Government+Initiatives

toc =﻿Housing Development Board=  =Ministry of Education=

Teaching Racial Harmony in Subjects
One of the ways is to introduce the concept of racial harmony in school subjects such as Civics and Morals Education (CME). During CME lessons, pupils are able to interact with friends from other races, appreciate and understand other races’ practices, and most importantly, understand the importance of racial harmony. In addition, they would also learn core values such as care, respect and social bonding. Social Studies is also another compulsory subject that introduces the concept of racial harmony. Through role plays and field trips to historic sites, the students are able to learn in a more engaging and interactive way. In social studies, the students would learn about the making of modern-day multi-racial Singapore. They would also learn about the challenges faced by a multi-racial society like Singapore, such as racial riots and terrorism, and how it threatens the racial harmony in Singapore. After learning Social Studies, the student should be able to appreciate the cultural diversity in Singapore and show respect to every member of the society regardless of race, language and religion. Moreover, the student should also understand the importance of racial harmony and appreciate the need to work at maintaining peace and harmony in our society. ~Musawwir

Racial Harmony Day Celebrations
Celebrating Racial Harmony Day is also another way how pupils can learn more about racial harmony. On that day, pupils are strongly encouraged to come to school in their own or even others’ traditional costume, be it the //sari//, //cheongsam// or the //baju kurung.// By doing so, the pupils would feel proud of their own culture. Moreover, the pupils would also understand the culture of the other races too. The schools in Singapore would organise many different kinds of fun and exciting activities. There would be food fairs where pupils can taste the various kinds of traditional foods. Besides that, pupils can also watch traditional dances performed, or take part in traditional games such as //congkak//. The children would have a fun-filled day and would understand as well as appreciate the cultures of others. ~Musawwir

Committee on Strengthening Racial Harmony in Schools
The Ministry of Education also has formed the Committee on Strengthening Racial Harmony in Schools in February 2002. The committee comprises of representatives from the Ministry of Education, schools, parent-support groups as well as the Community Development Councils. Their aim is to foster racial and religious harmony among students. The committee achieves this aim by organising lively and engaging games for the students at school-level. An example is the Racial Harmony Games Day which is held annually on Racial Harmony Day at a national level. This would encourage bonding and inter-racial mixing among students of different races. In addition, this would foster deeper inter-racial understanding and the students would learn to respect other races. ~Musawwir