SPEECH BY MR HAWAZI DAIPI, PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT THE RED CROSS YOUTH WORLD RED CROSS DAY CELEBRATIONS AT THE TOA PAYOH INDOOR STADIUM ON SATURDAY 17 APRIL 2004 AT 1415 HRS

Associate Professor Phua Kai Hong
Vice-Chairman, Singapore Red Cross Society

Mr Lau Hock Soon
Director, Red Cross Youth Division

Red Cross Youth Members

Ladies and Gentlemen

Boys and Girls

1 I am very pleased to be here this afternoon to join you at your World Red Cross Day Celebrations. 

2 The Red Cross Movement is well recognised and respected for its largest humanitarian network, and over 100 million members and volunteers worldwide.  Through its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance in various parts of the world, the Red Cross Societies reach out to more than 200 million people each year.

3 The vision of a young businessman, Henry Dunant, set the cornerstone of the Red Cross movement, and demonstrates to all of us that we can all have an impact and achieve our aspirations by striving to make that difference. 

4 We all have a role to play in helping others in need, in our community and beyond our shores. I would like to encourage all of you to play an active role in reaching out and helping the less fortunate in our community. Your contribution will certainly go a long way in helping to build a more caring and compassionate community. It is never too young to start.

5 The Red Cross Movement imbues among its members strong humanitarian values and the importance of service to mankind. I am very impressed by the varied community service provided by the Red Cross Youth in bringing joy to the less fortunate in our community.  Whether it is befriending a disabled, providing tuition to financially disadvantaged children, organising line-dancing for the elderly, organising outings for youth from single parent families, or rendering first aid to an injured person during school sports’ events, you are making a difference. You are good role models for other youths and I hope you will inspire them to contribute to the less fortunate.

6 At times, the activities you carry out quietly at school and at national events may go unnoticed, but let me assure you that it is definitely appreciated. All your little acts of kindness have a far-reaching impact in shaping a more compassionate and caring society for Singapore.

7 It is therefore appropriate that on this occasion of World Red Cross Day, we express our gratitude and outward recognition of your commitment to the ideals of the Movement.

8 Thank you for all the things that you have done to help bring joy to others.

9 I wish you all the best in your World Red Cross celebrations.

Thank you.