28 October 2001

SPEECH BY RADM TEO CHEE HEAN, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION AND SECOND MINISTER FOR DEFENCE & ADVISOR TO PASIR RIS GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS AT THE PCF PASIR RIS CENTRAL & ELIAS CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY CUM CONCERT ON SUNDAY, 28 OCT 2001 @ 1.35 PM AT THE KALLANG THEATRE

1. I am happy to join all of you this afternoon at the Certificate Presentation Ceremony cum Concert organised by PCF Pasir Ris Central and Elias Education Centres.

2. PCF Pasir Ris GRC, which manages 15 education centres, has done well to prepare kindergarten and nursery children for lifelong learning in a challenging yet nurturing learning environment. Today, 1,042 K2 students will be graduating after 2-3 years of pre-school education and will soon begin another exciting chapter of their lives in primary school. To these graduands, I wish them all the best and hope that they have fond memories of their years in the PCF education centres and apply what they have learnt in kindergarten in their daily lives.

3. "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" is the title of a book written by Robert Fulghum, an American writer. This title which has been often quoted has some truth in it because it brings to mind the lessons that are most important for people to learn. To educate a person, without educating the heart is no education at all¹. Therefore, it is vital that values and social skills are taught alongside the 3 Rs at kindergarten. The focus on character development will put our children in good stead and is very crucial to prepare them for their journey in life.

4. One of the MOE commercials that really drove home the point was that of a little boy who went to a provision shop to buy groceries. When he left the provision shop, he counted the change that he was given and realised that the shopkeeper had given him more money than was due. Without a moment's hesitation, he went back to the shop and returned the extra ten cents to the shopkeeper. Of course, we know that the boy must be very good at Maths, but what warms the heart was his honesty. That is what education is about - that we educate our children to be able to tell what is right from wrong and to have the courage and conviction to do the right thing.

5. Kindergarten is also a good place for children to learn to relate to others, to learn that they are not the centre of the universe. Through play and activities, our children learn to share and take turns with one another, and also to relate to others. These social skills will prepare them well for formal education at primary school where they will meet other children and make new friends.

Be curious and be able to explore
Be able to listen and speak with understanding

6. Besides social skills, kindergartens also develop the children's interest in the world around them so that they are curious and eager to explore. The SPICE programme offered by the PCF education centres provide a creative play environment with emphasis for children to explore, think, observe and record. With Speech & Drama also incorporated into the lessons, the children also learn to listen and speak with understanding. I understand from the teachers that the feedback we received from parents for this programme is very positive. In fact, we will be able to see for ourselves the success of the programme when the children perform at the concert.

7. The role of parents in the development of our children cannot be underestimated. The lessons that children learn at home, whether incidentally or through modeling, need to complement the lessons that they learn at school. As your children begin formal education in primary school, my desire is for parents and members of the community to support schools in providing an all-round education for them. Our hope is for our children to develop as individuals who maximise their talents and abilities and who are also responsible and committed citizens - citizens that see beyond themselves and remember their obligations to their community. Let us work together to make learning an enriching experience for our children, and to give them the best education they deserve.

8. Let me take this opportunity to again congratulate all K2 students who have successfully completed their pre-school education and will now embark on yet another journey of discovery in primary school. I would like to thank all PCF staff for their contribution in teaching and imparting sound values to the children. May I wish you all a very pleasant afternoon and I hope you will enjoy today's concert. Thank you.