Wynstelle Olga Sutandar, 16

School: Fairfield Methodist School (Secondary)

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

Award: Merit, Senior Category, 2024

Dear Mr Chen,

I hope this email finds you well. I am Celeste Tay, and I serve as a member of the Student Council’s Executive Committee. I am reaching out to propose a Values-in-Action (VIA) project aimed at engaging our Secondary 3 students in a meaningful community service.

Before delving into the details of the project, I would like to share the inspiration behind this idea. During a recent visit to my aunt's home, I was struck by the presence of jars filled with stars of vibrant colours in her living room. These stars, I learned, were meticulously folded by students as a tribute to deceased organ donors, including my grandmother, Lily. Grandma Lily selflessly donated her kidney to a patient who had been struggling to find a matching donor. "The love we give to the community will find its way towards us again," Grandma Lily's timeless words continue to resonate deeply within me. Witnessing the significance of these stars to my aunt, as a token of gratitude for her mother's noble act, filled me with pride and warmth. These jars serve as a poignant reminder to my aunt of the ripple effect of kindness and contribution to the community. Inspired by this, I am driven to propose a VIA project that echoes the spirit of giving back.

I would like to suggest two activities for the project, scheduled to take place over a two-week period in term 2. On 19th May 2024, students will wear white shirts symbolising peace and remembrance for the deceased organ donors. Additionally, each level of students will remain in their respective classrooms to create pink origami carnations, symbolising thoughts of remembrance. Each carnation will represent a $2 donation to the families of the deceased donors, with each class assigned to support different families. Following this, the school will collect the donations and channel them to the respective families. For the subsequent activity, collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Singapore is essential. On 24 May 2024, students will visit the NKF to participate in altruistic activities in continuation of the deceased donors' legacy. Considering that organ donation requires parental consent, this activity offers students a valuable opportunity to learn about kidney donation and engage in meaningful interactions with patients. Prior to the visit, students will prepare handwritten cards, which may include uplifting drawings, to bring joy to the patients. After careful consideration, I have chosen to collaborate with NKF as kidney failure remains a prevalent health issue in Singapore. Thus, I aim to raise awareness among our students on how they can contribute to alleviating this health challenge.

This VIA project promises numerous benefits for our Secondary 3 students. Firstly, it will raise their awareness of kidney failure, a significant health issue in our country. Additionally, it aligns with the values we have discussed in our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons, emphasising the importance of giving back to society. I am confident that our students will find immense joy and fulfilment in extending their support to the community, in line with this year's school theme, "Blessed to be a Blessing." Through this project, students will develop empathy and forge meaningful connections with a different age group, while also honing their communication skills with the elderly. Moreover, they will gain insights into various societal needs, empowering them to explore alternative avenues for contributing to society. I am certain that the students will return from this experience with valuable life lessons and a renewed sense of gratitude.

Furthermore, it is crucial to honour the deeds of deceased organ donors, as they deserve our utmost appreciation. These donors have provided patients with a second chance at life and ensured their well-being. Their selfless act not only benefits the recipients but also brings hope and comfort to their families. Organ donation epitomises selflessness, as donors extend care and support to individuals beyond their own kin. It is indeed a courageous and commendable act, as it involves a certain degree of risk. Despite this, donors prioritise the well-being of others, setting an admirable example of altruism.

I am deeply passionate about this project and sincerely hope for your approval and support. This initiative holds great potential to instill values of empathy, kindness, and community spirit in our students. Thank you for considering my proposal.

Yours Sincerely

Celeste Tay
Student Councillor
Fairfield Methodist School

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