On 21 July 2017, Kinderland Hougang organized a Racial Harmony Day Carnival cum a fund raising “I Love Otters” project. This was to raise awareness about the different ethnic celebrations in Singapore, and also about the plight of the otters. Our children put up performances to demonstrate unity and harmony among all the races in our country. Through songs and stories, the children and parents learnt about how they could appreciate different cultures and live in harmony with one another.
The idea of the project was conceived after discussions between the children and teachers, and it was decided that they could raise funds for the otters and combine it with a racial harmony theme. Otters were chosen this year, as the previous year the children had done a similar project to save the pangolins and were keen on the idea to help another animal of the zoo. The children wanted to find out more about the otters, and so the teachers collaborated with the zoo and brought the children on the field trip to learn more about the otters, so that the children would have an awareness about the lifestyle and plight of the otters. The teachers and children also worked together to create beautiful art works relating to the two themes of the event, using recycled materials such as strips of batik cloth, coloured paper for weaving, and also explored the technique of painting with chinese calligraphy.
During the Carnival, the K1 and K2 children helped to sell their art works and foods from the different races. Through hands-on activities of making and selling their art works, our children were given first-hand experience as entrepreneurs, setting up and managing their stalls. The parents were informed that the proceeds from the Little Entrepreneur Programme would go to the Wildlife Reserves Singapore for the adoption and care of the otters, and they were happy that their children had the opportunity to play a Part in helping these animals.
