Exploring Our Children’s Potentials

Here in Singapore, schools celebrate ‘Racial Harmony Day’ every July 21st (tomorrow!), to remember the day (in 1964) when Singapore saw terrible racial riots.

It’s ‘a day for schools to reflect on, and celebrate our success as a harmonious nation and society built on a rich diversity of cultures and heritages‘ (extracted from Ministry of Education’s website).

Students are then encouraged to come dressed in traditional costumes (like, cheongsam), and they’d get to play traditional games, etc.

Having lived in Singapore for more than 10 years, I personally feel the government here does try their best in encouraging and nurturing a racially harmonious society.

But in the end, I think families – and the kinds of values we parents believe in and subsequently instill in our children – play a much greater role.

Especially when we all know how kids ‘read’ our lives, and they observe and absorb whatever attitudes and views we have towards other people of different races.

Be it good, or bad.

…

[Photo]
Anya wore her cheongsam last year, and she INSISTED on wearing her ‘Baju Kurung’ (traditional malay costume) this year. And THAT was despite me telling her how it’s getting ‘too small’ for her and how she might not feel comfortable playing games, sitting on her classroom floor etc in it.

Ah. Girls.