Participatory Budgeting Exercise 2023

Most of us young’uns probably have suggestions and ideas on how we can better our future, but wipe off the notion of executing anything from either the lack of motivation or funds. To help turn ideas into reality, the National Youth Council (NYC) is bringing in the big guns in the form of a virtual budget amounting to $30,000 given to each youth to fund projects.

This will then translate into real funding through the Youth Action Challenge (YAC)’s Participatory Budgeting Exercise. Back for its 4th instalment, the Youth Action Challenge began last October and has recently concluded its pitches at the Final Open Mic sessions.

For the first time ever, NYC has also launched an open Participatory Budgeting Exercise which allows the public to contribute by voting on projects which resonate with them, in areas such as mental well-being and sustainability. Plus, there’s an exciting iPad giveaway to join.

What is the Youth Action Challenge?

Image credit: National Youth Council

For the uninitiated, the Youth Action Challenge was launched by NYC for youths aged 15 to 35, and serves as a platform for them to innovate fresh ideas for SG’s future. And, through government funding, selected ideas then get fleshed out and made into reality as part of public initiatives for the nation.

Participants will team up and pick their preferred theme. This season, the 4 core themes are: Mental Well-Being, Environment & Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Support for Vulnerable Groups. 

Image credit: National Youth Council

Based on their chosen theme, a curated range of workshops was held to help participants hone their expertise in their chosen field and develop skills such as effective budgeting and planning. They were also given access to professional mentorship and guidance from top-tier industry experts. Budget-wise, NYC and YAC have partnered with the government to provide funding for every team.

Participate for free & stand a chance to win an iPad

Image credit: National Youth Council

You’re probably wondering, “Okay, but what does it have to do with me?”. Through the Participatory Budgeting Exercise, you will get to have a say in the additional grants that teams will receive to bring their projects to life.

From now till 25th February, this exercise allows youths to each allocate $30,000 worth of virtual funds to the teams that they feel will make the greatest impact in their community. The process is simple; explore the 52 team projects, choose the teams that resonate with or inspire you the most, and submit your votes via the Participatory Budgeting platform.

To give you an idea of what projects you can vote for, this season saw youths pitching ideas such as turning excess food stock into nutritious pet food, courtesy of “Team Pawfoo” in a bid to reduce food waste. 

Under the mental well-being category, there is a team which will be working in tandem with established organisations in Singapore. Called “”Team Check-in Champions”, their goal is to train supporters to normalise and provide frequent mental wellness check-ins with youths.

Explore the other teams and their respective missions through the Youth Action Challenge Meet The Teams page.

Through this exercise, you not only get to gain rare first-hand experience in budget allocation, but will also get to contribute to the funding of various public needs as equitably as possible.

And the cherry on top – NYC will also be hosting a giveaway for all participants of the Participatory Budgeting Exercise. All you have to do to enter this giveaway is submit a feedback form after completing the voting exercise.

From the responses submitted, 2 winners with the most thoughtful feedback will be chosen to take home an iPad (9th Generation) worth $503 each. Time to bust out all your lucky charms and pray you’ll be one of the winners.

Pitch in & join the Participatory Budgeting Exercise

It’s not often that common folk like you and I get to have a direct say in projects that will shape Singapore’s future; now’s your chance to chip in and make a difference. Voting for the Participatory Budgeting Exercise is open from now till 25th February 2023, 11.59pm, so you’ll want to lock in your vote ASAP.

Partake in the Participatory Budgeting Exercise here

This post was brought to you by the National Youth Council.