Boys’ Town Singapore is a unique Catholic Institution dedicated to providing guidance, shelter, education, vocational training and practical living skills to youths. Boys’ Town was established in 1948 as a charitable institution by the Montfort Brothers of St Gabriel. We provide boarding and residential care for boys ages 10 – 21 who come primarily from large, troubled, single parent and financially needy families.
The idea of setting up a Boys’ Town similar to the one in the United States was first mooted by Bro. Vincent from the Brothers of St. Gabriel and Mr. W.T. McDermott, an Australian philanthropist.
They met when Bro. Vincent was interning at the Changi Prison Camp during the Japanese Occupation. This meeting brought him into contact with Mr. McDermott, who expressed his greatest aspiration to have a Boys’ Town for Singapore.
After their release, Mr. McDermott helped Bro. Vincent to draw up a master plan for Boys’ Town and also financially supported the project. In 1948, Boys’ Town was established as a charitable institution by the Brothers of St Gabriel and Mr. W. T McDermott was appointed as their inaugural Chairman.
Boys’ Town comprises of four arms: Assumption English School (AES), Assumption Pathway School (APS), the Boarding Home and Boys’ Town Alumni.
In the past, the aim of the institution was to provide vocational skills training and education to the orphans. Boys’ Town Home provides boarding and residential care for boys ages 11 – 18 who come primarily from large, single parent & financially needy families.
Today, Boys’ Town has expanded its scope of services beyond the original aim of its pioneers to include poor and underprivileged youths as well as those who encounter greater difficulties and challenges growing up. We assist those who have behavioral or family-linked challenges as well as those with learning difficulties in our ‘alternative schooling’ programme which is a competency-based learning framework.
We support the Boys in our care to develop educationally, socially & physically by providing them with counseling, leadership training, sports, drama, music and hobby programmes as well as moral/religious instructions as part of their daily life. This gives the boys in our care a chance to discover themselves more through a supervised and structured daily programme that stresses on their holistic development which in turns builds their self esteem and shape their character.
As a non-profit organization, Boys’ Town forms a part of the National Council of Social Service. Boys’ Town raises the majority of its funds through projects such as Flag Day, Walkathon, and Carnival & Festive Seasons Appeal.
The Executive Director, Irene Loi, under the advice of the Provincial Council of the Montfort Brothers of St. Gabriel and the Board of Governors is responsible for the administration and maintenance of the aims, objectives and traditions of Boys’ Town.
Boys’ Town is a member of the National Council of Social Services (NCSS) and Caritas Singapore Community Council (CSCC).
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