Project Love Japan was initiated to raise funds to help earth-quake stricken Japan after the 11 March Tohoku earthquake and tsunami A large plywood board was divided into over a hundred mini rectangles This rectangles on the board were sold to students who would decorate them and fill them with messages to encourage the people of Japan

We wanted to bring about a change in the typical teenagers’ self-centered mindset To manifest innate human values of altruism through the fund-raiser To allow students to sincerely give from the heart

oBefore we settled the idea of a plywood board to gather messages of encouragement, we had toyed with some ideas:

1.) Raising funds through selling bubble tea, sushi and rice balls, with a DIY sushi kiosk We dropped the idea due to hygiene and health concerns which made such an idea cumbersome and unfeasible

2.) Raising funds through a carwash This idea was found to be too troublesome and complicated

3.) Raising funds by selling paper cranes This idea was found to be unappealing and unpopular

oTherefore we finally settled on the idea of allowing students to pen down their well-wishes on a plywood board. oThis idea was simple, but yet efficacious and direct.

Being a part of project Japan have definitely allowed me to understand the meaning of why 'actions speak louder than words'. Being charitable is one thing but enabling others to act is another. I used to have this

stereotype that generally, people would only be willing to donate money fast and easy; to only be willing to donate them in the form of cash to donation tins and etc. To my surprise, many of our donors were

enthusiastic to getting down and dirty! They were more than willing and give their best wishes to Japan! This have not only changed my entire perception but it was also a very heartwarming scene! It was an

extremely heartfelt experience being a part of the project that enabled others to act. Anybody can make a difference and play our part.

[Rosnie Nasuha][3D1]

[Gladys Bay] [3C1]

To me, patience, commitment and sincerity are the key characteristics we need to have while carrying out the project. Without them, there would be lesser chances of achieving success in the project. With commitment, the project would not be left alone at any point of time and thus, progress would not be hindered. In addition, with sincerity, the objectives of the project would be met without the “I am doing this for the sake of doing” feeling. Still, the best and most important part of the project was the heart-warming and memorable process apart from the successful outcome! :)

>>Sharing the Passion: -This project had enabled the Student Councilors to share the passion with the students. As this was a student initiated project, the passion of wanting to help the people of Japan was there. Thus, to share the passion, we got the school students to contribute to the fundraising event.

>> Inspiring a Shared Vision: -As this was the first project that is collaborated by two Leadership Groups of the school, we had to have the shared vision in order to work together to make this project a success. Therefore, we all sat down together to discuss on the aims of this project. For example, how much money we wanted to raise for this project. It was indeed difficult as both groups had different thoughts and ideas.

>>Improved Communication Between Students And School/Teachers: - We thought that this project has also enabled the students to be able to contribute to Japan. We thought that some students might have the heart to want to contribute something to Japan, but really have no opportunities to do so. Therefore, known as the bridge to connect the students to the school, we student leaders are there to facilitate this project. We believe that having the students to facilitate this project is much better than having the teachers to heavily control the process of the project.