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Discovering theTrue Meaning EMPATHY EMPATHY of By Abi
Co
Homework, worksheets, unit tests a student's life is constantly filled with endless academic responsibilities that it becomes difficult to picture a world outside it all. But beyond achieving perfect scores and exceptional grades,SSMaimstocreateempatheticindividualsbyimmersingstudentsintheexperiencesofothersthrough the“WalkInSomeoneElse'sShoes”(WISES)programme
Over the course of a few months, various activities were prepared for each level. Nursery to Primary 3 students learnt all about people with disabilities through different games that challenged their 3 abilities:sight,hearing,andmobility



LowerPrimarystudentshadsimilaractivitieswithan extra bonus! They listened as guest speakers shared experiences with hearing and mobility impairments beforereflectingontheirstoriesandthinkingofways theycouldshowsupporttothoseinneed.
While the unique stories of new individuals help in fostering a broader perspective, viewing the world throughthelensoffamiliarfacesisjustasimportant
Primary 5 and 6 acquainted themselves with SSM’s staff, working together to clean the hallways, watch overyoungerstudents,preparefoodandmore!
Similarly,secondarylevelsbecameteachersforaday, spendingtheirdayscheckingworkbooks,worksheets, and supervising activities “It really makes you appreciate our teachers”, Layan Alharbi of Secondary1says,sharingheroverwhelminggratitude. “It takes a lot of bravery to stand in front of that many students so for that alone, thank you!”
Despite the long days and tasks they were unaccustomed to, the students overcame each obstacle with high spiritsandopenminds.EndingtheirWISESdaybydiscoveringthetruemeaningofempathytogether.