Option for the poor is not just a motto

Good morning. We are the Prefect Team. We would like to share with you all on how our duty relates to the theme of this month, “Options for the Poor”.

In general, the definition for “Options for the Poor” refers to making affordable, accessible and respectful choices available to people with limited resources. In a school context, it means ensuring students in need have real, practical choices to participate fully in school life and pursue their learning and development with dignity.

Many imagine prefects only as rule-enforcers—organizing assemblies, or checking uniforms. Those tasks matter, but our recent experiences taught us a deeper responsibility: using the position to widen options for those in need.

Take a recent huge school event as an example—Sports Day. Prefects were stationed on the spectators’ stand and at the finishing line to assist in the smooth running of the events. We helped by setting up the venue, passing bottles of pocaris to classes, putting down the battons in relay and recording the results of each event. The two-day sports day was an exhausting yet enjoyable experience. We had the opportunity to connect with individuals from all walks of life. We rushed to help athletes who felt exhausted after racing, cooperating with janitors to set up stations, and spoke to students from all classes and house representatives at the event. As prefects, we reminded each other to not only stand and do basic patrolling, but to act before the real problems arise. It is our responsibility to reach out to those in need regardless of who they are. The students helped by us may not be someone we are close to, but by being proactive, we join hands in creating a harmonious environment at school. Option for the poor is not just a motto, it highlights our willingness to serve and how a small act of kindness can change the world.

On normal school days, class prefects and form prefects are always on patrol in the corridor to maintain order and fairness, preventing danger and conflicts. Hence, we maintain a safe and peaceful school environment where students feel secure and develop a better self. On top of that, we also provide practical help at any time. We will reach out to students in need, patiently listen to them and provide support to help solve the problems. As student leaders, we serve as a bridge between students and teachers. By passing on students’ needs and views to teachers, we create more choices and opportunities for students. Not only does our job foster better communication among every school member, but also widen the options for those in need.

We can showcase our care to people around us through simple actions. For example, when someone is talking to you, give them your full attention. A genuine smile and eye contact can brighten someone’s day and make them feel seen and valued. If you see someone is tired or stressed, try to acknowledge their feelings instead of saying “Don’t be upset”. Validation is a powerful tool to show care to others. Sometimes, you don’t need to have the right words, just sitting with them, offering a hug or giving a smile is enough. Showing care to others is not difficult, what you need is the willingness to help.

Prefects