STORY PREVIEW

2022

New Aspects

Bimeldip Kaur

Selangor

MENTOR

Bimeldip Kaur

Step 1 FEEL

List the challenges or problems in your surroundings (school,neighbourhood etc.) that bothered you.

-Since the pandemic, many of our friends felt alone, pressured overwhelmed with school work. - Students did not have a space where they could relax and get the help they needed or a safe space they could be themselves. - A lot of clutter as there was no designated area in our homes to set up our class or to study. We occupied the dining area, the living room, and our rooms to study. Our space is invaded with lots of our books and papers. -we had so many workbooks and old worksheets from previous years lying around and cluttering the spaces in our homes.

State the problem chosen to work and why.

As students, we understood the difficulty in asking for help. We also realized how much waste we produce every time we throw away half-used workbooks. Thus we wanted to focus on a study buddy program where students can help each other and create a loving and safe environment for all to do well in school. We also hoped that as a result of the study buddy program we could ignite the passion for recycling as well to by encouraging all our peers to recycle their used workbooks to an NGO that responsibly performs recycling projects.

Who were the people affected by the problem? What were their primary concerns?

Secondary Students were primarily affected by this issue. Primary concern - their feelings are not valid, feeling as if they cannot do well in school even though they try as hard as they can. Secondary Concern - With students having unwanted workbooks/worksheets lying around their homes this created a very cluttered space that overwhelmed them

Step 2 IMAGINE

List ALL the different solutions you came up with.

- Recycling unused workbooks that could be resold at a cheaper price in a makeshift bookshop in school. - Recycling the unused workbooks, gaining profit from selling them to an NGO, and paying forward the profit to an NGO that provides learning assistance to the underprivileged. - Study Buddy Program that involves student mentoring students to improve their results. -Chill zone for students to relax and wind down.

Which solution from those listed above did you choose to implement and why?

- Study Buddy Program that involves student mentoring students to improve their results. -Chill zone for students to relax and wind down. Why? The space used for Study Buddy has 2 functions - a ChillZone during break time and a study buddy program zone during lunchtime, Depending on the time slot students have an option to relax during break time or have a solid hour of study session assisted by a mentor( student). - Recycling the unused workbooks, gaining profit from selling them to an NGO, and paying forward the profit to an NGO that provides learning assistance to the underprivileged. Why? All students could be a part of a change to help the environment and help another child in need.

Step 3DO

Describe very briefly the process of implementing your solution(s).

We spoke to friends and other year levels of students to understand their perspectives on a possible study buddy program. We also spoke to teachers, and the heads of departments of subjects to understand its plausibility. We then approached the School management and had several meetings with them and worked with them to develop a list of mentors whom we can invite approach to help with the program. We spoke to the school counselors to help with mechanisms to cope.

What was the result or impact of your project?

School counselors carried out a few "Stress talks" with students of our school. We also got worksheets from all subject department Heads to prepare resources for the study buddy program We identified, got approval, and were granted a class dedicated to this study buddy program.

How many people were impacted by your solution(s)?

500

What did the impacted people have to say about your project? Provide 2 quotes or testimonials:

Tara (Year 11) - We are able to learn at our own pace and spend time with our friends. It's a more relaxed environment now rather than in the library or the canteen. Fatima (Year 9) - We have a space for us to hang out and there are so many worksheets to refer to. Ms. Ruby ( English Teacher and Head of Year 8) - This is a wonderful idea and I back them up 100%. Ms. Sharon ( Science Teacher and Head of Year 9) - This group has worked hard and done a great job of getting students working together and actually getting some learning done!!

What challenges did you encounter while implementing your project, and how did you overcome them?

We had a difficult time sourcing a proper location for the program and identifying possible mentors that could champion the program.

How long did it take to implement your solution?

15-30 Days

Which global goals does your story align with?

Quality Education

Please explain briefly why do you think so?

The project is developed by students for students. With the study program, we empower students to do better and be better. Mentors learn patience and leadership skills. Mentees gain confidence and understanding. Both become better friends, better students, and better human beings.

Step 4 SHARE

How did you share your project with your school and community? Who did you share your project with? What was their response?

We shared it with the whole of our school and the program is being supported and the school management. Our friends, our juniors, and our seniors are excited and have accepted the program with open arms.

Approximately how many people did you share your story of change with?

More than 100

Briefly share your plan to sustain the impact of your project?

The study buddy program is a program that has been folded into the secondary school system as a legitimate program that will run throughout the year. We spoke to Thanam Sdn Bhd who happily agreed to a collaboration with Taylor's International School, Puchong to collect recycled materials on a termly basis. The remuneration of the recycled materials gained from Thanam Sdn Bhd would be sourced to an NGO that focuses on Education for the impoverished. We are in the midst of identifying the right NGO to donate to on a termly basis.

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