National Education
At the Teachers’ Day Rally on 8 Sept 96, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong announced a major initiative to strengthen National Education in our education system.
National Education must be a vital component of our education process. We will revise the contents of Social Studies, Civic and Moral Education and History to emphasise nation-building. But National Education goes beyond book knowledge. It is an exercise to develop instincts that become part of the psyche of every child. It must engender a shared sense of nationhood, an understanding of how our past is relevant to our present and future. It must appeal to both heart and mind.
This is not easy. Today's pupils have not suffered wars, not lived through political struggles, racial tensions, unemployment and deprivation. They must learn not only in classes and lectures, but also by the example of teachers and elders, through the discipline and rituals of school life, through the habits and values inculcated over the years.
It is critical that we succeed in National Education. They will appreciate that these events in places far away are not irrelevant to Singapore. Rather, they are lessons for Singapore, for Singapore itself can easily slip into such a state. We enjoy peace and stability in Singapore because we work at it. We recognise that we are many races, many religions, many languages, many cultures. And we work consciously to make room for each other, to afford everyone opportunity to learn and make good.
Six Messages
- Singapore is our
homeland; this is where we belong.
- We want to keep
our heritage and our way of life.We must preserve racial and religious
harmony.
- Though many races,
religions, languages and cultures, we pursue one destiny.We must uphold
meritocracy and incorruptibility.
- This means opportunity
for all, according to their ability and effort.No one owes Singapore
a living.
- We must find our
own way to survive and prosper.We must ourselves defend Singapore.
No one else is responsible for our security and well-being.
- We have confidence
in our future.
United, determined and well-prepared, we shall build a bright future for ourselves.