REAP Students Workshop (15-16 March 2012)
26 National Education representatives and student leaders from Hwa Chong International School, Chua Chu Kang Secondary School and Raffles Girls' School and Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) gathered at OnePeople.sg for a 2-day non-residential workshop to explore key concepts of multi-culturalism, stereotypes and the intricacies of racial relations. They were joined by 10 student leaders from various SAP schools, who were attending the Race and Ethnicity Awareness Programme (REAP) Students Workshop as part of their MOE Leadership Development Programme. The interaction of the students adds to the diversity of the group and quality of discussion.
Through case studies and experiential activities, students were introduced to the S.A.F.E framework (Suspend judgement, Ask and Learn, Find Common Ground, Emphatise) as an approach to interactions with people from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. On the second day of the workshop, participants took a morning walk in Toa Payoh Estate where they explored different aspects of community life. Through the eyes of a person from a minority group, a person from the low-income group, a handicapped person and a foreigner, each group had ‘A Fresh Look at Singapore' from various perspectives. At the end of the workshop, students were better able to appreciate the importance of sensitivity in inter-cultural understanding and communication.
"The Stereotype activity allows us to pop our bubbles of ignorance which we imprison ourselves in … to ask the harsh truth which we chose to turn a deaf ear to… to confront what we think about others and what others think about us. It forces us to confront those misconceptions. We need to acknowledge that we have stereotypes (all of us do)… push past our barriers and genuinely know a person without our stereotypes attached." - Er Jia Chin, Student of MOE Leadership Development Programme.
"As a Singaporean- Chinese, I am proud to be me, with all my flaws and imperfections. I learnt more about the Muslims I want to tell them ‘Do not see the one person who does not accept you for who you are, see the millions who do’"– Anonymous.
"The learning pedagogy was unique and effective, not to mention that I have made a lot of friends through these carefully-tailored activities that required interaction, and also provided fun and enjoyment in the process. Everyone was surprisingly liberal and open even when racial and religious issues were concerned; we discussed it maturely and justified some of our perceptions well." - Loh Jian Au, Lionell, Student of MOE Leadership Development Programme.
Schools are welcomed to nominate students for the upcoming REAP Workshop in May, June, Sept and Nov 2012. Find out more about the REAP Students Workshop. For enquiries, please contact Programme Manager, Emma Ooi at 6253 3281 or Email: fangyu@onepeople.sg
Race and Ethnicity Awareness Programme (REAP)
Race and Ethnicity Awareness Programme (REAP) is a 2-day Workshop targeted at upper- and post-secondary students and educators to enhance multi-ethnic engagement and introduce approaches to multiculturalism and diversity education.
Conducted by trainers from Raffles Institute for Experiential Learning (RIEL), the workshops adopt an activity-based and discussion-based approach to introduce concepts and create understanding through exploration and experiential learning. Such activities will raise participants’ self awareness and engage them in open yet safe discussions on sensitive issues.
The REAP (Students) Workshop will enable youths to analyse their multi-dimensional identity, unpack common stereotypes and explore everyday racial and ethnic insensitivities. Through a 2-day workshop, participants of the REAP (Educators) Workshop will be able to understand key terminologies and concept, familiarise themselves with student-centred facilitation techniques and approaches to multicultural engagement as well as try out hands-on activities for values clarification, infusing multicultural education and crafting action plans.
Find out more about the Race and Ethnicity Awareness Programme (REAP). For enquires, please contact Programme Manager, Emma Ooi at 6253 3281 or email: fangyu@onepeople.sg.
