Project Barrios is a dynamic initiative driven by nursing students from the Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies (NUS Nursing), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.Initially launched as a nursing house project by students of Kings House, Project Barrios has since evolved to include all nursing students at NUS Nursing, reflecting our collective passion for community service and healthcare innovation.
Extending Our Reach: From Local to Global
Project Barrios is committed to making a positive impact both locally and internationally. Our work spans two primary domains:
International Outreach: Empowering Communities in the Philippines
Through our Overseas Community Involvement Projects (CIP) Initiative, we bring mobile clinics and health education programs to underserved communities in the Philippines. Partnering with the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), we aim to deliver warmth, care, and practical health solutions to those in need.
Under the Youth Expedition Project (YEP), we further expand our efforts by conducting healthcare and community initiatives across various regions in the Philippines. These projects emphasize critical topics such as disease prevention, health promotion, and personal wellness, empowering communities with the tools to lead healthier lives.
Barrios members diligently conducting health screenings during our mobile clinic, ensuring quality care for the community.
Our dedicated members passionately educating villagers on proper hand hygiene as they await their medical consultations.
Our engagement with local Filipino communities also focuses on youth empowerment. By organizing fun and interactive activities, we teach essential skills like:
Personal Development: Grooming, family planning through sex education, and self-care practices.
Mental Health Awareness: Emotional literacy, self-regulation techniques, and fostering peer support.
Local Outreach: Supporting Singapore’s Aging Population
Within Singapore, Project Barrios has dedicated its efforts to improving the lives of the elderly. Collaborating with Healthcare Promotion @ NTUC Health, our team actively volunteers at daycare centers, engaging seniors through:
Interactive Activities: Handicraft workshops, karaoke sessions, and games designed to promote mental stimulation and social interaction.
Health Discussions: Informative talks aimed at enhancing their understanding of healthy living practices.
These initiatives aim to foster happiness, well-being, and community connection among Singapore’s aging population.
Project Barrios stands as a testament to the compassion, dedication, and innovative spirit of NUS Nursing students. Through our initiatives, we strive to create meaningful change, uplift lives, and inspire hope across local and international communities.
This project has taught me to truly appreciate life—both the little things and the big ones, the good and the bad. I have come to realize that there is always something to learn and be grateful for, regardless of the circumstances.
One of the most impactful experiences was the house visits at SOOC. Witnessing the harsh living conditions was both eye-opening and humbling, but even more inspiring was the passion and resilience of the villagers in the face of adversity. It made me understand that happiness is not confined by circumstances but is shaped by one’s outlook on life. This experience profoundly humbled me and taught me the value of inner optimism and strength during challenging times.
I also greatly enjoyed interacting with the villagers of Iloilo during the mobile clinic and house visits. These moments allowed me to learn more about their culture, traditions, and everyday lives. Their warmth and openness made the experience even more meaningful, leaving me with a deeper appreciation for their way of life and a greater understanding of the strength found in the community.
– Yan Jing Kang, Programmes Comm member AY2023/2024