Celebrating 7 Years of Empowering Women
Twenty One Daughters: Real-Life Hero Stories
Daughters Of Tomorrow, the charity that trains, empowers, and helps under‑privileged women find lasting jobs, kicked off its 7th anniversary with a feel‑good campaign called Twenty One Daughters. The aim was simple: share the stories of the toughest, most inspiring women who turned hardship into triumph, reshaped their communities, and right‑backed those who still needed a helping hand.
What the Campaign Served
- 24 intimate portraits and biographies that showcase the everyday grit of these women.
- Full makeovers that gave each finalist a fresh look for the workplace.
- Family photos that turned a personal moment into a shareable story.
- Professional headshots ready to be dropped into LinkedIn profiles and CVs.
All of this was designed to give the participants a serious boost as they either stepped into or re‑entered the workforce.
A Spotlight on Zulayqha Zulkifli
Among those shining stories is 27‑year‑old Zulayqha Zulkifli, a final‑year social‑work student at the Singapore University of Social Sciences. While her textbooks offer core knowledge, Zulayqha’s enthusiasm spills into the real world—with a passion for helping people that doesn’t quit when the lecture hall lights dim.
From volunteering at local shelters to launching initiatives that bridge the service gap for seniors, she’s turning classroom theory into tangible change in her community. Her journey reminds us that education is powerful—but it becomes even greater when paired with a drive to make a difference.
A neighbour to those in need
How a Family’s Small Act Turned Into a Community Treasure
Picture this: April 2020, the entire city in lockdown. Zulayqha found herself stuck at home with her homework, her phone, and a serious case of boredom.
The Eye-Popping Reality
- She walked out into the fresh air and saw a line of kids hunched over their phones – just “tapping” for Wi‑Fi.
- Neighbors poked around her apartment, asking her dad for the latest stats on how everyone was doing.
- They raised scary doubts: “Will we run out of groceries? Will we end up eating leftovers?”
Project Hills: Turning Concern Into Action
Fueled by those black‑and‑white fear‑filled stories, the kids and their siblings rallied together and launched Project Hills – a grassroots aid program for bustling rental apartments.
- They pulled together money, bought groceries, and delivered them every evening while the lockdown was still on.
- And guess what? It was also the holy month of fasting, so lunchtime was a perfect excuse to keep busy, or at least keep everyone fed.
Some Behind-the-Scenes Wisdom
“We had to manage our time between school, family duties, and the weekly charity runs,” Pulls herself from memory, Zulayqha, adds. “It felt like a workout for the soul and a marathon for the stomach at the same time!”
What’s Next?
- Project Hills is now a permanent community hub, ensuring every neighbor can keep the pantry filled when the next emergency strikes.
- Plans to expand the program to nearby towns are already in the off‑hand, because this was just the beginning.
From a simple stroll outside a building to a full community movement, Zulayqha and her family taught us that one neighborhood can change the lives of many. And yes, they did it all while being laser focused on the most crucial thing: sharing smiles, snacks, and hope.
<img alt="" data-caption="Left: Preparing for milk and diapers initiative I Right: Disturbing food rations across 7 rental blocks
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From a Small Squad to 107 Super‑Volunteers: The Story of Project Hills
It All Started in Queenstown
“Seeing neighbours get retrenched was tough,” she says, recalling the early days when she and a handful of friends brought fresh produce in bulk. “We were a tight‑knit team of no more than ten, determined to spot those hit hardest and hand over the basics they needed to ease the financial strain.”
The Team Grows, The Impact Grows
What began in a quiet corner of Queenstown has blossomed into a force of 107 volunteers who throw help into public rental estates along Mei Ling Street, Stirling Road, and Kim Tian Place.
- Youth eager to give back
- Working adults juggling jobs and charity
- Scholarship candidates pursuing masters and PhDs
Next‑Step Goals
Zulayqha envisions Project Hills expanding into more neighbourhoods, placing volunteers right next to the rental estates they serve. But for the moment, a dedicated 50‑person team is hammering out fundraising plans to keep groceries, cleaning supplies, and other necessities flowing to those who need them most.
Why It Matters
The Takeaway
When a small group of neighbors decided to roll up their sleeves, they turned a local crisis into a united mission that now spans hundreds of volunteers and countless families. And that’s the kind of ripple that gets Google’s attention and, more importantly, changes lives in real time.
Tough beginnings
<img alt="" data-caption="Left: Teaching a beneficiary how to install software in a new laptop I Right: Coordinating delivery of milk and diapers.
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Meet Zulayqha: A Young Hero Who Started Helping Early
Everyone knows that the fire of generosity often burns bright in the hearts of kids, and Zulayqha’s journey is no different. Since age nine, she’s been stepping out into the community and lending a hand—even before the year 2020.
Legacy of a Grassroots Mom
Her mom didn’t just stand on the sidelines, she was the mastermind behind community action for over fifteen years. Zulayqha says:
“My mother always made sure my siblings and I joined every volunteer event. We’d go in for a quick look; she’d drag us to rental flats she managed and let us see how lucky we were to have clothes, even if the family was short on cash.”
This constant exposure to grassroots work primed the little girl to become a real-life advocate for others.
When the Chip Falls Apart
Life, however, threw a curveball. After her parents’ divorce, the four kids—Zulayqha and her three siblings—found themselves suddenly without a home. The teenage girl stepped up like a boss, wearing the hat of the only adult who could shoulder the finances.
Dreams of Change
“I went for social work because I wanted to spare others from the hardship I endured,” says Zulayqha. She didn’t let the financial battle take the edge off her ambition.
Scholarship Power
- Studied hard through ITE and polytechnic.
- Earned scholarship allowances.
- Used those funds to support her family while chasing her dream.
Despite the day‑to‑day hurdles, Zulayqha’s determination turned her into a double‑handed hero: both a diligent student and a caretaker for her family. Her story reminds us that even when the world throws chain‑wrenches, a heart driven by purpose can still build bridges.
Bridging people and social service agencies
Inside Project Hills: How a Rebel Family Turns Everyday Challenges into Community Wins
Meet Zulayqha — the charismatic co‑founder of Project Hills. While you might think a founder of a charity is all polished speeches and shiny fundraising events, Zulayqha’s story is far more grounded.
Why Being “Not‑In‑Register” is a Double‑Edged Sword
“Getting people to chip in for our causes was tough because we’re not officially registered as a charity.” She explains. When a nonprofit doesn’t have that shiny red badge of legitimacy, folks naturally wonder if it’s a scam. On top of this, her entire brand (and her brothers) often get mistaken for “rebel anarchists” who’re opposed to the government. In reality, they’re just the bridge people need to reach vital social services.
From a Disposable Diaper to a Life‑Changing Moment
- During a community outreach, Zulayqha spotted a mother hanging a used disposable diaper on her balcony.
- She quickly realized the mother could’t afford new diapers, forcing her to reuse the old ones.
- That sight hit Zulayqha like a reality check: it’s a wake‑up call to take concrete action.
Instead of grumbling, she felt a surge of urgency. “It’s the kind of problem that screams, ‘We can solve this. We have to.”
Offer, Don’t Imposing
Project Hills respects the independence of every beneficiary. Their help is offered as an option, not a mandate. Think of it like providing an extra tool in someone’s toolbox rather than bulldozing the entire setup.
Zulayqha says, “I’m not the hero here. I’m the facilitator who helps families crew their ship at their own speed.”
Help Output: Daughters Of Tomorrow
She’s also involved in Daughters Of Tomorrow, a platform raising funds for women and families in Singapore. Give it a quick look at their Giving.sg page.
Want to volunteer?
Project Hills is open to volunteers. Explore how you can make a difference by visiting their volunteering portal.
— Published by Wonderwall.sg | Nurturing Community, One Story at a Time
