Values-in-Action (VIA) Project with Victoria School
In a successful second year of partnership, Victoria School's Humanities and Student Leadership departments collaborated with Migrant & Me over a 4-month duration to equip Secondary 4 students for their VIA Project, supporting migrant workers from our NGO partner, SG Accident Help Centre.
MARCH 2024:
WORKSHOP FOR SECONDARY 4 COHORT
Victoria School’s Secondary 4 students are starting their VIA project on the right foot! Our team provided our in-class workshop resources to teachers, who then led informative sessions for the entire cohort. This approach ensures students are well-equipped with knowledge about the migrant community before they dive into any VIA activities. By prioritising understanding, Victoria School is fostering a meaningful and impactful VIA experience for their students.
MARCH 2024:
LEARNING JOURNEY FOR STUDENT LEADERS
In addition to the in-class workshops for the cohort, 22 student leaders actively participated in a learning journey, where they had the opportunity to hear from a recovering migrant worker about his life in Singapore.
“I would like to encourage everyone to see the migrant workers as people and get to meet some of them instead of judging them based on preconceived perceptions of them.”
APRIL 2024:
STUDENT LEADERS LEAD COHORT-WIDE VIA INITIATIVE
After completing their learning journey, student leaders took charge, guiding their peers in packing over 100 care packs and appreciation cards for migrant workers as part of their VIA project. Other than preparing snacks and daily necessities, the Secondary 4 cohort decided to further show their appreciation by gifting EZ-link cards to the migrant workers.
To add a layer of engagement, the students leaders even devised mini games within the Flower Dome, turning flower spotting into an interactive activity.
MAY 2024:
STUDENT LEADERS’ VIA TRAINING BY M&ME TEAM
Migrant & Me staff led a 1.5-hour VIA training to equip student leaders with a deeper understanding of the recovering migrant workers (Special Pass Holders) they would be interacting with. The VIA training covered the needs of recovering migrant workers, guidelines for crafting meaningful events, and effective communication techniques. Equipped with this knowledge, students honed their leadership skills and project management experience throughout the planning and consultation phase.
JUNE 2024:
STUDENT LEADERS’ VIA PROJECT
These student leaders didn't just show up for their VIA project at the Gardens by the Bay – they took ownership of the entire experience!
Demonstrating impressive leadership and initiative, the boys divided themselves into groups before entering the domes. This allowed them to personally greet and orient the migrant workers, fostering a sense of connection right from the start. Their thoughtful preparation extended to creating care packs filled with water bottles, snacks, and Milo – essential for a fun-filled day.
“Spending time with the migrant brothers at Gardens by the Bay was enjoyable. As secondary school students, we do not have much opportunities to interact or talk to them, so we got to learn more about them and their culture through a day out together!”
Capping off the successful day was a well-deserved McDonald's dinner enjoyed by both students and migrant workers, solidifying the positive connections forged throughout the visit.
This VIA project highlights the power of positive interaction between locals and migrants. By taking initiative and prioritising connections, the student leaders created a memorable and enriching experience for everyone involved, fostering understanding and appreciation for different communities and cultures.
