Students Learn the Importance of Racial and Religious Harmony in Schools

We agree with Professor Leslie Chew that it is important to nurture students' understanding and appreciation for social cohesion in Singapore ("Recent incidents at mosques a reminder of how precious racial and religious harmony is", Oct 14).

Singapore's diversity is our unique strength. We must continue to deepen mutual understanding and actively safeguard our social cohesion. This is why our schools teach and emphasise the importance of values like respect, and racial and religious harmony.

Beyond commemorating Racial Harmony Day, students learn about living in a multicultural society and the need to respect differences throughout the school year. Through subjects like Character and Citizenship Education (CCE), History and Social Studies, students learn about ethnic and religious sensitivities in Singapore's past and present context, and how to appreciate and uphold our common spaces.

As part of the secondary and pre-university CCE curriculum, teachers facilitate regular discussions of contemporary issues in the classroom, including the importance of racial and religious harmony. During these lessons, teachers create safe spaces for students to learn respectful dialogue, practise active listening, and develop openness to multiple perspectives.

As highlighted by Professor Chew, intergenerational exchanges are important to foster understanding and preserve our shared heritage. Through Family Time activities within the Primary CCE curriculum, students engage their family members, which include those from Pioneer and Merdeka generations, on their personal life experiences and perspectives on social cohesion in Singapore.

Students also participate in learning journeys to cultural and heritage sites, and celebrate various cultural festivals to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Singapore's diversity. These activities provide regular, meaningful cross-cultural interaction and dialogue among students and the community across generations.

The Ministry of Education will continue to work with schools and the community to create a culture of understanding, respect and trust, and help young Singaporeans understand their role in preserving and strengthening Singapore's harmonious society.

Mr Kenneth Lee
Director (Character & Citizenship Education Branch), Student Development Curriculum Division 1
Ministry of Education