11 November 2003

SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS, AT THE LIFEFORCE SCHOOLS AWARDS CEREMONY 2003, ON TUESDAY, 11 NOVEMBER 2003, 3.00 PM, AT NKF CENTRE, AUDITORIUM, LEVEL 2, 81, KIM KEAT ROAD

1. It is my pleasure to be here this afternoon at the LifeForce Schools Awards Ceremony 2003 to give recognition to the highly commendable fund-raising efforts of schools, as well as to the specially selected NKF student role models.

2. The key objective of our education system is to develop the individual holistically. Apart from academic excellence, our schools also try to give our students a broader vision of the world and their place within it. Our students are encouraged to participate in community service programmes involving the environment, the elderly, and the less fortunate, among others. These programmes cultivate a habit of community service, and help to develop character and nurture leadership skills. More importantly, these programmes equip our students with real-life problem solving skills.

3. I am, therefore, pleased to note that our schools and students are playing an active role in building and sustaining the NKF life-saving programme by raising funds for the NKF Children's Medical Fund. Lending support and assistance to the patients helps to instill the values of generosity and compassion in our students, and allows them to understand what it means to care for and look after those who need the strength and encouragement of the healthy and able-bodied. Through this, our students will also learn to be socially responsible citizens and understand that every Singaporean has a role to play in enhancing the well-being of our community and our country.

4. This afternoon, I am happy to note that there are 112 winners in the various categories under the LifeForce Schools Award. This impressive number of awardees shows the zeal and steadfast support of our students, teachers and principals towards this life-saving mission. Your generosity and compassion have helped the NKF to raise funds for continuous treatment, rehabilitation and medication of 2,900 chronically-ill children and their families under the care of the NKF Children's Medical Fund. The monies that you raised will greatly ease the emotional and financial burdens of these suffering children and give them hope for a brighter future.

5. Your contributions have also enabled the NKF to implement multi-pronged prevention and public education healthcare initiatives to promote the importance of adopting a holistic lifestyle. To date, over 870, 000 Singaporeans have benefited from the NKF's comprehensive nationwide heath screening programme. The NKF has also spearheaded more health talk programmes in schools to educate students on the adverse effects of kidney failure and other diseases, and to equip them with the knowledge of healthy living.

6. I am also pleased that 6 outstanding students, who are winners of the Champions of the NKF Award 2003, will receive recognition for being exemplary role models. These students have demonstrated strong moral values and have shown strength and courage through adversity. Selected from over 140,000 students in 120 schools, these extraordinary youths have truly earned the right to be called the "Champions of the NKF'.

7. Among the winners, I understand, is 12-year-old Tay Weng Yew. Besides being a good role model to his sister who suffers from Down's syndrome, he also shows his maturity and love by taking care of her. Such selflessness is indeed heartening and commendable. I encourage all award winners to continue to live up to the award and be an inspiration to your peers and families, so that these people may, in turn, make a difference to the lives of others.

8. Along with the recognition of these youths, I would also like to applaud the principals and teachers who have encouraged and supported our students' involvement in service to the community. Your guidance and encouragement have helped to fuel the passion of community service in our students and have added meaning to their lives.

9. Lastly, congratulations again to all award recipients today. I urge all of you here to continue to invest your time, effort and heart in the community around you. Let us continue to keep the spirit of charity and generosity ablaze in the hearts of fellow Singaporeans.