Preschoolers learn to prep emergency kits in a unique pilot program designed to boost psychological resilience. While packing emergency kits and navigating unfamiliar environments in the dark may not be typical preschool activities, children at Sunflower Preschool @ Hillview were introduced to these skills as part of this year's Total Defence exercise. The initiative introduces preschoolers to psychological resilience through a three-part immersive workshop. The preschool's center manager, Mastura Adam, noted that these skills are transferable to their daily lives, fostering perseverance and resilience. Additionally, the program encourages social and emotional competencies, such as lending a helping hand to friends facing challenges. This initiative aligns with Singapore's efforts to strengthen psychological resilience among young people under the Total Defence exercise. Early childhood practitioners emphasize the importance of fostering resilience from a young age, as it can happen to anyone at any time. Experts suggest that starting early is key to building strong support systems before crises occur, and that resilience can be nurtured through everyday interactions, including helping children identify their emotions and providing healthy coping strategies. The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) also runs psychological first aid courses to support individuals coping with shock, grief, and emotional distress following crises, aiming to reduce the risk of long-term trauma. By equipping individuals with these skills, the SRC hopes to prevent panic from spreading and stop difficult situations from escalating further.
