~

The 2024 Junior Writers Programme has truly been a rollercoaster ride. Not only did the programme enrich my writing, it also taught me the importance of time management between the balance of school related work as well as meeting deadlines of extra activities as such. Throughout the programme, Ms. Brigitte guided the junior writers with passion—unfolding different aspects of writing, pushing us to continue writing, and encouraging us to do better. The 2024 Junior Writers book is titled “Through the Window”, covering different perspectives of individual life. As meaningful as it was, this theme has implored me to broaden my writing abilities and expand from my comfort zone. I had loads of fun attending the classes throughout the programme and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process despite the homework and deadlines set. As a person who fell in love with writing from a young age, I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be part of this wonderful journey. I would also like to thank my parents for supporting and believing in me. Lastly, without the guidance and encouragement from Ms. Brigitte, I would have not been able to successfully complete the programme and have my short story featured along with the stories of 19 other talented junior writers. The programme has taught me so much and I hope it will also encourage future junior writers to explore their passion as well. Thank you, Ms. Brigitte! – Fong Jia Wei, JWP2024

~

I’ll never forget the day I received the email from JWP with the acceptance letter to the programme. It came right after I had won the World Scholar’s Cup Tournament of Champions in the USA, and I remember opening my inbox to see her email there. It was a moment I’ll always treasure.

Joining JWP was everything I never knew I needed. It gave me the chance to write and explore ideas in ways I hadn’t thought possible. I had always struggled with the belief that I wasn’t a good writer, but the moment I stepped into Ms. Brigitte’s creative writing classes, everything changed. She made me realise that writing was an actual thing I could shine at.

Ms. Brigitte, honestly, there wouldn’t even be a book writing journey without you. If I hadn’t joined her creative writing classes during the pandemic together with Mr Lohan, I actually wouldn’t know that I could shine in writing.

Ms. Brigitte, thank you for believing in me, pushing me, and always being there to lead me. If you hadn’t encouraged me all those years since 2019, I doubt that I would be writing this testimonial now. Your outstanding mentorship is the proof of my chapter in Through the Window. – Dissha Harleeyn Kaur, JWP2024

~

My son applied to the programme in 2023, but didn’t make the selection. However, he wasn’t convinced that he couldn’t do it, and he aimed to get in for 2024. When the opportunity came, he tried again and this time he’d finally manage to get in. He amazed us with how much his writing had improved to qualify. We’re incredibly proud and grateful for the opportunity he had, to join the Junior Writers Programme. It gave him the exposure and mentorship he needed to pursue his dream of publishing a book. Meeting Brigitte, with her patience and guidance, was a true blessing. We are deeply inspired by Brigitte’s dedication to nurturing young writers, her work is a noble cause and we’re beyond thankful for the positive influence she’s had on our son’s confidence. The journey has been incredibly rewarding, and the end result is something we’ll always cherish. – Sarah, Mum, JWP2024

~

The Junior Writing Programme has been an amazing addition to my high school education. The program has not only improved my writing skills but has also given me appreciation for the process of producing a book. I really enjoyed my time during the writing program as Miss Brigitte is an extremely passionate mentor, to say at the very least. A big thank you to her, as Miss Brigitte really empowered and gave me the ability to write confidently. Overall, JWP is a solid and effective writing course.  – Jonas Tang Yong Jing, JWP2023

~

Ms. Brigitte is a spectacular mentor, and there aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am to her for spotting my talent and introducing me to JWP! I still remember receiving her offer to join the programme out of the blue; even though I was completely clueless and confused about what JWP even was in the first place, I’ll never forget my excitement when I saw her email in my inbox on the way home from school. After reading more about the programme, though, I knew I couldn’t miss the opportunity of a lifetime. JWP gave me the chance to harness my creative freedom, beyond where academic institutions would normally tell you to stop – I’ll always treasure the classes we had and the memories we made along the way. Even though I’d come home every time with my hand ink-stained and cramping, there was always a sense of satisfaction and pride that came with knowing it was because I’d been doing what I love: writing. Thank you so much, Ms. Brigitte, for all your help and support throughout the entire process of writing my story – Acceptance – for The Eye, from fueling my writer’s flame to editing to publishing, and everything in between! I would’ve never been able to get this far without you. 💗 – Ezfar Aedlycia Abdullah, JWP2023

~

The Junior Writers Programme was a wonderful experience in all aspects. From the joy of having a part in a published book which fulfilled a great childhood dream of mine and something i never thought possible, to the moments of thought and writer’s blocks when writing my story, this programme was truly a unique, once in a lifetime experience, getting to experience the process of publishing a book. Alongside the book being published, thanks to Ms Brigitte’s help, I was able to greatly improve my story writing and how I write stories for the better. I’m very grateful for this opportunity to participate in something like this, I’m very lucky that I, among so many potential others, was able to get into this programme and have my part in a published book. Not everyone can say that they have a book published. – Garet Kim Kyung Jin, JWP2023

~

As an aspiring author, I always dreamt of publishing my own story. When I heard about the Junior Writers’ Programme 2023, I knew this was my chance to make my dream a tangible reality. The programme was truly an eye-opening experience. I learnt so much about the craft of writing, from developing character arcs to creating suspenseful plots. But what really made the programme special was the guidance and support of our mentor, Ms Brigitte Rozario. Ms Rozario is a true master of her craft. She has a knack for bringing out the best in her students. Her tips and tricks were invaluable, and I feel like I grew as a writer by leaps and bounds under her guidance. The highlight of the programme was, of course, the opportunity to publish our stories in a book. It was an incredible feeling to see my name and story (The Fourth Victim) in print, and I know it’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. If you’re a kid with a passion for writing, I urge you to enroll in the Junior Writers’ Programme. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from the best and to see your work published in a real book. Thank you, Ms Rozario, for making this dream a reality. I’m forever grateful for your guidance and support. – Naga Pranav Patcha, JWP2023

~

If you are fortunate enough to participate in the Junior Writers Programme, you are being given the opportunity to experience something many can only dream of that so few achieve. Yes, publishing a story in a book is tremendously impressive but the knowledge one is able to acquire from this programme is simply exceptional. Not only that, it’s the process of feeding us young writers the knowledge that really differentiates a person who writes and a born writer. Ms Brigitte is distinctly a born writer whose methods I have never come across from a teacher before. Methods that are so efficient I learnt more about writing in 7 months than in all my life! If I could go back in time and do it all over again, I would beyond a shadow of doubt. – Devya Kuganesan, JWP2023

~

The Junior Writers Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I’ve been lucky enough to experience. A big thank you to Miss Brigitte for spotting my talent and granting me a place in this programme. I truly am grateful for this. I mean, not many people can say, “I published my story in a book when I was still in school”, can they? To be honest, I’m so exhilarated that I can’t even find the words to express myself. 😆 – Aqesha Humaira, JWP2023

~

I think this is a very good platform that empowers inspiring teens to believe in themselves and venture out to do something that would otherwise be impossible.  Especially so for a girl like my daughter who officially has a special condition, your accommodating approach towards her and willingness to try to understand her plight has made her quietly found a safe space which allows her to grow and bloom at her own pace.

From the depth of my heart, I thank you for doing this. ❤️ – Nani, Mum, JWP2023

~

Ms. Brigitte is an amazing person. She is kind and has good communication skills. She is able to teach effectively in a way that engages students to try and write to the best of their abilities. Ms. Brigitte’s programme has helped me a lot in trying to make the stories in my mind come to life. The guidance she gives really outshines any other teacher. She really is a one in a trillion. Thank you for educating and supporting me through my writing journey. ❤️ – Dominic Lim Zhoo Zhuan, JWP2023

~

Writing a story is more than imagination. It’s having a scenario in mind then implanting it in the reader’s head with just the right words. It’s research and techniques and different ways to capture emotions. It’s all these little details that make a story complete. It’s all these things that I never would’ve known without the Junior Writers Programme. – Stella Cheng Zhe Xin, JWP2022

~

Books have always given me a sense of purpose in life; they grounded and liberated me at once. So, when I was given the opportunity to publish my own writing, I just couldn’t turn it down. JWP wasn’t just a base for me to kick-start my writing career, but it also helped me understand myself and the world of writing on a much deeper level. The programme made me understand that writing isn’t just about pouring out your feelings but being able strategically tell a story to someone. Getting to hear different students’ perspectives of the same writing exercises made me come out of my comfort zone and critic my writing even more. Ms. Brigitte’s comments about my own assignments made me aware of the do’s and dont’s in writing that I’ve never been aware of. The programme was a blast for me as I forged good friendships and made some core memories with people who enjoyed writing the same as me. Looking back, I’d definitely change many things about my published piece but the process of writing has shaped me to always explore the world of writing and never settle for the bare minimum. – Vinoshini Pregalathan, JWP2020

~

The Junior Writers Programme in 2019 was a pivotal role in my development as a writer. It was through this series of classes that my writing was elevated to new heights. Ms Brigitte is a phenomenal teacher, mentor, guide, you name it. My experience in the class can only be pictured vividly in my mind as fun, memorable and inspiring days. The real motivator in this programme was the prospect of being able to publish a book, with my very own story in it! As a 10-year-old when I was writing this short story, I did find it tough at some points, but Ms Brigitte was there to rescue me and keep me back on the right path. I recommend the JWP to all aspiring writers. Perhaps you’ll realise your dreams then! – Aidan Ooi Zi Kin, JWP2019

~