A school trip intended to promote environmental research and resilience building ended in tragedy as 15-year-old Jenna Chan, a Grade 9 student from St. Joseph’s Institution (SJI) International in Singapore, died in a tragic accident in the Maldives. Jenna was participating in a National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) expedition involving whale shark research near the island of Dhigurah, located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of the Maldivian capital, Malé. While snorkeling as part of the research activity, Jenna was reportedly struck by a boat, a fatal incident that has left her family, school community, and the larger Singaporean society in deep sorrow.
The tragic accident has sparked conversations around safety protocols, student welfare on school expeditions, and support for the grieving community. Dr. Michael Johnston, CEO of SJI International, expressed profound sadness in a statement, emphasizing the school’s commitment to supporting Jenna’s family and providing counseling resources for the affected students and staff.
On Friday, November 8, reports from Maldivian news outlet The Edition confirmed the details of the accident, stating that Jenna was snorkeling in the waters around Dhigurah as part of the NYAA expedition. The school trip focused on whale shark research, a rare and majestic species in the region, aiming to educate students on marine biology and conservation.
Dr. Johnston issued an official statement on Saturday, conveying the gravity of the incident and sharing details about the school’s response. “It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of a Grade 9 Singaporean student, 15-year-old Jenna Chan, during a National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) overseas expedition in the Maldives,” he stated. Expressing heartfelt condolences, Dr. Johnston added, “Our hearts go out to Jenna’s family, friends, and the entire school community during this tragic time.”
In an effort to support the family and oversee formalities, a team from SJI International, led by the high school principal, traveled to Malé to accompany Jenna’s family. SJI International has also implemented a comprehensive support system, including grief counseling and resources for students, teachers, and staff deeply affected by the news.
The National Youth Achievement Award (NYAA) is an essential component of SJI International’s curriculum, particularly for Grade 9 students. This award aligns with international programs like the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and it is designed to build resilience, promote personal growth, and encourage environmental awareness among young people. The program involves outdoor education “expeditions” where students learn life skills through direct engagement with nature, conservation projects, and community service.
The Maldives trip, as described on SJI International’s website, was one such expedition for NYAA certification, involving marine research and snorkeling activities meant to enhance students’ understanding of marine ecosystems. Posts on SJI International’s social media channels in early November featured images of students from the same grade participating in various expeditions across multiple locations, including Japan and Langkawi, Malaysia, as well as the Maldives.
Following the tragic event, SJI International has taken steps to prioritize the emotional and psychological well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. The school has activated its grief support and counseling services, available over the weekend and throughout the following weeks. Dr. Johnston acknowledged the impact on the community, saying, “Our priority remains supporting Jenna’s family and our students and staff through this difficult time. We also seek respect for the family’s privacy during their period of grief.”
The school’s counseling services, open to all affected by the news, reflect SJI International’s commitment to providing a safe space for students to process grief, with support from trained professionals. This measure also aims to prevent long-term emotional challenges for students, who may be struggling with the sudden loss of a classmate. Dr. Johnston further noted that any additional information about the incident remains with Maldivian authorities, who are currently investigating the circumstances of the accident.
The unfortunate incident has also raised discussions on safety standards for school expeditions, especially those involving outdoor or marine activities. According to the school’s policies and international travel guidelines, school trips like these are carefully planned with stringent safety measures. However, this tragedy highlights the inherent risks in adventure-based learning, even when supervised by experienced staff and trained guides.
An increasing number of schools in Singapore and internationally are offering students opportunities to engage in overseas expeditions, as these programs are believed to cultivate critical life skills and resilience. However, educational institutions now face pressure to reassess the safeguards in place to protect students in potentially hazardous environments. Jenna’s case may prompt reviews of existing safety protocols, including the use of boat escorts, clearer marine safety briefings, and more detailed risk assessments for each site.
The news of Jenna’s untimely passing has sent shockwaves across Singapore, with an outpouring of grief and support on social media and community forums. Messages of condolences have been shared by parents, students, and alumni of SJI International, expressing solidarity with Jenna’s family and calling for greater awareness and safety considerations in future expeditions.
A close friend of Jenna’s family expressed, “Jenna was a bright, compassionate young girl with so much potential. This is an indescribable loss for her family and all who knew her.” Parents of other students at SJI International shared their concerns about the safety measures on school trips, asking for more stringent controls and oversight to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively engaged in supporting the family through its embassy in the Maldives, coordinating with local authorities and ensuring a smooth return process for Jenna’s body. The Ministry has yet to issue a public statement but is expected to review the case closely, with possible implications for policies concerning student travel to foreign destinations.
