- Joined
- Aug 8, 2008
- Messages
- 3,619
- Points
- 0
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20090403-133126.html
Sun, Apr 05, 2009
The Straits Times
Instil courtesy during NS time
READING Wednesday's report, 'Kindness troopers bring it on', I am sad to say that we have been at it for 40 years with not much to show for all the time, effort and money spent.
This is regrettable because Singaporeans have improved in many other areas without much persuasion. Perhaps, in other areas, they have a stick. In the kindness movement, there are only carrots.
For proof, just look at the litter situation which appears to have deteriorated over the decade. This, I feel, is the graciousness index of any society. Regrettably, many people think that it is the Government's responsibility and do not want to - or think they need not - do anything.
I feel that this year's efforts are on the right track by starting bottom up with kindergarten kids. Parents hold the greatest share in child rearing. Courtesy, like charity, should begin at home, not in Parliament. If the children are taught right, it will lay the foundation for the schools to build on.
The following incident happened last month. A neighbour's child was about to walk past my home to go to her home a few doors away. She threw a drink packet and a banana peel into my waste bin. I told her she should not do that, as often the cleaners do not pick up loose items as it is so difficult for them to reach the bottom of the bin; and then, I would have to do it. I said she should throw the litter properly in a bag. Then I proceeded to clear the bin. Neither she nor the father reacted. Courtesy should begin at home.
The Straits Times report stated that the organisers hoped to reach out to schools, work places and communities. However, I see no mention of using the national service period to spread the habit of courtesy. There are many things that can be done during national service (NS). There is the time and the subjects are in large numbers, all in one place. We should look into this.
Murali Sharma
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
Sun, Apr 05, 2009
The Straits Times
Instil courtesy during NS time
READING Wednesday's report, 'Kindness troopers bring it on', I am sad to say that we have been at it for 40 years with not much to show for all the time, effort and money spent.
This is regrettable because Singaporeans have improved in many other areas without much persuasion. Perhaps, in other areas, they have a stick. In the kindness movement, there are only carrots.
For proof, just look at the litter situation which appears to have deteriorated over the decade. This, I feel, is the graciousness index of any society. Regrettably, many people think that it is the Government's responsibility and do not want to - or think they need not - do anything.
I feel that this year's efforts are on the right track by starting bottom up with kindergarten kids. Parents hold the greatest share in child rearing. Courtesy, like charity, should begin at home, not in Parliament. If the children are taught right, it will lay the foundation for the schools to build on.
The following incident happened last month. A neighbour's child was about to walk past my home to go to her home a few doors away. She threw a drink packet and a banana peel into my waste bin. I told her she should not do that, as often the cleaners do not pick up loose items as it is so difficult for them to reach the bottom of the bin; and then, I would have to do it. I said she should throw the litter properly in a bag. Then I proceeded to clear the bin. Neither she nor the father reacted. Courtesy should begin at home.
The Straits Times report stated that the organisers hoped to reach out to schools, work places and communities. However, I see no mention of using the national service period to spread the habit of courtesy. There are many things that can be done during national service (NS). There is the time and the subjects are in large numbers, all in one place. We should look into this.
Murali Sharma
This article was first published in The Straits Times.
