Ignis Article

How Cultural Awareness Is Instilled [933 words]


INTRODUCTION

With our post-modern trend of modernisation and alienation, we of the 21st Century have already begun to feel the effects of having lost a large portion of our cultural identity. This is somewhat regrettable especially in the Singaporean context, owing to the very rich variety of cultures we have here. Not only do we nationally recognise at least 4 ethnic races, Singapore also enjoys [and often takes for granted] a relatively deep sense of racial harmony. To counter the dangers of losing the rich heritage values in our country, several measures have been spearheaded by the government. The question remains though: Are they effective? Will they be enough? .. This article attempts to discuss a few of these measures.


MEASURES
A. Government Branches/ Organisations

=> National Heritage Board

The multi-faceted programmes offered by the National Heritage Board do have a certain section dedicated to the development of youths in particular. As of now, preparations are undertaken for the Singapore Heritage Fest, of which the NHB is a big part of. Volunteering opportunities, as well as workshops and tours [tweaked to fit into students' curriculum] are often availible.

The NHB is generally perceived as the leading forefront of government bodies on dealing with cultural heritage matters.

However, though it has been active, we find that its efforts have not always been so effective. After all, often enough, government budget has to be allocated to maximising the economy, as well as other concerns [e.g. environment] as well. In balancing multiple priorities such as civil rights, the economy etc. , it appears as though not enough publicity for the NHB events has been generated, so that it somewhat limits the level of outreach to the public.

Nevertheless, as long as a certain level of maintenance of the government body is kept to, it is unlikely that the preservation of heritage matters by the government would ever be entirely overlooked. [Especially since the rich cultural heritage here is also a tourist attraction in the first place! =P ]

=> OnePeople.sg

Though a smaller scaled organization, OnePeople.sg capitalizes on racial harmony and often focuses on ethnic , as well as religious issues. Strengthened by numerous volunteers coming from all sorts of places, programmes and workshops are commonly hosted for the benefit of students.

The organization is an example of how subsidies are provided so that students would be more willing to attend workshops so as to enrich themselves. This suggests that with subsidies [sometimes provided by various bodies], there lies a seeming incentive for students to find opportunities to increase their awareness of the cultural issues of the island.


=> Others

There are quite a few other organisations that specialise in creating such awarenss and countering the apathy often present in students. The media too, has taken to showcasing programmes about certain featured cultural landmarks in the country. A recent Straits Times article also muses the defining places of the past and the trademark buildings.




B. Education Curriculum


=> Social Studies/ Civics and Moral Ed

Not only is CME a compulsory subject in all schools [or else they are recognised by MOE], but at the secondary level, Social studies is a compulsory subject that is often paired to an elective [Literature, Geography, History], under the 'Combined Humanities' section so as to provide a more comprehensive study of the skills required to dissect and sieve out information regarding the country's cultural background.

Evidently, the failure of such a system is that too much emphasis is placed on memorising content rather than fully appreciating our reading of, for example, the Maria Hertogh race riots in the 60s. Yet, overemphasis on academic excellence is a problem that is not privy only to our understanding of cultural heritage, of course but it does dampen efforts to cultivate a healthy interest in these matters.


=> National Education

Now and then, with support and subsidies from MOE, schools organise certain activities such as programmes and performances, all to allow a chance for students to know more about Singapore's heritage. If it were not for many of these ethnic performances, for example, we would not have had known what we do of other cultures' defining traits in the performing arts etc.

Army officials are sometimes also invited to schools to give talks, all part of the Total Defence programme to let students know more about NE issues.


=> School Based activities

Schools themselves do arrange activities for students to participate in. One example is the pre-university institution, National Junior College, of which the well-established Cultural Mapping system has formed the basis of the annual efforts to get students to be aware of the heritage values in the Bukit Timah region.

Generally, at least a minimal sense of understanding of the area has been created among the students and this suggests a certain level of success within the community in this area. To maintain this level of success is another challenge that has to be dealt with upfront and though difficult, it is not impossible as long as information and programmes are constantly reinvented and refined. All the more effective in achieving its goals of creating awareness of Singapore's cultural heritage.


OVERVIEW


The list of programmes and avenues to generate interest and preservation of our unique Singaporean culture is not exhaustive. In order to remain rooted in our values, we cannot but be proactive in our endeavours to retain our cultural landmarks, as well as constantly reinvent ways in which to instill further generations to come: The importance of maintaining our cultural integrity.


Compiled by Vivien 07A02