients to serve? |
| A: |
Yes, the NYAA Council organizes many national projects throughout the year. Award recipients are welcome to serve in leadership capacity. These national projects serve as an excellent platform for youth to serve in a leadership role. |
