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Date : 17 Jul 1998

COMMEMORATION OF RACIAL HARMONY DAY IN SCHOOLS

 

Schools will commemorate Racial Harmony Day to mark the race riots which occurred on 21 Jul 1964. To mark this day, schools will plan varied activities which seek to help students understand and appreciate the different cultures and practices of other races and emphasize the importance of living in harmony.

2 This is the second year Racial Harmony Day is commemorated in schools. The objective is to help our young appreciate the value of racial harmony and mutual understanding in a society which considers its cultural diversity an asset.

3 Racial Harmony Day is one of the four key historical events which schools will commemorate, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister BG Lee Hsien Loong during the launch of National Education on 17 May 97. The other three events are Total Defence Day, National Day and International Friendship Day.

4 A list of some schools which have lined up interesting activities to commemorate Racial Harmony Day is attached at Annex A.

MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

 

ANNEX A

SIX SCHOOLS’ PROGRAMMEs FOR RACIAL HARMONY DAY 1998

Ahmad Ibrahim Primary School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

: Mrs Chan Kwai Foong : 67592905 : 21 July 98

 

The event will see parents and teachers working in collaboration. Members of the school’s Parent Support Group will be assisting in the preparation and sale of these food items. All teachers and pupils will also be in traditional attire for the day.

 

Anderson Secondary School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

: Mrs Chan Khah Gek : 64598303 : 7 - 21 Jul 98

June Vacation	Pupils record (on cassette tape) oral historical accounts of parents/relatives of personal experiences during the 1964 racial riots.
7-10 July 21 July	Pupils share the recorded accounts in class a) Invited speaker, Mr Mosbergen, a retired principal, will give an assembly talk on the 1964 racial riots but more emphasis on what have been put in place to ensure racial harmony in Singapore and what is needed of each citizen. b) One pupil per level to share their recorded historical account and reflections on learning.

 

 

Catholic High School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

:Mrs Goh Hwee Choo : 64582177 : 21 - 24 Jul 98

Catholic High school will have a week-long programme to mark the event. The highlight of the entire programme is an Exhibition on the four main races, racing from pictorial depiction of what each race does, to multi-media presentations. Students will watch how tables are set according to different customs. A book quiz will be organised in conjunction with Racial Harmony Day. In addition, secondary school students will listen to a talk by a former principal of Catholic High school who witnessed the race riots from the school, then in Queen Street.

 

Outram Secondary School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

: Mr Chan Poh Meng : 67334077 : 15 - 21 Jul 98

Outram Secondary has decided to commemorate Racial Harmony Day as a week-long event.

15/7-20/7	Principal and teachers will take turns reading eye-witness accounts of events of 21 July 1964 of what they saw, and how they felt.
21/7 onwards	Teachers will use the reading periods to discuss with students what they have heard from these eyewitness accounts.
21/7	Teachers and students are encouraged to don clothes of other races. Canteen vendors have been roped in to serve food from other races, eg. Malay stall will serve halal "Dim-sum". Combined assembly from 12:30-1:30 pm. An Indian classical musician has been invited to demonstrate Indian classical instruments and explain the significance of Indian music to Indian culture.

 

 

Townsville Primary School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

: Mr Francis Tan : 64593219 : 21 Jul 98

21/7	Parents will be involved in selling ethnic foods to students during the prolonged recess, the money from which will go to Charity. The Principal will address the school on Racial Harmony, followed by discussions in class.

 

Yu Neng Primary School

Principal Tel  Activity Date

: Mr Tan Kah Teo : 64490121 : 21 July 98 (10:30-12:00, 12:30-2:00 pm)

The programme will begin with a Talk on the 1964 Riots by a teacher of the school. This will be followed by a specially choreographed Racial Harmony Dance. The round-up will be the singing of Community Songs and a National Costume Parade by pupils.

For further enquiries, please contact:

Mrs Wai Yin Pryke
National Education Officer
Tel : 64747101