Farouq was 15 when he joined Bettr’s Holistic Training (HT) programme in 2023. In 2020, he completed his PSLE and embarked on a new journey in secondary school. That same year, COVID-19 pandemic struck.
Despite support from his Principal and teachers, Farouq became more isolated and distant as he struggled with navigating these new changes. His deteriorating mental health gave him bouts of severe anxiety, and it was difficult to meet new friends. His confidence plummeted as he kept giving in to his fears, eventually refusing school for over three years.
Hafizah, a supportive social worker assigned to Farouq, threw him a lifeline when she referred him to the 4-month Bettr Holistic Training (HT) programme. This initiative, made possible by the Community Foundation of Singapore, is aimed at supporting marginalised youth. With a maximum class size of 12 people, Farouq was enrolled into a tight-knit group that focused on developing their social-emotional skills and awareness through the Six Seconds EQ Curriculum.