SPEECH BY MR CHAN SOO SEN, MINISTER OF STATE FOR EDUCATION & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND SPORTS, AT THE NATIONAL YOUTH ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS (NYAA) BRONZE AND SILVER PRESENTATION CEREMONY, ON SATURDAY, 17 APRIL 2004, AT 10:00AM, AT KAKI BUKIT CENTRE (PRISONS SCHOOL), 10 KAKI BUKIT AVENUE 5

Professor Leo Tan, Chairman, National Youth Achievement

Awards Council,

Mr Chua Chin Kiat, Director of Prisons,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning

Introduction
I am pleased to join you today for the 4th National Youth Achievement Awards (NYAA) Bronze and Silver Presentation Ceremony. 

National Youth Achievement Award
2. This is a happy occasion on two counts.  Firstly, it marks the outstanding achievements of the student inmates and ex-inmates of Kaki Bukit Centre (Prison School) and Moon Crescent Prison.  I would like to congratulate all the 91 award winners who will receive the bronze awards, silver awards or certificates of achievement.  These award winners number among the 321 whose lives have been touched by the NYAA programme since its inception at Kaki Bukit Centre (KBC) in 2000.  They are living proof that if individuals apply themselves well, they are capable of developing positive qualities and contributing to the society and the nation.

3. Secondly,  this  occasion  recognises  the commitment  and dedication  that  the  staff  of  KBC  and  NYAA  Council  have in reaching out to the student inmates. 

May I applaud these “Captains in the Lives of Offenders” for their critical role in touching lives, helping their charges change for the better, and guiding them to become responsible and productive citizens.

KBC’s partnership with NYAA
4. Indeed, KBC and NYAA have a synergistic partnership.  The NYAA programme at KBC has not only helped student inmates to maximise their potential, it has also given them the opportunity to contribute effectively to society, both in Singapore and in the shores beyond.  I was much impressed when I was informed that six former inmates of KBC had participated in The Youth Expedition Programme, “Project Reaching Out”, of their own accord last December. 

5. With the support of the Singapore International Foundation, the team of six, led by an officer and a teacher from KBC, participated in an 18-day expedition to Chiangmai, Thailand, to build a school canteen, two water tanks and a vegetable farm.  One of the participants, whom we shall refer to as Patrick, said of the Youth Expedition Programme:
“Overall, I found this trip meaningful and it has taught me to persevere and always expect the unexpected. I have become more responsible while widening my circle of friends. I now have a better understanding also of the sufferings faced by the less fortunate. This trip has really been an eye-opener for me and it has left many fond memories in my heart.”

6. I am sure it must have been a proud moment for KBC to see the six former student inmates put to good use what they had learnt at KBC, and voluntarily reach out to help others who are less fortunate.  Their actions spoke more eloquently than words that the rehabilitation efforts of KBC have reaped the sweet fruits of success. 

7. It is indeed heartening to note that through NYAA programmes such as The Youth Expedition, student inmates have been able to learn practical skills and develop positive qualities, such as teamwork, self-reliance, perseverance and social responsibility, as well as build up confidence and mould their character.  Having read the testimonies of some NYAA winners, I am moved by their evaluation of how much they have gained from participating in the programme.  One of the testimonies from a bronze award winner, whom we shall call John, said this:
“Participating in the NYAA also opened up my mind and gave me a new perspective on life. It showed me that there are so many meaningful and enriching things I can do if I truly set my heart on it. The passion, concern and sincerity by the volunteers really touched my heart and they showed me that I have the option to choose a clean and fun lifestyle.”

Another award winner, Lionel, has this to say:
“My participation in the NYAA programme has made me recognize that I can also play a part in contributing positively to the community. I have learnt to be more appreciative of the people around me and I definitely feel more prepared and motivated to face the challenges ahead during my eventual reintegration back into society.
 I am proud to say that my achievement today is a testimony of my determination to improve myself so that I can be a useful individual upon my release.”

A Word to NYAA Winners
8. To the NYAA winners, may I say that I am confident that the life-skills and knowledge you have acquired in your time at KBC will gird you well to meet future challenges.  Indeed, by having achieved the NYAA, you have shown yourselves to be strong individuals and responsible citizens.  I understand that it will not be an easy ride ahead.  But, I urge you to believe in yourselves – believe that your achievements through the NYAA programme have made you valuable and important in your own right.  Believe that you have as much responsibility and capability as the next person in making a contribution.  Use your talents and abilities to contribute to your family, friends, society and the nation. 
It is only when you do that that you will be able to experience the joy that comes from giving of yourselves to others, and in being useful members of the community.

Role of Families and Community
9. It is gratifying to see parents, brothers and sisters of student inmates present here today to show their support for their loved ones.  I am confident that the encouragement, love and support from the families will go a long way in helping student inmates and ex-inmates reintegrate into society.  I would also like to commend the CARE Network, comprising strategic community partners in rehabilitation, on their efforts to help former offenders return to society as law-abiding and productive citizens.  The concerted efforts of the family and community will make a difference and will help these individuals develop to their full potential and use their talents to contribute effectively to society.

Conclusion
10. In conclusion, I would like to once again congratulate our award recipients for their achievements, and commend the staff of the Prisons Department and NYAA Council for believing in the student inmates and in reforming and developing them into upright and responsible citizens.