Speech by RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, Minister of State, Ministry of Education, at "A Big Thank You To Schools From Community Chest" at Golden Village Vivocity GVMax on Tuesday, 23 January 2007 at 3.25 pm

SPEECH BY RADM (NS) LUI TUCK YEW, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, AT “A BIG THANK YOU TO SCHOOLS FROM COMMUNITY CHEST” AT GOLDEN VILLAGE VIVOCITY GVMAX ON TUESDAY, 23 JANUARY 2007 AT 3.25 PM

2. For the past 14 years, Community Chest has partnered the Ministry of Education (MOE) and schools in Singapore to raise funds through the annual Children’s Day and Youth Day Appeals to help the less fortunate in our community. A total of almost $14 million has been raised through the charity efforts of all our schools. This amount has been channelled to help a wide range of beneficiaries, from the young to the old and from individuals to families.

3. Our schools’ efforts and generosity are indeed laudable. From the amount raised through the Children’s Day and Youth Day Appeals last year, it can be seen that our schools are continuing with the good work of contributing to the community. I would like especially to commend the 40 primary schools, secondary schools and junior colleges which contributed the most in terms of funds raised for the 2006 Children’s Day and Youth Day Appeals.

4. What is also heartening is that the spirit of giving has gone beyond monetary contributions. As mentioned by Mr Hwang just now, last year’s Children’s Day Appeal donation envelope featured Luqman, a 6-year-old boy with Down’s syndrome and who is a beneficiary of the Community Chest. Instead of sending in only their donations, many of the schools and primary school children also sent their care and warmth. They took the initiative to pen their well-wishes to Luqman on hand-made cards beautifully decorated with drawings, stickers and stamps. One heart-warming message from Tong Bao Jie, a Primary 4 student from Lakeside Primary School, reads like this, “I’ve donated $10 to you, not so much, but I’ve donated as much as I can. Wish you a Happy Children’s Day. Wish you always happy and healthy.” It is heart-warming to know that our children at such a young age understand and show care and compassion for the less fortunate and disadvantaged. I am sure Luqman and many others have been very encouraged by your caring gestures.

5. It is important that we inculcate in our young the values of caring and sharing for the less fortunate in our community. The Community Involvement Programme, or CIP, that we have in schools provides the opportunity for students to learn and experience what it is like to give back to the community. A simple visit to the home for the aged not only provides insights into the challenges the elderly face, but also bring about a deeper appreciation of our grandparents at home. A small act like volunteering on flag days can bring about greater awareness of the various charities in Singapore and the people they serve. Such experiences will help our students better appreciate the needs of the less fortunate and not to take things for granted. Through fund-raising activities, students also learn important life-skills such as time-management, budgeting and interpersonal skills. Thus, in contributing to society, it is not only the recipients of the donations and kind acts who have gained but also our students have learnt to share, learnt to care and gained valuable skills.

6. To all students, I applaud you for your generous spirit of giving and in helping the less fortunate in our community. Continue to look beyond yourselves and be mindful of your responsibility to the community. If it is within your means, help those who are less fortunate to alleviate their difficulties, be it through monetary contributions or through volunteering with charities. You can approach your CIP teacher for advice on suitable Volunteer Welfare Organisations near your school or join youth groups with social service programmes.

7. To all principals and teachers, you play an important part in being the guiding light for our young, in being their mentors, in shaping their moral character, and in providing them with opportunities to do their part for the community. It is no easy task and I applaud you for your work and dedication in teaching and mentoring the children under your charge.

8. Finally, I hope that all of you will continue your good works so that we can, together, forge a caring and inclusive society.