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SINGAPORE: A society, which does not provide equal opportunities through its education system and its community, will become divided.
Education Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam made these comments at a Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) event on Sunday, where he said programmes by community self-help groups to reach out to needy families is a good example of Singapore's unique approach to education.
Giving life to knowledge means taking lessons beyond the four walls of the classroom.
And in Singapore, being able to explore one's interests and talents is not the privilege of a select few, but the prerogative of every child.
A survey of PSLE results each year shows that a student's family background does not determine how well he does in the examinations.
But educating a child is not just the responsibility of schools.
Mr Tharman said: "Our schools are working hard and doing an excellent job. But the whole community must get involved, including our self-help groups, our grassroots and community organisations.
"They are key partners in keeping Singapore a place where everyone aspires to do well and avoiding a society that is divided."
One such group is the CDAC, whose programmes have helped some 150,000 students in the past 15 years.
The CDAC is also reaching out to children with special needs from low-income families.
Other community self-help groups that were highlighted by Mr Tharman include MENDAKI, SINDA and the Eurasian Association.
Mr Tharman emphasised that it is the whole-community approach that allows Singapore's education system to provide equal chances for everyone to succeed.
- CNA/so
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