Lessons on Personal Hygiene in Schools

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Ms Joan Pereira, Tanjong Pagar GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education whether the Ministry will work with the relevant agencies on incorporating lessons on personal hygiene in school as part of the fight against viruses so as to cultivate good hygiene habits from a young age and teach students to protect their health and well-being.

Response

1. Schools have been inculcating good hygiene practices in our students, through Physical Education and Form Teacher Guidance Periods. The lessons would start from Primary 1, and include the 8-step hand washing technique and 5-step Mozzie Wipeout.

2. In response to the COVID-19 situation, schools have further enhanced these lessons, to further emphasize on personal hygiene, social responsibility and national resilience through a lesson package conducted in conjunction with the Total Defence Day commemoration. In addition to personal hygiene, students were also taught to enhance group hygiene using the daily wipe-down routine, and cleaning up after themselves in the canteen.

3. An online Science learning package on "Understanding COVID-19" was developed to support students in understanding the coronavirus and its transmission. As a result, students will better appreciate the rationale for personal and group hygiene practices, and the importance of being socially responsible.