Singapore is a unique cosmopolitan of multi-racial, multi-linguistic, multi-culturalism and multi-religiosity whose citizens live in harmony. This harmonious relationship between the various ethnic groups was not handed by chance. Throughout its short history, it has seen a number of bloody racial riots as those in 1964 and the Maria Hertogh riots. Recognizing the ethnic diversity in Singapore, and to prevent the recurrence of inter-ethnic differences, the Government had decided to embark on a quest to forge a unique Singaporean identity among Singaporeans. The quest to overcome the divisiveness of ethnicity, language or religion is of prime importance, since Singapore's future social and racial stability rests on this. .
Schools provide a common space where children from different backgrounds can mingle and interact, and hopefully through their shared experiences develop cross-race friendships. Thus, the education system plays a crucial role in sowing the seeds of multi -racial relationships.
However, a National Institute of Education research team has found that children tend to have friends of their own race, sticking together during recess and out of the classroom. Many students were also more comfortable speaking to their friends in their mother tongue, which hinders inter-racial mixing. Parents too, influence their children's choice of friends, passing on racial stereotype beliefs. .
Teachers have to be actively involved in the attempts to deepen racial bonds among their students. As a teacher, I would try to work towards this goal by starting an Arts Education programme, where students are taught about Singapore's main cultures. Excursions to Little India, Chinatown and the Malay Village may be organized for students. Day-camps can also be held during school holidays where students are exposed to the skills unique of other ethnic groups. For example, Chinese students demonstrate to the Malay and Indian students the art of Chinese calligraphy or mooncake making.
