29 August 2000

SPEECH BY RADM(NS) TEO CHEE HEAN,
MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND 2ND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE
AT THE SIF APPRECIATION DINNER FOR RETURNED SVOs
ON TUES 29 AUGUST 2000 AT 7.40 PM AT GOODWOOD PARK HOTEL

A very good evening to you. I am honoured to be at this event organised by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF) to express appreciation to all who have returned from their overseas stints under the Singapore Volunteers Overseas (SVO) programme.

2 The SVO programme has built up a strong reputation and track record over the last nine years. The group of SVO volunteers, including teachers, doctors, nurses, architects and IT specialists, have made a difference in the various countries they have served. The volunteers not only impart their professional skills and knowledge, but also share insights into the Singapore way of life - our distinctive characteristics of diligence, resilience and commitment.

3 The benefits flow both ways. The volunteer often receives as much in return, if not more, than what he gives. I have read the stirring testimonials that returned volunteers have given about their experiences. It is obvious that they value greatly their stints as SVOs. I am struck by how much they have grown in their spirit and character as a result. The benefits also cascade beyond the volunteer. Very often, the volunteer returns and shares his experience and impressions with others. These learning experiences extend beyond the volunteer to his family, his friends, colleagues and in the case of teachers, to our students.

4 I am heartened to see tonight a thriving community of volunteers who have given so much of their time and their careers to serve as Singapore's ambassadors abroad. All of you have done Singapore proud. I am sure that the friendships and goodwill that you have fostered between Singapore and the communities that you have served will leave a deep impression on both sides.

Teachers in the SVO
5 The Ministry of Education is pleased to note that teachers make up one of the largest groups of SVO volunteers. Our teachers have shared their teaching expertise in subjects like English, Mathematics and Science to children in countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam, Nepal and Botswana. Our teachers are also amongst the most sought after professionals by the host countries.

6 This is testimony to the strong reputation that Singapore teachers enjoy overseas. It also speaks well of our education system, that other countries request not just for our teachers to join them as volunteers, but also to learn the techniques, systems and processes that Singapore has in our schools and educational institutions.

7 MOE recognises the tremendous benefits that the SVO teaching stints brings to the individual teacher, his students, the school and the entire education system. Teachers who have been on the SVO programme return as more well-rounded individuals who have enlarged their worldview. Apart from honing their teaching skills, they have also developed greater emotional maturity and self motivation and renewed their passion in teaching. By sharing and relating their experiences to their students back in Singapore, they serve as good role models exemplifying the sprit of adventure, resourcefulness and community spirit. Through our teacher volunteers, our students hear first-hand accounts about life in other countries and have a better idea of different cultures and lifestyles.

8 One of our teacher volunteers who went to Nepal arranged for a pen-pal project for his students in Nepal to write to his students in the school in Singapore. The Nepalese students could improve their English and the Singapore students could learn more about life in another country. Through these exchanges, the Singapore students heard about the Nepalese efforts to build a new school wing and decided they wanted to help. The Singapore students then helped raise funds through the school and through friends and family. With the money raised, the school in Nepal bought classroom furniture for some classes in the new school. The teacher volunteer who initiated the project was happy that it brought the Singapore and Nepalese children closer to a better understanding of each other. The SVO programme thus brings about many learning opportunities for our students.

9 Many of our teachers have expressed keen interest to spend time teaching overseas. To help them do this, I am pleased to announce that MOE will introduce a new voluntary Teaching Overseas Programme in partnership with the SIF. The programme, to be called ouTrEACH, will support teachers who volunteer under the SVO programme.

10 The new scheme will provide for teachers to be paid their full salary during the first 6 months of their one-year SVO stint. Thereafter, their leave for the next 6 months will be on the current no-pay leave terms. We will commit to support up to 10 teachers a year under this scheme. This concrete step is taken in recognition of the value we see in the SVO stint. In addition, several other aspects of the service benefits for teachers who are on the SVO programme will be improved. We look forward to working with the SIF to make this new programme a success.

11 In closing, let me commend the efforts of everyone here who has contributed in a selfless and meaningful way to keep the Singapore flag flying. Your willingness to go beyond our shores and give beyond yourselves is an inspiration to us all. Thank you.