‘In Singapore, we start with the irrefutable proposition that the alternative to multi-racialism….is genocide in varying degrees. - Mr S. Rajaratnam, then Minister for Culture (1959-1965)’.
Imparting values of diversity is necessary for everyone to ensure racial harmony, specifically in our multicultural and multiethnic Singapore. Singapore is a small island and it is critical to embrace our children in global awareness by respecting diversity as part of their life-long journey.
Our SSBD project cultivates the important values of diversity for our children to show respect and embrace different races and cultures in the society and people who are different from them.
This year, we celebrated diversity on Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Racial Harmony Day with the children, parents and teachers. On Hari Raya Aidilfitri, teachers and children were encouraged to wear ethnic costumes to school. Teachers planned activities to develop children’s learning through educational programmes, storytelling and hands-on craftwork. Children were given opportunities to express their thoughts and understanding of this festive celebration.
On Racial Harmony Day, teachers created awareness of diversity by introducing different traditional games and toys during this special day. Children were excited to select their own handmade toys to explore and play collaboratively with their friends and teachers. During the activities, children learned to build relationships with their friends and treat every culture with respect.
It is essential to collaborate with families to cultivate and foster children by guiding them to appreciate diversity, respect others with different backgrounds, cultures, food, languages, lifestyles, traditions and customs. It is also a great opportunity for our children during this pandemic period to learn new skills by developing a healthy social relationship with others.
