DEVELOPMENT OF EMPLOYMENT ATTITUDES IN SCHOOLS

Mr L. P. Rodrigo asked the Minister for Home Affairs and Education how the Education Development Officers in the Ministry of Education and principals in the schools assist in developing the education of the school-going generation to ensure that the latter develop attitudes to employment which collectively benefit the State.

Mr Chai Chong Yii (for the Minister for Home Affairs and Education): Sir, it has always been one of the objectives of the Ministry of Education to inculcate the right attitudes and values in our pupils, such as the right attitude towards employment and correct work ethics. Education Development Officers and school principals have always been working in close co-operation to achieve these objectives through, among other things, regular assembly talks, civic lessons, extra-curricular activities and educational visits to relevant organisations. In addition, the introduction of the subject Education for Living in schools is another means towards achieving our objective. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that the home, the neighbourhood and the society have as great, if not a greater influence than the school, in developing prevailing mores, wholesome attitudes and sound values.