Suicide Intervention Training at OFS

A big congratulations to Overseas Family School for completing their first ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) training last week. Thank you, Richard, for making this happen. We now have 24 more caregivers in our local community who are willing, ready, and able to help.

Once again, I (Flora) learned so much from delivering this course, from the openness and eagerness of the participants, and from my amazing co-trainer Clare from Lau-ed. Every course teaches me something new. This time, my strongest reflection was about the importance of practice.

Practice is not just a step toward a certificate. In ASIST, practice is an act of care. It is a sign of bravery, trust, and mutual respect. Admitting that we don’t know it all can feel uncomfortable. Worrying about saying the wrong thing can be terrifying.

And yet, it is in this very space, where we try, pause, stumble, reflect, and try again, that real learning happens. Practice reminds us that we don’t need perfect words to show up for someone. What matters most is presence, willingness, and the courage to stay with another human being in their hardest moments.

I was deeply moved by how participants supported one another during practice, how carefully they listened, and how seriously they held the responsibility of caring for life. These moments reaffirm why this work matters so much.

Grateful for the trust, the honesty, and the collective commitment to keep learning together. 

We are looking forward to having more people joining us!