IN-HOUSE SCHOOLING IN GIRLS/BOYS HOMES

Mr Cheo Chai Chen asked the Minister for Education whether he will consider providing in-house schooling at Girls'/Boys' homes so as to relieve parents from having to fetch their children from these homes to and from schools.

Mr Lee Yock Suan: Children from Girls' and Boys' Homes attend regular schools as part of the rehabilitation programme. By attending regular schools, these children will be able to interact with their peers and participate fully in educational activities. This will help them re-establish their links with society later. The Ministry is not in favour of providing in-house schooling at the Homes as this will only serve to isolate them even further. Children from the Homes normally go to the schools themselves. With regard to parents sending their children to and from schools, this only happens at the parents' request. This should not be viewed as an inconvenience as it provides an opportunity for parents and children to strengthen their family relationship and will contribute towards the rehabilitation effort.