The Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium 2024 – Fostering Leadership and Mental Wellness Among Primary Students

In an age where mental health awareness is paramount, Speech Academy Asia takes a pioneering role by hosting the Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium 2024. This inaugural event, dedicated to the mental wellness of primary school students, underscores the vital importance of peer support. The symposium, set for November 8th, 2024 at NTU@One-North, The Legacy Hall in Singapore, will bring together young leaders, teachers, and wellness experts in a half-day event aimed at cultivating a supportive environment for students navigating mental health challenges.

Empowering Students Through Peer Support

The symposium is designed to recognize and strengthen Peer Support Leaders—students trained to support their peers in emotional and social challenges. Peer support is not merely a form of companionship; it serves as an essential tool to foster resilience, empathy, and community in primary schools. This event highlights these leaders’ critical role, with 200 Peer Support Leaders from 12 MOE primary schools participating. These students will have a chance to deepen their skills, making their impact on school culture more profound and positive.

Engaging Activities and Key Highlights

The event’s structure ensures an engaging and educational experience for attendees:

• Opening Wellness Seminar by Dr. Siti Mariam: The symposium will commence with a talk by Dr. Siti Mariam, a guest of honor whose expertise in wellness will set the tone. Her seminar will focus on the importance of mental health and emotional resilience, crucial skills for young leaders.

• Awards Ceremony: Following the seminar, an awards ceremony will recognize 28 Peer Support Leaders who have demonstrated exceptional contributions to their school communities. These students, nominated by their teachers, embody leadership qualities that inspire their peers to cultivate empathy and unity within their schools.

• Interactive Game Stations: To make the learning experience both fun and practical, the symposium includes six interactive stations where students can engage in wellness-related games. These stations, designed to teach skills like empathy, emotional regulation, and problem-solving, reinforce key concepts in an accessible, hands-on manner.

A unique aspect of the event is a Peer Support card game station where students can win a fully illustrated magazine called “Peers”. This cartoon-based magazine serves as a resource for peer support leaders, covering topics related to leadership, empathy, and wellness.

Why Peer Support Matters in Today’s Schools

The importance of peer support in schools became especially evident following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Isolation, online learning, and social restrictions underscored the need for a support structure within schools to help students manage mental health concerns. Recognizing this need, Singapore’s Ministry of Education has encouraged schools to integrate peer support systems, empowering students to take an active role in looking out for one another. The symposium aligns with these objectives by providing a platform where young leaders can refine their skills and make a difference in their school environments.

Speech Academy Asia’s Mission: Building Confident and Compassionate Leaders

For over a decade, Speech Academy Asia has been dedicated to fostering communication, leadership, and personal growth in young people across Singapore and Southeast Asia. With over nine centers, Speech Academy Asia not only offers programs in public speaking, communication, and leadership but also develops unique tools to empower students in these areas. Their programs, such as the Speech Linguistic Patterns™ and the B.E.S.T. Model (Body Language, Eye Contact, Sentence Structure, Tonality), help students develop critical speaking skills and emotional awareness.

The academy’s commitment to empowering students is exemplified through events like the Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium and various training workshops held in schools, such as Yu Neng Primary School’s debate workshop. Speech Academy Asia’s approach is deeply rooted in experiential learning, ensuring that students learn through engaging, hands-on activities that make complex skills accessible and enjoyable.

Schools Attending the Symposium

The participating schools include:

1. Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

2. Princess Elizabeth Primary School

3. Park View Primary School

4. Ngee Ann Primary School

5. Bedok Green Primary School

6. Si Ling Primary School

7. Rivervale Primary School

8. Holy Innocent’s Primary School

9. Damai Primary School

10. North View Primary School

11. Ai Tong Primary School

12. Boon Lay Garden Primary School

These schools have embraced the value of peer support in creating supportive, empathetic environments where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Conclusion

The Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium 2024 by Speech Academy Asia is more than just an event; it is a testament to the importance of equipping young students with the skills to support one another and navigate life’s challenges with resilience. By combining mental wellness education, interactive activities, and recognition for outstanding student leaders, the symposium promises to inspire a generation of compassionate leaders. Speech Academy Asia’s initiative shines a light on the role of peer support in schools, fostering a supportive ecosystem where every child has the potential to lead, uplift, and make a difference.

As Speech Academy Asia continues to champion the cause of effective communication and leadership, the Mental Wellness Peer Support Symposium 2024 stands as a milestone in their journey toward creating a confident and connected community. This symposium is a beacon of hope, paving the way for future initiatives that prioritize mental health, leadership, and interpersonal connection among young learners.