Social Innovation
Discover how students use Design Thinking to create meaningful change through the VS Social Innovation Programme, building civic responsibility and real-world skills.
Social Innovation
Objectives and Programmes
Values in Action (VIA) through Social Innovation Programme
Values in Action (VIA) are learning experiences that support students’ development as socially responsible citizens who contribute meaningfully to the community, through the learning and application of values, knowledge and skills. This fosters student ownership over how they contribute to the community.
Through VS Social Innovation Programme, being part of VIA, using Design Thinking methodology, students reflect on their experience, the values they have put into practice, and how they can continue to innovate and contribute meaningfully to improve the lives of others. This is an important component of Character and Citizenship Education.
Benefits to Victorians and the community
Increase awareness of current issues in society
Nurture community and civic responsibility
Develop life skills
Encourage student initiative
Foster social and personal development
Provide meaningful services to our community
Approach
Students are encouraged to put values into practice within the context of real-life situations in the family, school, community, nation and the world. They will embrace their social roles as they interact with the world around them and act with consideration of the consequences of their actions on themselves and others.
Students can be involved in Social Innovation Projects by rendering services or solutions that meet the needs of the community. Solutions presented for implementation can be of the following:
Types of services and solutions for Social Innovation Projects
Type of services / solutions | What does it means? |
|---|---|
Product | Involves the designing and creation of a product that meets the needs of users. |
Direct Service | Involves activities that require students to establish personal contact with user. |
Indirect Service | Involves activities that take place at the school site, channelling resources to the area of need rather than working directly with those in need. |
Advocacy | Involves advocating for a social cause to create greater awareness of community issues or educate the public to resolve specific problems. |
Students are encouraged to initiate Social Innovation Projects based on their assessment of the needs of their community. This serves to promote active citizenry among our youth, and also bring about a greater sense of engagement and ownership. Through guided reflections, our students will also learn to emphathise with others in the community, be critical and innovative thinkers, and contribute to the community.
Submission of VIA Projects
Students who have completed Social Innovation Projects are to download and submit the DT Journal. Access the VS Design Thinking Hub to download the journal.
Community Partners for Social Innovation Programme
We have partnered with various organisations for the Social Innovation Projects. The list includes:
Children’s Cancer Foundation
Geylang East Home for the Aged
Ling Kwang Home
National Environment Agency
Singapore Association for Visually Handicapped
Singapore Disability Sports Council
Tung Ling Eldercare Centre
Willing Hearts
Our students are also encouraged to find community partners and work with them to meet the needs of the community.
