Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng sought to reassure parents that the government's commitment to education will not waver even during an economic downturn while speaking at the Bishan East PCF kindergarten graduation ceremony at the Bishan Community Club today.

In his speech, he enumerated some measures that the Ministry of Education is undertaking to ensure this, including new initiatives such as raising the minimum qualifications for new teachers from next year and introducing a voluntary quality assurance and accreditation framework in 2011. It will also be spending more than $30mil next year to improve the quality of the pre-school education in Singapore.

He says, "These initiatives to raise the standards of the pre-school sector are part of the Government's commitment to invest in our young. The long term goal is to equip them with valuable skills and develop their potential to the fullest, thereby providing them with many pathways to success."

He also suggests some ways to encourage learning for children, despite the need for belt tightening, such as going to libraries instead of malls, visiting Singapore's parks and gardens to learn about plants and nature, or visiting museums when there is free admission.

The deputy prime minister also assured Bishan East residents who are affected by the economic downturn that they may seek assistance from the Bishan East PCF to ensure that their children can continue to be able to attend kindergarten.

Bursaries will also be given out to help families with school-going children. Bishan East residents who need help can approach the Bishan Community Club staff to get the bursary application form.