TEENAGERS (Continuation of Studies)

Mr William Tan asked the Minister for Education whether he is aware of an increasing number of teenagers who are not allowed to continue their studies in the Government and Government-Aided Secondary Schools; and what steps does he propose to take or has taken to absorb them in other educational establishments.

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Mr Speaker, Sir, this question involves a problem which cannot be solved by the Ministry of Education alone. It is an accepted fact that not every person can benefit from secondary education, and even of those who qualify for admission into secondary schools after passing a common qualifying examination many fall by the wayside before reaching School Certificate level.

The problem involving the future of teenagers cannot be solved by absorbing them into educational institutions. For those who are not likely to benefit from secondary education, Government has provided trade schools and apprenticeship schemes. It will be the policy of Government to increase these institutions to meet this increasing problem.

Mr William Tan: Will the Hon. Minister for Education explain that these principles can absorb all the overage teenagers?

Mr Chew Swee Kee: Besides these educational institutions there is the Adult Education Council which deals with adult education. And as mentioned, the apprenticeship scheme is in operation and will absorb most of these overage students.