Over my 15 years in the industry, I believe that relationships is key to quality education. Respect and maintenance of these relationships between children and adults form the basis of positive self-image for children. When teachers nurture the interest of children with warmth and care, both adults and children grow and learn together. In turn, the children under our care are equipped to learn and communicate with confidence and competence.

In leading Telok Blangah Centre, building quality relationships has become one of our greatest priorities, including building the character of children. As such, we have designed a Core Values Programme embracing our organisation’s core values, translating them into simple terms for children to understand. The effects of this programme have caused children to become individuals who are able to sympathise with others and show their care and affection for others in positive ways.

However, learning the skill sets alone will not come to full fruition without being able to apply them. To set a platform up where children can utilise their new-found care for others, we began a collaboration with NTUC SilverACE in July 2017. Through this partnership, the children became confident in communicating effectively, active contributors working effectively with people around them, and concerned citizens in taking an active role in bettering the lives of others around them. Parents, upon seeing change in the character of their children, became very supportive of this programme, resulting in the reinforcement of these values in the home setting.

Nurturing children successfully is a feat in itself, not one that can simply be attained alone. Together, community, parents, teachers, and more, we raise children to their greatest potential, moulding leaders for the future of our nation.