How has your child grown in terms of leadership and confidence after attending the NextGen Philanthropy Leadership Program?

Troy prides himself on his confidence in making friends and bringing people together. However, with new team-mates formed in the NextGen program, he realized that the team has to adapt and learn about each other’s strength, weaknesses, foster trust and confidence in a much faster pace. He realized that participants coming from all walks of life have much to share and learn in terms of values, global outlook, critical thinking, agility to cooperation and problem solving.

Have you noticed any changes in how your child thinks critically or solves problems since joining the program?

Yes. Troy is very well weaved into the American education system and since his completion of the program, he realized people from different nationalities do approach critical thinking and problem solving differently. He now displays the trait of approaching problems with a different perspective and being open to explore different solutions.

What impact has the program had on your child’s awareness of social issues and the importance of making a positive contribution to society?

The program has definitely enhanced his awareness on social issues with a big part contributed by the elderly home visit. He has become more aware that a successful and close knitted society needs every individual to not just think of the greater whole but to take action and thrive to contribute in a meaningful way.

How has the program inspired or motivated your child to take initiative in school or in the community?

Troy was well aware of the prevalent mosquito borne diseases like Malaria and Zika affecting health and well-being to the region. While this topic was seconded by the participating jury, he is highly inspired and is determined to spearhead a movement to develop solutions to mitigate this social problem.

– Mr Shiro,
Father of Astroy (NextGen Class of Richard Buttrey, 2025)