Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang hosted its annual Racial Harmony Day celebration on 19 July 2024 in partnership with Lions Befrienders. The event focused on fostering intergenerational bonds and celebrating Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
The event, graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Yip Hon Weng, Member of Parliament for Yio Chu Kang SMC, commenced with lively performances by Kinderland students. Seniors from Lions Befrienders then shared personal stories and cultural insights, enriching the understanding of heritage among attendees.
The festivities concluded with a mini fun fair where students and seniors engaged in collaborative activities like crafting windmills and sampling traditional foods from diverse cultures.
Elderlies from Lions Befrienders making windmill with our children from Kinderland
Mr Yip highlighted the significance of intergenerational interaction in building a harmonious society, praising Kinderland and Lions Befrienders for their joint efforts in promoting unity and diversity.
Mr Yip Hon Weng delivering his speech, praising Kinderland and Lions Befrienders for their joint efforts in promoting unity and diversity
Ms Susan Tan, Senior Principal of Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang, expressed delight at the partnership’s role in the social development of Kinderland students, emphasizing the event’s contribution to fostering empathy and cultural appreciation.
Intergenerational bonding forms a cornerstone of Kinderland’s curriculum under the A-Z Character Development programme. The collaboration with Lions Befrienders has seen various initiatives including joint celebrations and fundraisers across four Kinderland centres.
The four centres include Kinderland Academy @ Yio Chu Kang, Kinderland Preschool @ Ministry of Manpower, Kinderland Preschool @ Ministry of National Development, and Kinderland Preschool @ Lot One.
Mr Yip Hon Weng playing traditional childhood games with our Kinderland children
Ms Tracey Goh, Lions Befrienders’ Head of Community Engagement and Partnerships, spoke warmly about the impact on seniors, highlighting the joy and cognitive benefits of interacting with children.
Participant Madam Lilian Lee, 70, praised the event’s cheerful atmosphere and stressed the importance of mutual learning between generations, underscoring the educational value for both children and seniors alike.
Our children at Kinderland are trying out their entrepreneurship skills by selling items at the mini funfair to raise funds
The celebration not only commemorated Racial Harmony Day but also exemplified the power of intergenerational unity in preserving and celebrating Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage.
The elderly from Lions Befrienders enjoyed their day with our children at Kinderland.
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