Ng Jing Shyan Kate, 14

School: Bukit Batok Secondary School

Topic: Importance of organ donation awareness and engagement efforts for every age group

Award: Special Mention, Open Category, 2025

Organ donation is a serious and important topic that affects many people around the world, including Singapore. It is the process where people give their organs, like their heart, kidneys or liver, to someone else who needs them because their own organs are not working properly. Many lives can be saved if more people have the heart to be organ donors. That is why it is very important for awareness and engagement efforts about organ donation to reach all age groups in society equally.

One of the main reasons why it is important to reach every age group is because people of all ages can play a role in supporting organ donation. Even though children cannot donate organs while they are still alive, they are still able to learn about the topic and grow up to be more supportive of it. Teenagers, like me and my classmates, can also start to understand why organ donation is important and discuss it with our families. Adults, especially those who are old enough to make legal decisions, can actually register to be organ donors. Senior citizens may also want to donate their organs after they pass away, and their support can influence younger generations too. 

When awareness only focuses on certain age groups, such as only adults, it leaves out many others who could help spread the message. For example, if teenagers are not educated about organ donation, they might grow up not caring or thinking wrongly about it. Some people believe that organ donation is painful or dangerous, or that doctors will not try to save them if they are a donor. These are myths, but if we are not informed from young, we may continue to believe in them. That is why education and awareness need to begin early and continue for all ages. 

In Singapore, the Human Organ Transplant Act (HOTA) allows certain organs to be taken from people when they die, unless they opt out. But not everyone knows this. Many people, especially the elderly, may not fully understand what HOTA is or how it affects them. Some of them may have language barriers or are not very active on the internet, where most awareness campaigns happen. This shows that if awareness efforts are not made suitable for different age groups, many people might be left out and feel confused or scared. 

On the other hand, young people often learn through school programmes, videos or social media. These can be powerful tools to teach us about the importance of organ donation in a way that is interesting and easy to understand. But older people may prefer talks at community centres or printed brochures in their own language. So, the way we spread the message should be different depending on the age group. What works for a 15-year-old may not work for a 65-year-old. That’s why it is so important to have a wide range of strategies that target everyone equally. 

In addition, some people might feel uncomfortable talking about organ donation because it is linked to death. For example, parents may not want to discuss it with their children because they think it is too scary. But if we do not talk about it and stay quiet, people will continue to feel nervous or unsure. That is why schools, community leaders and even TV dramas or influencers can help to make the topic more normal. 

Another good way to reach all ages is through family conversations. When families talk about organ donation together, it helps everyone understand each other’s views. A teenager may ask their parents why they support or don’t support donation. A grandparent may share a story about someone they knew who needed a transplant. These conversations can build understanding and help families make decisions if something happens to a loved one. 

Also, engaging every age group can help create a more supportive and understanding society. When children, teenagers, adults and the elderly all talk openly about organ donation, it becomes less of a taboo subject. Families are more likely to discuss their wishes together, which is very important when someone passes away and the family needs to decide whether to allow organ donation. If the whole family is aware and supportive, it can make this hard decision easier. 

Lastly, by involving all age groups, we also make sure that future generations will continue to support organ donation. For example, if I learn about it now and support it, I may one day teach my children to do the same. This helps to keep the cycle going and makes organ donation more common and accepted in Singapore. 

Organ donation is not just a medical issue, it is also about kindness, love, and helping others. When we teach everyone, young and old, to see it this way, we can create a nation that truly cares. 

In a nutshell, organ donation is something that affects everyone, whether young or old. That is why awareness and engagement efforts should reach all age groups equally. By doing so, we can clear up misunderstandings, encourage more people to support donation, and build a society that is caring and informed. It is not just about saving lives today, but also about building a better future for tomorrow. Every person, no matter their age, can play a part.

Disclaimer: Please note that the views and opinions expressed in the essays for the Live On Festival 2025 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