YOUTH DEPARTMENT (Co-ordination and promotion of youth activities in Republic)

Mr Low Yong Nguan asked the Minister for Social Affairs if the Government will take immediate steps to set up a Youth Department for the purpose of co-ordinating and promoting youth activities in the Republic with a view to preventing a general deterioration in the attitude of youths towards society and enhancing their appreciation of moral principles in a progressive democracy.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Social Affairs (Mr Chan Chee Seng) (for the Minister for Social Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, the child receives his first lesson in moral education in the home. In the school-going years, character growth will be influenced by his experience in the school and the playing field. Our educational policy seeks to develop in our school children a sound ethical foundation through the inculcation of the principle of loyalty to the state, social awareness and civic consciousness. The current accent on extra-curricular activities with particular emphasis on sports promotion opens up further opportunities for character and moral development.

When a male reaches the age of 18, he will undergo a period of national service. During his training in the Armed Forces, heavy emphasis will be laid on developing patriotism, discipline and a sense of responsibility.

For those who do not fall within the ambit of school or national service, the People's Association organises healthy recreational activities for the population as a whole, and for youth in particular. The People's Association was established as a statutory body in 1960 to promote group participation in social, cultural, educational and physical activities. Community centres were built all over the Republic to provide facilities for these activities. Staff were sent abroad to broaden their experiences through attending training courses, work camps and conferences. In 1964, the Youth Leadership Training Centre was set up to fill a long-felt need for the training of youth leaders. In the activities organised by the People's Association, youth participation has always been encouraged with a view not only to developing their character potential, but also to fostering in them a sense of national identity and a dedicated spirit of service to the community.

Other organisations, like the Council of Social Service, the National Youth Leadership Training Institute, the Outward Bound School, and the youth organisations affiliated to the People's Association, also cater for the promotion of youth activities and training.

It will be seen that youth activities are being encouraged in many diverse ways by different departments in the Republic according to the various needs of youth during their successive levels of development. It would not be possible or necessary, therefore, for a single organisation or department to promote youth activities in the Republic. The question of co-ordinating these activities will be looked into, if necessary.