Student Volunteer Partnership

This programme is organised in partnership with institutions and student groups. It is intended for cohorts who can commit collectively over a fixed period.

Key features

• Institutional or cohort-based participation (e.g. university residential colleges, student organisations)
• Minimum 10-week commitment
• Weekly fixed schedule for the same group
• Hands-on animal care and shelter support
• Structured and supervised volunteering environment

Consistency is essential, as our dogs benefit from familiar volunteers and routine care.

To ensure continuity of care for our dogs, participating groups must meet the following requirements:

• Students must be above 18 years old
• Minimum 10-week commitment per cohort
• The same student group must attend each week (no rotation of different students)
• Commitment of 4 hours per session
• Fixed weekly slot must be maintained throughout the programme

If a session cannot be attended on a particular week, the volunteer is expected to arrange a replacement session:

• Within the same week, or
• In the following week, or
• In advance (up to one week prior)

Reliability and consistency are essential to ensure proper care for our dogs.

Our Student Volunteer Partnership Programme operates on weekdays.

Weekday Morning Sessions

• Monday to Friday
• 9.15am to 1.15pm

Weekday Evening Sessions

• Monday to Friday
• 6.00pm to 10.00pm

All sessions are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to availability.

Each session provides hands-on experience in shelter operations and animal care. Activities may include:

• Walking 2-3 rounds of dogs (one dog per student)
• Feeding and assisting with daily meal routines
• Spending time bonding with rescued dogs in a calm environment
• Supporting basic rehabilitation exercises for senior and special-needs dogs
• Assisting with heat pad therapy, stretching exercises, or TENS therapy for dogs with mobility issues such as arthritis

Students will gain exposure to real-life animal welfare work and learn the importance of patience, responsibility, teamwork, and consistency in care.

For safety, welfare, and operational purposes:

• All participating students must complete and sign a participation form before attending.
• Students who do not complete the required form will not be able to enter the shelter.

This programme provides students with meaningful, real-world learning beyond the classroom.

Participants will gain:

• Hands-on experience in animal welfare and shelter operations
• Understanding of long-term commitment and responsibility
• Teamwork and coordination within a structured group setting
• Exposure to rehabilitation and care of rescued and senior dogs
• A direct and measurable impact on the wellbeing of animals in need

Each cohort plays a vital role in improving the daily lives of our rescued dogs.

We welcome enquiries from educational institutions and student organisations interested in establishing a Student Volunteer Partnership Programme with Mercylight. All partnerships are subject to scheduling availability and are confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

To discuss a partnership or available slots, please contact us at blessings@mercylight.org.sg with the following details:

• Name of Institution
• Estimated number of students
• Proposed schedule