CCAs Remain Spaces for Holistic Development and Self-Discovery

We thank youth forum writer Cai Zhenyan for sharing her views on co-curricular activities (CCAs) in schools ("When students' interest in activities becomes utilitarian", 3 June).

CCAs are integral to our students' holistic development. Many students find joy and meaning in their CCAs, seeing them as opportunities to pursue their passions, develop skills and forge friendships. However, we recognise that some students choose CCAs due to competitive pressures rather than genuine interest in the CCA. In doing so, they risk missing out on opportunities to discover their interests and talents, foster friendships with peers from diverse backgrounds, and develop the character, leadership, and 21st Century Competencies that will help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Shifting this mindset will take time. The Ministry of Education (MOE) works closely with schools to offer students multiple avenues to discover and develop their talents and passions throughout their education journey. Beyond school-based CCAs, students are also encouraged to learn and explore their interests outside the curriculum, through community programmes or self-directed learning.

Parents are our key partners in this effort. When families affirm the value of exploration and personal growth — not just achievement — students are more likely to approach their CCAs with curiosity and interest.

MOE will continue to work with parents, schools, and the community to foster a culture where students are empowered to pursue their interests wholeheartedly, and where the journey of self-discovery is valued as much as the destination.

Mrs Eugenia Lim
Divisional Director, Student Development Curriculum 2

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课程辅助活动助力全人发展与自我探索

谨答复《联合早报·交流站·青年视角》于6月3日刊登的蔡箴言同学投函《当学生参加活动的兴趣变得功利化》：我们感谢蔡同学表达对学校课程辅助活动（CCA）的看法。

CCA是学生全人发展不可或缺的一部分。许多学生在CCA中找到乐趣与意义，将它视为追求爱好、发展技能和建立友谊的机会。然而，我们认识到一些学生选择CCA是出于竞争压力，而非对有关活动真正感兴趣。他们这样做，就可能错失发掘自身兴趣和才能、与来自不同背景的同伴建立友谊，以及培养品格、领导能力和"21世纪技能"（21st Century Competencies），以助他们在快速变化的世界中茁壮成长的机会。

改变这种心态需要时间。教育部与学校紧密合作，为学生提供多种途径，让他们在整个教育旅程中发现和发展自己的才能和爱好。除了学校CCA，我们也鼓励学生通过社区项目或自主学习，在课程之外学习和探索自己的兴趣。

家长是这项努力的关键伙伴。当家庭肯定探索和个人成长的价值，而不仅仅是成就时，学生更有可能带着好奇心和兴趣投入CCA。

教育部会继续与家长、学校和社区合作，共同营造让学生能够全心全意地追求自己的兴趣，且自我探索的旅程与最终目标同样受到重视的文化。

陈允晶
教育部学生发展课程司(第二司)统筹司长