The GESS Student Wellbeing Department was restructured in 2023 to better serve our community through new initiatives and programmes. In addition, we welcomed new members to the team who bring with them valuable expertise and experience. We speak with Maria Mertens, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, on her work in GESS so far.
Tell us about yourself.
I am Maria Mertens and have been living in Singapore since April 2023. I have been working at GESS as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead since August 2023 and see it as my responsibility to create a place for children where they are safe and where they feel safe.
Before I moved to Singapore, I worked in child protection at a youth welfare office.
Tell us more about what do you do at GESS, challenges so far and how’s a typical work day like for you?
I believe that children are the society of tomorrow! They deserve to receive the best possible support and learn in a safe environment. Child protection and mental health are issues for society as a whole. As adults, we have to take care of these areas and support our children.
GESS’ five-year Limitless Learning Plan is a good opportunity to implement related processes. Through the implementation of protection concepts and other curricula, the professional approach of GESS is constantly being developed.
A major challenge in my area of work is to unite the different mindsets of raising a child in the different cultures in Singapore with a view on children’s wellbeing. At the same time, the goal of everyone involved is to achieve the best for the child. Transparent and open communication is helpful in this process.
What is important to me in my work here is to support families and children, and to best deploy GESS resources for everyone to receive the best possible support. I also contribute my expertise in child protection to expand the processes at GESS and implement new structures.
With so much to do, there is no typical working day for me. Every day brings new surprises, which I really appreciate.
What motivates you in your work with children?
My motivation is to create new perspectives for the children and families at GESS. It’s nice to see when partial changes in perspective contribute to change, and this helps mitigate challenges in everyday school life.
What do you feel about GESS’ commitment and approach to student wellbeing?
The topic of wellbeing is increasingly getting acknowledged in society. It is important that mental health is not a taboo topic, and that external support is normalised as a benefit for each individual and therefore for the family. GESS continuing to commit to this area reinforces emotional health being the basis for academic learning, and should become a fundamental part of everyday campus life. I think it is important that every single child gets resources to strengthen themselves and receive the support they need.
What do you like to do in your leisure time?
In my free time, I enjoy being active and travelling. I like to try new things and enjoy being in nature. My travel bucket list is still long and I’m always looking forward to learning about new cultures and countries. What I particularly like about Singapore is the diversity of cultures and the variety of possibilities. I also like the combination of city and nature.
