Jade Yeo Yu (Yang Yu), 16

School: Nan Hua High School

Topic: An email on a VIA project to honour deceased donors

Award: Third Place, Senior Category, 2024

Dear Mr Tan,

I am Clara Lee, Head of Events of the 31st Student Council Executive Committee (EXCO). On behalf of the EXCO, I am writing to share with you a potential Values-In-Action (VIA) project that lies close to my heart, and I hope to get the school’s support.

It all began with a jar of stars. I was deeply moved and touched seeing the jar of stars folded by students in honour of my grand-aunt, a deceased organ donor. It was a heartfelt sight to see how deceased organ donors are being shown appreciation and gratitude for the everlasting impact they have had on our community. This jar holds major significance to my aunt, reminding her of the undying legacy left behind by her mother, whose remarkable contribution has given multiple needy patients a new lease of life. It not only encapsulates her mother’s selflessness, but also serves as a tangible example of how organ donors are greatly respected by all.

Which is what led me to initiate this VIA project for the Secondary Four batch. Along with my other EXCO members, we have come up with the following proposal for your consideration. We believe that this student-initiated VIA project will surely spread awareness about organ donation to our student population.

With that, I would like to introduce ‘The Gift of Life’ project. To begin, I propose that we start this VIA project with a level-wide assembly during the Citizenship Character Education (CCE) period in Term 2 Week 7. We will invite medical professionals in the field of organ donation, as well as organ transplant recipients. These medical professionals will share about the crucial benefits of organ donation and transplantation, as well as the different treatment options available to those in need of vital organs. Additionally, organ transplant recipients will dive into their personal stories on how organ transplantation has given them a new shot at life. I firmly believe that through the sharing of medical expertise and personal experiences, students can see how organ donations restore life to those in dire circumstances. Our aims for this assembly include educating the student population on the importance of organ donors in our society as well as highlighting the need to honour deceased organ donors for their altruistic deed of donation. This in turn, will encourage students to make well-informed decisions regarding organ donation in the future and establish a strong foundation of acceptance towards organ donation in Singapore. Moreover, this sharing serves as an inspiration to students, as these organs can come from someone who did not make it and their family who is willing to give— for the betterment of other individuals.

Next, during the following CCE periods in Week 8, student councillors in every class will lead their classmates in the folding of stars activity. Each Secondary Four class will be allocated three glass jars and different designed paper strips, purchased using the Student Council Fund. By the end of Week 9, we would have 30 glass jars filled with paper stars to be given to the families of deceased organ donors. During these sessions, videos showcasing the stories of deceased organ donors will be played to students. While students learn how each star symbolises their support and acknowledgement for the families of deceased organ donors, these inspirational videos about organ donors will encourage more students to sign up for organ donation in the future to save more lives. Engaging students in this hands-on activity while sharing stories about deceased organ donors will develop their empathy and admiration for deceased organ donors — thereby making this activity a fulfilling yet productive one for students.

Finally, during the Home-Based Learning day on Friday, Week 10, the Secondary Four Student Council EXCO will gather in school before heading to National Organ Transplant Unit (NOTU) to give our tokens of appreciation to family members of deceased organ donors.

Besides takeaways from the assembly talk and the folding of stars, students will benefit by clarifying their misconceptions. Organ donation is a topic that is neither widely nor sufficiently discussed among the student population and hence may result in incorrect beliefs. By inviting medical professionals as part of the VIA project, we can debunk any myths or negative stigmas students may have regarding organ transplant, thereby strengthening understanding and clearing up concerns. For instance, one common myth about organ donation is that the donor’s health will be compromised. Contrary to this false belief, donors can lead just as healthy and fulfilling lives after donating their organs. I am certain that dispelling any doubts and misconceptions will undoubtedly foster greater awareness among students and will also inculcate a positive stance towards organ donation in students.

In my view, honouring deceased organ donors is essential as they selflessly give the gift of life to those in need. Honouring them not only acknowledges their incredible act of generosity but also underscores the importance of their contribution to society. According to the NOTU, up to seven lives can be saved with just one donor. However, based on the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) in Singapore, the average waiting time for a kidney donation is 8 years due to the lack of organ donations. Some patients even die in the process of waiting for an organ donation. It is by the altruism of deceased organ donors, that needy patients are given hope for a new life. It is hence important that we honour and raise awareness for deceased organ donors for they are unsung heroes who give people a second shot at life.

On that note, I am confident that this VIA project will instill commendable values and crucial awareness on organ donation in our students. Furthermore, it will prove to inspire the student population to take part in this worthy cause, organ donation. Thank you for entrusting me with this year’s proposal of the VIA project and I look forward to your feedback on this proposal.

Yours sincerely,
Clara Lee,
Head of Events for 31st Student Council EXCO

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2024 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