Collaboration, impact, and inspiration. These were some of buzz words that emerged from the Seeds of Good Festival, held from 18 to 25 September at NUS. Seeds of Good brought together students, staff, social enterprises, and community partners across a dynamic mix of activities—from a bustling marketplace to an inspiring symposium. Each programme provided a vibrant space for learning, engagement, and action, and encouraged members of the NUS community to contribute meaningfully to driving positive change.
The Giving Marketplace provides a touchpoint with community partners
Kicking off the Seeds of Good Festival was the Giving Marketplace which took place at UTown Plaza on 18 September. It gathered a diverse array of student projects, social enterprises, and community organisations hoping to raise funds, gather participation or raise awareness about what they do.
Over 1500 people visited the 14 booths showcasing handmade food, artisanal crafts, interactive activities, and initiatives focused on fostering positive social change.
Beyond the shopping experience, the Giving Marketplace created opportunities for attendees to actively support causes they were passionate about. Visitors had the chance to connect with enthusiastic community partners, gaining insight into their dedication and mission, and even had the opportunity to sign up as volunteers for causes that resonated with them.
Student representatives from NUS King Edward VII Hall and Project COOKE raising awareness of their initiative.
Seeds of Good Exhibition showcases past community projects
The Seeds of Good Exhibition was a heartwarming homage to the NUS community’s dedication to service. Featuring photographs, quotes, and stories from students, alumni and staff involved in selected community projects from the previous Academic Year, the exhibition painted a vivid picture of resilience, passion, and commitment. You can review the exhibition virtually here.
The exhibition showcased the contributions of various student groups, alumni and staff initiatives at NUS.
Volunteering Day transforms empathy into action
A new highlight of this year’s festival was a visit to Esther Active Ageing Centre, where NUS volunteers spent quality time with elderly residents, providing companionship and nurturing intergenerational connections. Together, the NUS volunteers and seniors played Bingo, engaging in dexterity exercises, and competing in multiple rounds of Rummikub.
Seniors enjoying a game of Rummikub with two NUS student volunteers.
"This experience opened my eyes to how active the seniors are and how many wonderful stories they have to share! I learned so much from them—they even taught me how to play Rummikub!” said Huang Bingjing, a Year 2 student volunteer from the School of Business.
A group photo from Volunteering Day at the Esther Active Ageing Centre.
Seeds of Good Symposium: Conversations that Matter
The finale of the festival, the Seeds of Good Symposium provided a platform for in-depth discussions on emerging topics that resonate with students and community practitioners alike. Attracting over 100 attendees, comprising students, faculty, and external community partners, the symposium featured dynamic panels addressing asset-based community development, strengthening community partnerships, and exploring future steps beyond school volunteering. Feedback from participants were positive, with many commenting on how it provided them valuable insights of the challenges faced by volunteer organisations and how to identify community assets and to create impactful collaborations with other partners.
The symposium fostered an enriching environment for reflection, dialogue, and proactive engagement, inspiring participants to consider the potential of asset-based community development, the importance of collaborative partnerships, and pathways beyond school volunteering to cultivate a more compassionate and engaged society.
A festival of hope and action
Through Seeds of Good 2024, the organising team from the Office of Student Affairs hopes that these seeds will continue to flourish, with shared commitment, empathy, and collective effort, driving lasting positive change in our communities and beyond.
Dive into the highlights video below and get inspired to make a difference!
Share:
Contributor
Office of Student Affairs
