School Programmes for Students to Engage in Grassroots Activities

Mr Leon Perera asked the Minister for Education (a) in the past three years, how many schools have organised programmes for their students to (i) engage with People’s Association grassroots organisation and (ii) work with Members of Parliament (MPs), such as attachment programmes and volunteering at their Meet-the-People sessions; (b) how many students are currently involved in such programmes; (c) whether schools are empowered to reach out to any MP to organise such programmes for their students, regardless of party affiliation; and (d) if not, why.

Mr Chan Chun Sing: Our schools are places of learning and are kept free from partisan politics. Hence, schools do not participate in political activities organised by any Member of Parliament or political party.

On community issues, schools may support programmes organised by People's Association and their network of organisations, if there is an educational objective and age-appropriate.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) does not track students who participate in community activities in their own personal capacity.