Remember the wine-coloured briefcase belonging to our late founding Prime Minister, Mr Lee Kuan Yew? Inspired by what the briefcase represents, St James’ Church Kindergarten launched Red Box Day and the Little Red Box on 16 September 2016.
This project is also St James’ Church Kindergarten’s contribution to ECDA’s Start Small Dream Big Initiative. Earlier in 2016, the K1 and K2 Preschoolers had raised close to $16,000 in a single day on 11 August as part of their ‘Project Work Open House’. The children sold handicraft to raise funds for various charities and distributed groceries to low-income families in one-room flats in Holland Close.
Values inculcation needs to start at a young age and both parents and early childhood teachers play essential roles in inculcating values in young children. Red Box Day aims to encourage young children to have aspirations for Singapore and care for others in the community. A collaborative project between ECDA and our Community Partners, the ‘Little Red Box’ is filled with items to support the cultivation of values in young children.
Minister for Social and Family Development, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin was the invited Guest of Honour for the launch and joined the pre-schoolers for a series of “Red Box” themed activities!
“It represents our hopes and dreams… What we have (in Singapore) today is very much a result of his efforts over the years - all the different slips of paper that cumulatively added up in the box. I think these projects help our children to begin to grasp some of those concepts and start hopes and dreams… What we have (in Singapore) todat is very much a result of his efforts over the years - all the different slips of paper that cumulatively added up in the box. I think these projects help our children to begin to grasp some of those concepts and start them on that journey (of caring about other people’s needs).” ~ Minister Tan Chuan-Jin
So what exactly is inside the Little Red Box?
“What’s Inside the Red Box” Activity Kit based on the original children’s book by Phua San San - A partnership between ECDA and Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd
“What’s Inside the Red Box” Activity Sheet, published by Straits Times Press
“What’s Inside the Red Box” sticker sheet featuring characters from the children’s book by Phua San San
“My Gracious Journal” and “Singa Lion paper doll” from the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM).
“A New Trolley” children’s story book about giving back to the community by TOUCH Community Services
2 washable Crayola markers contributed by Crayola and Preschool Market
The early childhood teachers of St James’ Church Kindergarten also came up with an Educators’ Guide with suggested activities for K1 and K2 children!
