Editor’s Note: We often lend a hand to student projects because we wholeheartedly support young people and their passion for helping others, particularly when it comes to mental health. Read on to find out what’s happening at Ngee Ann Polytechnic from 3-4 August!
“We are a group of Year 3 students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic who had been selected to embark on a Social Leadership Challenge to Taiwan. In our trip, we visited various organisations supporting the disability sector in order to learn more about their cause.
To implement what we’ve learnt from this challenge, the six of us have decided to focus on youths who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) in Singapore.
We named our project EXPRESS!ON, which aims to create a platform that encourages fellow youths with depression to express themselves, and to also provide that supportive environment so that they may find strength to press on. We have also chosen the colour yellow to represent our project as it is symbolises confidence and self-esteem.
Our exhibition runs from 3rd to 4th of August, held at our school’s atrium from 11 AM to 6 PM. Some highlights of our event include information panels about MDD, and a simulation activity that invites participants to step into the life of “Alex”. There will also be videos on individuals who are recovering from depression. We will be giving away free goodie bags that contain useful tools on how to help others going through depression.
Through EXPRESS!ON, we hope to spread greater awareness about MDD to our fellow school mates on our campus. On top of that, we want to encourage a supportive recovery platform by strengthening our understanding towards people experiencing MDD. At the end of the exhibition, we aim to speak up against the social stigma and shame faced by people who might suffer from MDD, and serve as a reminder to apply this mindset in our everyday life, especially towards those with MDD.”
Project Name: EXPRESS!ON
Date: 3-4 August (Mon to Tues)
Time: 11am to 6pm
Place: Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Atrium
Address: 535 Clementi Rd, 599489