Forum: Build enrichment opportunities for pre-schoolers into core curriculum

I applaud the initiative to boost funding for enrichment activities for children from lower-income families (

More needy pre-schoolers receive support from My First Skool’s charity fund for enrichment classes

, Sept 1). The recognition of non-academic skills for a child’s holistic growth is commendable.

This programme also provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on how Singapore can strengthen support for all children. As mentioned in the article, such enrichment classes are not covered by the Child Development Account, which suggests that these are seen as optional “extras” rather than a core part of a child’s development.

Yet, as research from experts like Nobel laureate James Heckman confirms, the development of a child’s character and social skills is a critical component of their future success. Professor Heckman’s research offers these compelling insights: Character is a skill that can be taught and fostered, and character skills are often better predictors of life outcomes, such as employment and health, rather than cognitive ability alone.

Local research reinforces this, identifying the warm, responsive relationship between a teacher and child as a vital protective factor against socio-economic stress.

Therefore, these vital interactions cannot be left to chance. They should be intentionally designed into programmes, ensuring instructors are also trained to build the secure, encouraging relationships children need to thrive.

Building on the ethos of this initiative, perhaps the next step as a society should be to explore how Singapore can make such holistic development a universal part of every pre-schooler’s experience, by integrating these enrichment opportunities into the core curriculum.

This also helps to ensure that an enrichment arms race between the “haves” and the “have-mores” is not inadvertently created, which would leave the “have-nots” unarmed in a rapidly advancing world.

Singapore has done much to recognise the importance of investment in early childhood care and education. Then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in 2021: “We encourage every child to strive and do his best, no matter their family background. We enable them to make the most of their abilities and talents, and enjoy full opportunity to fulfil their dreams and aspirations.”

A healthy, well-adjusted child is the foundation of a healthy, well-adjusted society. Let’s build on this good work to ensure every child has that foundation as a right, not just an opportunity.

Heidi Ng