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In a Straits Times article in 2020, it was reported that "students in Singapore know more about issues like climate change and global warming but lack knowledge in other areas like international conflicts." (A. Teng). Over 6,000 students, aged 15 took part in the 2018 study by the global competence segment of the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa), which is a part of an international benchmarking study conducted by the OECD.
While more than 70% of students were reportedly familiar with world issues like hunger or malnutrition, and the causes of poverty, they were not as certain when it comes to matters relating to the global economy. As a result, the Ministry of Education was reported to have plans to add discussions on contemporary issues in the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) so that students can have a better understanding of global and national health issues. Students will also be learning about "sustainable development such as the health and well-being of world populations." (A. Teng, 2020).
Engaging our children in global issues is the first step towards mentoring them to become global leaders of tomorrow. To prepare them to enter the cross-cultural environment, here are some things parents can do at home.
Develop their listening skills. An effective cross-cultural communicator knows how to listen and observe. They need to weigh the facts and develop the ability to interpret the information in context before arriving at a conclusion. This calls for patience, respect of others, tolerance and empathy when people differ in their opinions. As parents, we are to model how to respond during our own social circles and interactions with others.
Learn new languages. In a language-rich environment like Singapore, our children grow up picking up languages and/or dialects quickly. Learning a new language enhances brain power, increases new opportunities and boosts their confidence in today's diverse world. Parents should be careful not to promote the learning of a new language for academic reasons only, but to instil the fun and value of understanding a different culture.
Celebrate cultural heritage and diversity. Singapore is home to different cultures co-existing in a congenial space. It is only a doorstep away when it comes to introducing food and flavours from around the world. Mark Twain wrote, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." When taking holidays overseas, expose your child to local festivities, celebrations, music, and the arts. Where possible, consider a homestay option as actually living with someone from a different culture gives children first-hand exposure that is fun and rewarding. Host families can sometimes become lifelong friends.
Volunteer in community projects. Children watch everything you do. By volunteering as a family, they learn firsthand what it means to make a difference in the lives of others and the community. It provides a healthy boost to your child's confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction as they learn to do good and be responsible citizens. With it comes a sense of accomplishment, pride and identity. One such global initiative that allows your child to become involved is Voices of Youth administered by UNICEF which encourages those aged 13 to 24 to use their writing skills, interests in photography or videos to tell the world about the issues they care about.
Work and live abroad. Through living overseas, our children learn to appreciate the differences in quality of life and the problems faced every day by people of other nationalities. Your children will develop a sense of the world around them, increasing awareness and developing empathy through such experiences.
As the world becomes more inter-connected, preparing our children to develop a global mindset is a necessary step forward.
Source: Teng, A (2020, Oct 22). Singapore students familiar with global issues, but know less about world conflicts and economy: 2018 Pisa study. The Straits Times. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parenting-education/singapore-students-familiar-with-global-issues-but-know-less-about
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