CDAC to run enrichment classes in more schools
PUBLISHED ONDecember 10, 2013 10:30 PMByJermyn Chow
SINGAPORE - Needy students will get more help focused on correcting their weaknesses, under a Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) plan to roll out enrichment classes in more schools next year.
Health Minister Gan Kim Yong, who is also the CDAC chairman, said on Sunday the self-help group for the Chinese community is looking to partner more primary and secondary schools in offering enrichment programmes tailored to their students' needs.
The expansion follows a trial that started in July, during which such programmes were introduced in three schools. About 40 students signed up for the customised enrichment classes, which included numeracy and literacy.
Mr Gan said other lessons will include those that instil values, strengthen students' character and develop their interest or potential in certain subjects.
Enrichment programmes will still be available across the 11 CDAC centres islandwide.
Mr Gan said taking the enrichment classes to schools will also allow the CDAC and school to involve parents in the students' learning journeys, though he did not give details about how this will happen.
"If we are able to strengthen the family resilience, I think it will help to enhance their learning environment," said Mr Gan.
CDAC executive director Goh Chim Khim said customising the programmes will better address the needs of students. "The schools have a better understanding (than the CDAC) of their students' needs."
At a CDAC event yesterday, Mr Gan also gave out help packages to poorer families. Those with a monthly household income of less than $1,700 received a $140 pack of transport and NTUC FairPrice vouchers. Each needy student got an $80 "school ready" pack to buy books, uniforms and shoes.
Also giving out the packages were labour chief Lim Swee Say and his parliamentary colleagues Sam Tan, Baey Yam Keng and Seah Kian Peng. This year, some 5,300 families and 10,700 students received the CDAC aid.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.