A Broader Definition of Success

“Not doing well in studies doesn’t make anyone any less of a citizen,” said Mr Martin Tan, Principal of NorthLight School, “So that’s why our students’ contribution to Our Singapore Conversation (OSC) is just as important as any other citizen’s!”

NorthLight School, which caters to students who did not pass their Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), collaborated with several JC student volunteers to conduct an OSC session for about 30 students on 2 May 2013. Students were asked to think about what success meant to them, and how they would like the government and community to help them achieve their goals.

Defining Success

What is success? For many of the students, success was about overcoming their current challenges and achieving their dreams. Despite the drawback of having failed their PSLE, being at NorthLight School has encouraged them to look ahead.

“The teachers at NorthLight are kind and patient with us. When we do something wrong, they will let us calm down and think before teaching us the proper way. From there, we learn from our mistakes,” said Muhammad Shahrul Bin Yaakob, 15, a year 3 student.

“When they first joined NorthLight School, they had very low self esteem. We needed to help them believe in themselves and gain confidence to learn,” said Mr Tan, “If you’re always afraid to try, how would you learn?”

The school conducts a foundation programme for the first one to two years, to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills necessary for further learning. After which, students undergo vocational training as they work towards an ITE Skills Certificate (ISC) in Electrical Servicing, Mechanical Servicing, Food Preparation and Service or Retail Operations.

“I want to be a sales promoter,” said Shahrul, who will be gaining some hands-on experience at an upcoming roadshow.

Another student, Munifah Farishah Binte Muhammad Fadlie, 15, hopes to be an air stewardess so she would be able to explore new places and meet different people.

“They may not be top students in Math or English, but if we can appreciate their talents in other areas, they will be able to contribute to society in future,” said Mr Tan.

Success, in the students’ view, was also about being able to contribute back to society. Many spoke of how they hoped to earn money, so they could support their parents, help their family and give to the elderly and less privileged.

“I hope that in 30 years’ time, Singapore will be a friendly country that cares for its residents,” said Shahrul.

Making Suggestions For Improvement

Based on their experiences in school and at home, students discussed about what could be done by the community and government to help them achieve success.

“In Our Singapore Conversation, there’s been a lot of talk about reducing stress and the need for remedial classes. But the students pointed out that those from low income families have a need for after-school activities and remedial lessons. If not, they would end up loitering in public spaces, unengaged. There’s a need to see things from different perspectives,” said Chua Jun Yan, 18, a junior college student from Raffles Institution.

An Opportunity to Express Ideas and Be Heard

“It’s important for them to feel that they are a part of society and have people listen to them,” said Jun Yan, who worked with two other students from Raffles Institution and one from Hwa Chong Institution to initiate this session and facilitate the discussions. The four students are volunteers at NorthLight School, where they conduct a public speaking workshop.

“It’s also useful for the community to hear from them. Many of them have good ideas, but sometimes they don’t have the opportunity to express them.”
The views of NorthLight students will be passed on to the OSC committee for collation and consideration.