Singapore Government Press Release
SPEECH BY MR SIDEK SANIFF, SENIOR MINISTER OF STATE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, AT THE SINDA STEP AWARDS CEREMONY HELD ON SAT 21 JUL 2001 AT 3 PM IN RELC
Mr S Dhanabalan, President SINDA Members of SINDA Board of Trustees and Executive Committee
Distinguished Guests,
Parents and Students.
I am happy to join all of you today in celebrating
the achievements of outstanding pupils in SINDA’s STEP Tuition Programme.
This Award Ceremony recognises significant improvements of STEP students at landmark examinations. Today, 55 pupils will receive the STEP Awards, the highest since the launch of the Awards.
The students’ success is not merely a reflection of their hard work. It is also the result of firm parental support, enduring dedication and commitment of teachers, and the quality of the STEP programme itself.
Tracing the development of the STEP programme over the years is in itself an inspiration. The programme has remained relevant and dynamic by adjusting to the needs of the students, tuning in to feedback from the Community and by keeping pace with our evolving education system.
Some of the significant changes of the STEP programme over the years include
Modifying STEP for Secondary school students into a revision instead of a remedial programme.
Introducing STEP for students from Primary One to Three. Now all students from Primary One to Secondary Four can benefit from STEP.
Starting Motivational workshops and seminars on study techniques for students and their parents.
Initiating Parent Support Groups at STEP Centres to assist the principals and also to serve as a feedback channel.
These changes have profoundly impacted the STEP programme. For instance, the number of students joining the STEP programme has been increasing year on year. This year, STEP enrolment reached a record high of 4,059 students, which is more than 10% of the total Indian student population in Singapore and almost double the number that joined STEP when the programme took off in 1992.
Beyond this I am pleased that STEP has been successful in reaching those who need the tuition programme most. More than 75% of the students in the STEP programme come from families with income below $2,000.
What is perhaps even more encouraging is that more and more students from families who for one reason or another cannot afford private tuition are joining STEP. At present, 759 students or 19 % in the STEP programme are receiving free or subsidised tuition. These students come from families with incomes below $1,500. Five years ago, students from this income group comprised only 8.6 % of the total STEP intake.
One of the key reasons for the success of the programme is the unflagging commitment of caring principals, tutors and volunteers. Many of them, I have been told, have been with the programme since its inception. I would like to thank and commend each one of you for this noble service that you are rendering to the Community.
The fine example you have set, I am sure, will spur the STEP students not only to do well but also come forward to do their part for their Community.
Some of the students in the STEP programme may be thinking that they can become volunteers after they finish their schooling. There is no need to wait. There are many things you can do immediately to do your part for the Community.For example, you can persuade your friends who, for one reason or another, are not in the STEP programme, to join immediately. For those of you who like to read, you can become a volunteer in SINDA’s reading programme.
In conclusion, I would like to once again congratulate today’s award winners. You have done your families and tutors proud. I am sure you will grow to be confident and self-assured individuals that Singapore will be proud of.
Thank you.