You have the power to make your community stronger, including by keeping yourself safe from harm.

The Community Engagement Programme or CEP is seven years old this year. It was set up to build community resilience after bomb attacks in London in 2005. CEP is about getting Singaporeans to be more united and prepared, just in case we are tested by such an emergency. Sometimes, when countries are hit by a crisis, be it a terrorist attack or disasters, the people become so fearful that they become suspicious of one another. They may get panicky and irrational. We don't want that to happen in Singapore. So, CEP tries to bring Singaporeans of different races and religions closer, and to discuss and practise response plans so that we are prepared. That way, in an emergency, people will have more trust in one another. We can remain calm and cooperate, so that life returns to normal as soon as possible.

Here are seven ways by which even school children can play a part in building a stronger society.

1. Share your smiles.
   
   
   
   Smiles are free. And, you have an endless supply. When you feel happy, smiles are so easy to do. They are a great way to make other people feel better. In fact, did you know that when you smile, you can make yourself feel happier as well?
   
   Smiles are best when they come from your heart - so smile only when you feel like it. But, even when people are happy, many of them forget to smile; they keep their happiness inside themselves. Instead, if we think of smiles as precious gifts to the community, then we may all remember to greet one another with more smiles.
   
   Our smiles act as connectors and have the power to change how a place feels to the people in it. So, be generous with yours: make eye contact, greet the person with a friendly nod and smile. And, the best part is that smiles are contagious. Most people will smile right back at you.



2. Go out and take part.
   It is good for neighbours to spend time in shared spaces like playgrounds, parks, libraries and hawker centres. Compared with watching TV or gaming at home, being out in your neighbourhood allows you to have real-life encounters with neighbours. And, by simply saying hello to one another, you are adding to community bonding.
   
   There are also community events you can attend. Instead of thinking only about what you may get, think also about what you can give by being present. A block party is so much livelier when lots of kids turn up. At friendly matches, players get a boost from supporters cheering them on. Singers, dancers and actors feel great when they see a packed audience at their shows.
   
   So, be there to clap, cheer, sing along and do whatever else may make the event special for everyone.



3. Make safe friends.
   
   
   
   It is good to have friends outside school. That way, you will not be lonely during the school holidays. And, when in public places, friends can take care of one another.
   
   However, there is a difference between making friends in school and in your neighbourhood. At school, your teachers observe what is going on. They can warn you about kids who may influence you in bad ways. Your teachers can also step in when they detect bullying.
   
   Outside school, there is usually no one watching over you when you make friends. Knowing this, street gangs may try to be nice to kids, hoping to attract them. Or, some gangs bully children. That is why it is wise to choose your friends with care. It is okay to end a friendship if you are not treated properly. It is all right to be choosy. All children deserve friends who make them feel safe and respected. Safe friendships, in turn, are the backbone of strong communities.



4. Know whom to trust.
   At school, there are teachers and other adults who are always ready to take care of you. It is also good to have caring adults to count on outside of school.
   
   A child's family is usually the child's closest circle of love and care. We hope that it true for all our readers.
   
   In addition, you should know who else you can turn to in your neighbhourhood. You can approach staff at neighbourhood police posts, town council offices, polyclinics, family service centres and libraries.
   
   These people are paid to take care of residents, including children like you. But, what about all the other adults: like your neighbours and the "aunties and uncles" who work nearby? It is hard for children to figure out which adults are trustworthy. Don't just try to guess. Ask your parents or guardians to list people you can contact for help in a crisis.



5. Look out for one another.
   It is the adults' job to keep children safe. But, kids can help one another as well by noticing when someone needs help. If you discover that a friend is being teased, bullied or abused by someone, tell an adult about it. If the first adult does not do anything to help, go to another adult. Do this until someone helps your friend. And, meanwhile, spend more time with your friend to show that you care and are concerned.
   
   You can look out for one another even before something bad happens. For instance, a friend may tell you that she is going to go for a midnight movie alone with an internet friend she has never met before. You can look out for her by convincing her that it is too dangerous for her to meet a stranger alone late at night.



6. Connect for the community.
   
   
   
   As a kid, you belong to the digital generation. You can use your cyberspace skills to serve your community. If you want to give feedback or share your ideas, go to the official websites of the agencies in charge and send them your messages through their online forms. When you want to report that something needs to be fixed - a leaking tap, a faulty swing, a broken notice board - send an email to your town council. There is an online platform for you to use for just about anything.
   
   Consider setting up a website or blog about your neighbourhood. Share your photos of birds and flowers. Rate the foods available. Recommend your favourite storybooks to other children. The sky is the limit. For your personal safety, get permission from your parents or guardians for all your online and offline activities. Do not give out your full name or any other personal details to strangers.



7. Be ready for emergencies.
   You probably already know why you need a Ready Bag, how knowing first aid helps, what phone numbers to call and where bomb shelters are. You may even score full marks in a multiple-choice quiz about emergencies.
   
   However, there is no point in knowing what to do if the facts just stay in your head. For a start, always take your school's Total Defence Day lessons seriously - pack that Ready Bag, learn some basic first aid and keep a list of must-have phone numbers in your wallet right away.
   
   Then, add "know my neighbourhood" to your to-do list. During an emergency, knowing every inch of your neighbourhood will help you to get around quickly. Also, you might be able to give great directions when someone is rushing to save a neighbour's life.
   

– This feature is brought to you by WHAT'S UP in partnership with the Community Engagement Programme Secretariat.