31 March 2002

SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE METTA SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE ON SUNDAY, 31^ST MARCH 2002, AT 10.00 AM

1 I am pleased to join you today for this significant event - the first open house of Metta School. For a new school, this event is important. It keeps parents of the pupils informed of the school programme and creates public awareness of the services provided by the school.

2 I understand Metta School has invited residents of this constituency to the open house. Many are present here this morning, which is especially encouraging. I congratulate Metta School for its efforts to engage her neighbours. Today's event is just the beginning of a partnership between Metta School and the residents in the neighbourhood. While the residents get to know the school and the pupils better, it is my hope that the residents would become familiar faces to the pupils, supporting them as they integrate into the neighbourhood. For those of you who have the time, please sign up as volunteers of the school. The school will be most happy to tailor your contribution according to your needs.

3 I commend the Metta Welfare Association for setting up the school. The idea of setting up Metta School was conceived by the association in 1999. It was in response to the need for more special schools to cater to demand of children with disabilities seeking special education placement. Although Metta School was set up to meet the needs of children with mild intellectual disability, I am happy to note that when it opened in January 2001, it also took on the challenge of catering to children with autism. Metta School's contribution in this area of need is significant, as the demand for places in special schools for autistic children has been on the increase.

4 The Ministry of Education and the National Council of Social Service share the concerns of parents with autistic children. Since last year, MOE and NCSS have urged more special schools to offer programmes for this group of children. I am told that the response has been positive. Like Metta School, another 8 special schools are opening up classes to cater to children with autism. This is very encouraging. Teachers of these schools will be sponsored by MOE and NCSS for training to develop their capability to manage children with autism. This training programme will go on for 4 years and the target is to train 144 teachers by January 2006. Metta School currently has 9 autistic children on its enrolment. I am reassured that as your teachers complete their training more autistic children will be admitted.

5 The vision of Singapore in the 21st century is to be a centre of excellence for education, among other things. Under the S21 vision, we want to promote active citizens who will lead the community to work with the government for the good of all Singaporeans. The active citizenry that we envision is clearly demonstrated in the Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) seeing the need to set up special schools. I am proud that the tripartite partnership between MOE, NCSS and the VWOs in providing education for children with disabilities has worked out very well. The community has been able to provide the expertise and resources, which are valuable attributes contributing to an effective partnership. The Metta Welfare Association is an example of a VWO that has contributed to the successful formula.

6 The association was founded in 1992. Within the short span of 9 years, under the able leadership of Venerable Shi Fazhao, the Metta Welfare Association has set up 9 centres providing welfare services to the disabled, the elderly, the terminally ill and pupils who require before and after school care.

7 Currently, the Metta Welfare Association is developing a purpose-built school as a replacement school for Metta School in Simei. My ministry is working closely with the association in the building project. MOE will fund 90% of the cost of development of the school, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2003.

8 The purpose-built Metta School will further enhance the capacity of the school in providing for its pupils. I would like to add that however wonderful the building or infrastructure, it is the programmes and the people with their strong sense of mission, which brings hope and harnesses the potential of our special children who need special support. I am confident that Metta School will be committed to serve the needs of the children who come to you.

9 I wish the association and Metta School many more meaningful and fruitful years of service. To the many volunteers, your passion and strong support for the less fortunate serve as an inspiration to us all.

10 Finally, I wish all of you a good time as you view the exhibits and participate in the activities. It now gives me great pleasure in declaring this open house open.