School Dropouts As Teenagers: Find A Job Or Return To School? | On The Red Dot: Dropouts - Part 2/3

Key Concepts

Project Staish: A program for youths who dropped out of school to obtain their N-Levels.
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD): A condition in which a child displays a pattern of uncooperative, defiant, and hostile behavior toward authority figures.
Bipolar Disorder: A mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).
N-Levels: A secondary school examination in Singapore.
Vocational Training: Training for a specific occupation or trade.
Emotion Regulation: The ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience.

Christine's Journey: Dropping Out and Finding a Path

Initial Struggles and Diagnosis

Christine initially dropped out of school due to gaming addiction, playing for up to 15 hours a day for one and a half years.
School counselors suggested she attend the Child Guidance Clinic, where she was diagnosed with ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and bipolar disorder.
The diagnosis of bipolar disorder was particularly difficult for her to accept, as it involved extreme mood swings and depression.
She felt isolated and struggled with the question of "why must it always be me?"

Seeking Employment and Facing Rejection

Christine attempted to find a part-time job, sending over 20 applications, but faced rejections, often without specific reasons given.
She aimed for F&B and retail jobs, believing they would be easier to obtain with her T-Levels qualification.
She encountered difficulties due to a lack of experience and potentially her highest qualification being T-Levels.

Social Worker Intervention and Project Staish

Christine's mother, concerned about her anger issues, arranged for a social worker, Aaron, to assist her.
Aaron encouraged her to consider Project Staish, a program that allows youths who didn't complete school to obtain their N-Levels.
Project Staish requires attending school only one day a week, allowing time for work and family commitments.
She was initially nervous about the placement test but motivated by the desire to become a mechanic.

INUT and Academic Support

A post-care worker from a girls' home recommended INUT to help Christine with her struggles.
INUT explored academic pathways with her, leading her to consider accounting due to her interest in math and family members working in finance.
INUT planned to match her with a one-on-one tutor to help her prepare for her normal technical examinations as a private candidate.
She needed four subjects to qualify for the courses she wanted at ITE.

Returning to School and Subsequent Dropout

Christine initially returned to school in September 2023, motivated by support from friends, teachers, psychologists, and parents.
She had to retake Secondary 2, while her friends were in Secondary 3, leading to feelings of being a "loser."
She faced academic struggles and negative comments from peers, causing agitation and anxiety.
She officially dropped out of school in July 2024 due to stress and anxiety.

YMCA and Project Starfish Application

Her principal and school counselor offered two options: getting a job or attending YMCA.
She applied for Project Starfish, requiring a placement test and an interview to assess her suitability.
She expressed her motivation to finish her N-Levels and pursue a career as a mechanic.
She promised to attend every Monday if accepted into the program.

Acceptance into Project Starfish and Vocational Training

Christine received a place in Project Starfish 2025.
She will undergo vocational training after completing one month of the program.
She was interested in web design, digital marketing, and media production due to her interest in photography and social media.
Her social worker, Priscilla, supports her in emotion regulation and job searching.

Africa's Journey: Pursuing Accounting

Interest in Accounting

Africa decided to take her normal technical examinations as a private candidate.
She wants to be an accountant because some of her family members are working in finance industry and she also loves math.
She'll be sitting for four subjects this year and that would be just enough for her to qualify for the courses she wants at ITE.

Christine's Friendships and Support System

Initial Dropout and Communication Breakdown

Christine's friends, Harini and Chloe, were initially supportive when she dropped out of school in 2021.
However, communication broke down, and Christine stopped socializing, causing confusion and upset among her friends.

Reconciliation and Renewed Support

In 2023, Christine apologized to Harini and Chloe, explaining her emotional struggles and therapy.
The friends reconciled, and Harini and Chloe provided renewed support for Christine's return to education.

Conclusion

The video chronicles the journeys of Christine and Africa, two young women navigating challenges in their education and mental health. Christine's story highlights the complexities of dropping out of school, dealing with mental health diagnoses, and finding alternative pathways to achieve her goals. Project Staish and vocational training offer her a second chance to pursue her passion for mechanics. Africa's story shows her determination to pursue accounting as a private candidate with the support of INUT. Both stories emphasize the importance of support systems, mental health care, and alternative educational programs in helping young people overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations.