Values in Action (VIA) Programme
Discover how our VIA programme builds students into active, caring citizens through real community work, from awareness to advocacy.
VIA Framework:
Our school's Values in Action (VIA) programme is designed to nurture students into empathetic, thoughtful, and proactive citizens who make meaningful contributions to society. We employ a progressive "Head, Heart, and Hands" framework that aligns with the "Awareness, Action, and Advocacy" approach as students advance in their 4-5 years with us.
Caption: Our VIA Framework
The VIA programme is seamlessly integrated into our Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, strengthening the connection between empathy and action. This integration ensures that students not only learn about values but also understand how to apply them in real-world contexts.
Our framework is structured as follows:
1. Secondary 1: Open Minds, Aware Hearts - Our Journey Begins
· Focus: Understanding school values and community needs
· Activities: Classroom discussions, school-based environmental projects
2. Secondary 2: Empathy in Action - From Heart to Hands
· Focus: Developing empathy and initiating small-scale community projects
· Activities: Partnering with local organisations, participating in community events
3. Secondary 3: Hands-on Impact - Turning Action into Change
· Focus: Extension of small-scale community projects and learning from VWOs on implementing larger community service projects; seeking causes for advocacy
· Activities: Partnering with local organisations for student-initiated projects
4. Secondary 4: Raising Voices - Advocates for Tomorrow
· Focus: Leading initiatives and inspiring others to act
· Activities: Organising school-wide campaigns, mentoring younger students in VIA projects
Throughout these levels, we leverage partnerships with community organisations to enhance our school events. For instance, our annual Karneval on National Day Celebrations involves collaboration with active aging centres within our neighbouring community, providing students with real-world experiences in event planning and community engagement.
Caption: Elderly from MWS Kebun Baru AAC joining our annual Karneval celebrations on the eve of National Day.
An emergent feature of our VIA programme is the incorporation of intergenerational learning into our Learning for Life Programme (LLP). This initiative brings together students and seniors, fostering mutual understanding and respect across generations. Activities include joint workshops, shared learning experiences, and collaborative projects that benefit both age groups.
Caption for photo: Intergenerational Project by 2R 2024, in collaboration with Family Central (Fei Yue Community Services)
By progressively building students' capacity from awareness to advocacy, and by providing diverse opportunities for engagement, our VIA programme aims to cultivate lifelong habits of active citizenship and community service. As students progress through each level, embracing the spirit of each theme, they develop into well-rounded individuals ready to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.