Chong Wen Hao, 16

School: Anglo-Chinese School (Independent)

Topic: An email to the Head of CCA on an organ donation awareness project

Award: Distinction, Senior Category, 2023

Dear Mr Winston,

I hope that you are doing well. Thank you for giving me this wonderful opportunity to organise such a meaningful organ donation awareness project. Being given the chance to express my creativity and showcase my passion for organ donation is beyond amazing. On behalf of the organising committee, I am writing to you today to share with you our project idea to raise awareness on organ donation and transplantation in school.

Rationale:

Every year, more than 500 patients are waiting to receive a life-saving transplant in Singapore. This might seem unbelievable, but it is unfortunately a harsh reality regarding organ donation that exists. Currently, the average waiting time for organ donation is around 5 to 17 years. This is an extremely long time. In order to reduce this arduous waiting duration, one solution is to raise awareness on organ donation amongst students. Students like us are often seen as the “change-makers" of society who have the ability to spark conversations and advocate for organ donation.

Project Idea:

With this in mind, our project idea is titled “Organ Donation Needs Attention”, or ODNA. The theme of ODNA is: “All it takes is an organ donation to be a hero”. Thoughtfully crafted by members of the organising committee, we truly believe that this theme encapsulates the fact that everyone in society plays a pivotal role in organ donation.

Event timeline:

ODNA will be taking place during the last 3 days of the school term from the 24th to the 26th of May. Students can therefore have an unforgettable time with their friends before heading off for the June school holidays. Over the 3 days, all students from Secondary 1 to 4 will be actively engaged in the various thrilling activities ODNA has to offer.

Proposed programme:

One key event ODNA has to offer will be an exhibition on organ donation and transplantation. The school’s main auditorium will be a place for students to gather and learn more about organ donation. Representatives from institutions like the National University Centre for Organ Transplantation (NUCOT) and National Kidney Foundation (NKF) will be kindly setting up interactive booths in our auditorium, enabling students to better understand and appreciate organ donation. Display panels at these interactive booths can enable students to learn more about stories from patients narrating their experience with organ donation. Besides, students can stand a chance to win attractive prizes like cash vouchers and notebooks, simply by being attentive during the representatives’ sharing! I truly believe that students will enjoy strolling through the interactive booths with their friends while engaging in meaningful conversations regarding organ donation.

Another highlight of the programme will be the ODNAppeal, which every class will take part in. This fundraiser event, jointly organised by the NKF, involves raising money for the needy who suffer from end-stage kidney failure. Students will be notified 3 weeks beforehand on this fundraising event and can immediately embark on collecting funds from family, friends and relatives. For students, ODNAppeal can instil important lifelong values like responsibility and empathy, which will be essential for their personal development in the long-run.

On the last day of ODNA, the whole school will rally together as one and embark on the ODNA Walk. This constitutes the third main ODNA programme, which will be held around the school. The ODNA Walk, which supports a NUCOT initiative, is a movement helping to raise funds for organ transplant patients who are financially in need. At 8am in the morning, students from all levels will assemble at the parade grounds before heading out for a walk spanning approximately 4 kilometres. This scenic walk will involve passing through the nearby nature park and reservoir. As the well-being of all students is our utmost priority, student leaders will be stationed at designated areas to guide students along the route. Additionally, the organising committee proposes 2 ambulances to be on standby in case of unexpected emergencies. With that aside, I trust that this walk would be memorable for all students, enabling everyone to foster beautiful memories with each other while taking a well-deserved break from the hassle of schoolwork. “ODNA walk” is also very effective in getting students engaged with them knowing that their efforts will significantly benefit others in need.

Apart from the three main events mentioned above, ODNA can also organise an inter-class classroom design competition for every level. The class committee of every class will be tasked to collaborate with all students to decorate their classroom that can impress a panel of teachers, with the theme of ODNA in mind. Moreover, such activities can promote greater bonding amongst classmates. Winning classes can stand to win enticing prizes like ODNA custom-made keychains and T-shirts, together with snacks and goodies which can be distributed amongst classmates.

Personal reflections:

Personally, my involvement as part of the organising committee has inculcated valuable lessons in me. It is truly a blessing to be given such a priceless opportunity to hone my leadership and communication skills. On top of that, working with fellow CCA leaders has also provided me with the valuable opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about organ donation. Additionally, planning for such a large-scale school event has made me understand the importance of organisation and time-management.

For the past three years, various safe-management measures have impacted the way events are organised. Due to the coronavirus, schools have not had a chance to organise large mass gatherings. ODNA will be the perfect opportunity for students to reconnect with one another, cultivate lasting friendships and gain essential knowledge on organ donation.

On behalf of the organising committee, thank you for taking the time to read our project proposal. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Regards,
Wen Hao

References

1. Understanding HOTA. Ministry of Health, Singapore, https://www.moh.gov.sg/docs/librariesprovider5/resources-statistics/educational-resources/moh-026-09_8pp-english.pdf.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2023 are those of the participants and are not endorsed by the National Organ Transplant Unit (Ministry of Health). To learn more about organ donation and organ transplantation in Singapore, please visit www.liveon.gov.sg