Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts, 36th Storey, PSA Building, 460 Alexandra Road, Singapore 119963. Tel: 3757794/5
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SPEECH BY ASSOC PROF HO PENG KEE, MINISTER OF STATE FOR LAW AND HOME AFFAIRS AND CHAIRMAN OF PAP COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AT THE GRADUATION AWARD CEREMONY ON FRIDAY, 16 MAY 1997 AT 8 PM AT THE ANGSANA AUDITORIUM, PCF BUILDING
The PAP Community Foundation (PCF) is the largest provider of kindergarten services in Singapore. We have about 78,000 children in 292 centres.
The PCF was set up in 1986 to spearhead the community service outreach of the PAP. It has grown steadily in scope through the years. Today, other than its kindergarten outreach, other outreaches include childcare centres, community libraries and student care centres. Indeed, many Singaporeans benefit from PCF's services.
As the largest kindergarten provider in Singapore, PCF has a responsibility to ensure that its services are continually improved. I am pleased to note that this is the case. Let me list just two examples.
The first is in the use of computers by PCF kindergarten children. Five years ago, in 1992, under Project Pre-School (PPS), 6000 children in 19 kindergarten centres were introduced to computers in their PCF classrooms under a pilot programme. Today, the number has multiplied to 26,000 students in about 100 PPS kindergarten centres. Working closely with our computer vendor, PCF's Pre-School Development Unit (PDU) developed thematic packages that were integrated into the curriculum. It made learning fun and interesting for the young minds of PCF kindergarten children. MOE's recent move to introduce computers in all Primary Schools reaffirms PCF's vision and initiative in this area.
Having expanded its computer coverage these 5 years, from the core subjects to the mother tongue and other enrichment programmes, and having gained greater confidence, PCF plans to further exploit computer technology to stimulate our children's creativity through, for example, art applications and problem solving. Also, we are looking into developing computer packages to help our teachers become better teachers through self and group learning at the decentralised kindergarten centres. This approach will reinforce in our PCF teachers the important message of having a learning mindset at the workplace.
The second is in upgrading the quality of PCF teachers. As in the case of other teachers, PCF teachers are important conduits in inculcating the right values and nurturing inquiring minds in their young wards. No stone will be left unturned in our efforts to train and motivate PCF teachers to give of their best. Since its inauguration a year ago, PCF's Early Childhood Institute (ECI) has initiated several measures to underscore its seriousness in fulfilling its mission. One such measure is in the introduction of new courses to cater to the needs of PCF teachers. Another measure is in the streamlining of its courses so that they will better dovetail into each other, thus providing a route for diligent teachers who want to systematically upgrade themselves. A third measure is in the recent opening of a well-stocked, state-of-the-art Resource Centre which will stimulate higher standards in PCF teachers.
The above - enhanced use of computers and upgrading teacher quality - are but two examples of how PCF will improve its services. The point is - our aim to deliver better services will be continually emphasised. PCF will explore ways to further improve its outreach to its kindergarten students and parents. It will work with parents so that an important partnership can be forged. Towards this end, its publication, the "Young Families" which is distributed to every parent through their children, was recently revamped to further improve its layout and contents.
Tonight is a good example of PCF'S resolve to further upgrade the quality of pre-school teachers in Singapore. New batches of teachers have been further trained. Let me extend warm congratulations to all of you. May you carry the message of further training in your personal lives and indeed, spread it to your peers. Encourage more of your fellow teachers to step forward for training. Whether or not you teach in a PCF Centre, your mission is the same - to reach out to and train young lives. Start them off well in their life-long quest of learning. Lay a strong foundation, that is, enquiring and creative minds. This is a noble mission. Discharge it with pride and commitment. Take joy that one day your wards will grow up into fine men and women, leaders in their various fields of endeavour.
Thank you.