We are all familiar with the term “CCA” in RI. It is mandatory to have one core CCA, while merit CCAs are optional. Why are these CCAs compulsory, though? What about Extra-curricular activities (ECA)? Why are they important? In this article, we will explore the benefits of engaging in extracurricular activities, as well as answer the questions above.
RI boasts a selection of 32 Core CCAs, yet the extracurricular scene extends far beyond its borders, with students immersing themselves in a plethora of ECAs beyond RI’s confines. Let’s delve into the benefits these diverse programmes offer.
Firstly, CCA and ECA allow students to develop and hone their interests outside of the academic curriculum. Through these avenues, they can hone their skills, engage in competitions, and cultivate a sense of self-fulfillment and pride. Additionally, they have the chance to develop soft skills vital for adulthood while pursuing their passions.
Secondly, CCAs and ECAs can help to foster a sense of camaraderie between Rafflesians and strengthen their bonds between them. Through prolonged interaction with their CCA members or ECA friends, they will gain a sense of belonging to the community that is their CCA or ECA, and they will be bonded through their shared interests.
By engaging in meaningful activities outside of school, many ex Rafflesians have been very successful.
An exemplar of a Rafflesian consistently partaking in extra-curricular activities would be Umar Abdillah Shah (Class of 2023), former Hullet captain of 2020-2021. We interviewed Umar about his participation in these activities, and he shared his experience with us and some insightful thoughts.
Umar follows his principle that “when you are more fortunate, you should exercise a greater degree of humility and in so doing, give back further.” Thus, he takes part in a multitude of extra-curricular activities outside of school including MPS @ Boon Lay (an organisation that distributes of care packs and conducts focus group discussions), MUDASG (an organization which aims to alleviate the issues faced by the Malay-Muslim community in Singapore, of which Umar is one of the original members), Food from the Heart (which is a Food Bank aiming to alleviate the food struggles faced by the not well to do) as well as internships and attachments.
Umar fondly reflects on his experience with MPS because it provided him with opportunities to “see things from quite a lot of new perspectives,” such as observing how people create policies and understanding the dynamics of “intention vs reaction” behind the scenes. MPS helped Umar to bridge the gap between “noble intentions” and “a lapse in the understanding of the people on the ground.” Additionally, his involvement with MUDA was characterised by its status as a leadership organization still changing its path. This experience taught Umar to be perceptive, anticipate future issues, and keep himself motivated to push forward. Furthermore, MUDA provided valuable lessons in people management, and how to galvanise a large group of people to work towards a common goal they all felt strongly about.
There is a multitude of ECA opportunities for students to participate in, many in their neighbourhoods. A simple trip to the neighbourhood community centre and students can sign up for many activities that they might be interested in. Students can also actively research possible opportunities and organisations that they can help out in, and expand their knowledge. The onus is on us to seek out chances and opportunities to give ourselves new experiences and meet new people.
According to Umar, “Always do what you believe in rather than what is the most beneficial for you, because after all, in the journey of life, it’s all these activities that you’re passionate [about] that you’ll look back at fondly.” We believe that although CCAs and ECAs may sometimes feel redundant and tiresome, the benefits they provide are too valuable to overlook.
To conclude, participation in extra-curricular activities, while not compulsory, brings about countless benefits and allows for self-development, so don’t hesitate to sign yourself up for extra-curricular activities!
