Speech by Mr Gan Kim Yong, Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Manpower, at the Children's Charities Association Annual Presentation on Saturday, 20 October 2007, at 10.30 am at Civil Service Club Auditorium

SPEECH BY MR GAN KIM YONG, MINISTER OF STATE, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION & MINISTRY OF MANPOWER, AT THE CHILDREN’S CHARITIES ASSOCIATION ANNUAL PRESENTATION ON SATURDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2007, AT 10:30 AM AT CIVIL SERVICE CLUB AUDITORIUM

1. I am pleased to join you today at the Annual Presentation Ceremony of the Children’s Charities Association (CCA).

2. The ceremony has a two-fold purpose. Firstly, it is an occasion to hand over the funds raised in the preceding year amounting to $1.5 million to the six-member charities. Secondly, it is also an occasion to recognise the efforts of the volunteers of CCA and member charities who have worked very hard to raise funds for the various operations. As a result of their effort, some 40,000 disadvantaged children will benefit from the funds raised.

3. As we become increasingly more competitive as a result of globalisation, it is important for us to maintain an inclusive and caring society so that no one is left behind. We need to work together and extend our helping hands to fellow Singaporeans who may need our support and assistance. I am, therefore, heartened to see that the charities of CCA have continued their good work to serve the less fortunate children of Singapore. For the past four decades, these charities have helped to educate, train and encourage the children under their care to become independent and useful members of the society.

4. We are also seeing more and more Singaporeans coming forward to volunteer their services to charities and welfare organizations. They are more than willing to play a part to reach out to those in need. This is the spirit of the “many helping hands” approach.

5. The Government is also doing its part. MOE has also been working closely with various Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) to meet the needs of the disabled children and those with special needs. This partnership has enabled us to achieve much more than we could otherwise have achieved on our own. This “many helping hands” approach ensures that our children with disabilities and special needs can benefit from holistic education, by leveraging on the specialized expertise of various VWOs. Indeed, many of our special education (SPED) schools have benefited from the expertise, professionalism and commitment of the VWO partners. By working together, we give all our children, including those with special needs, opportunities to do better and make Singapore a city of possibilities.

6. To the volunteers and partnering organisations receiving the Awards today, I extend to you my heartiest congratulations for all you have done, and I hope that you will continue with your support. I understand that some of you have established long-standing relationships with CCA through your commitment to the Association over the years. The work that you have done is indeed admirable.

7. However, I believe that for many of you here today, the joy and satisfaction of having helped others is probably the best reward. Indeed, the greatest joy is to see the children under our care grow up strong, independent and ready to face the challenges of this world. I look forward to your continued commitment and dedication to the cause of the CCA.