Learning how to perform CPR on a CPR dummy from a St. John Brigade cadet. Colouring scenes of playground interactions while National Police Cadet Corp cadets explain how Social Defence is built over time. Identifying signs and emergency numbers that will be useful during an emergency from a group of Girl Guides.
These are just some of the activities that White Sands Primary School (WSPS) students engaged in during their recess, facilitated by 51 students from uniformed groups from Pasir Ris Crest Secondary School (PRCSS). The initiative, which arose from a partnership between the two schools, is part of Total Defence Day commemoration.
“We were already partnering with WSPS in Values in Action, so it was a natural step to take when we were looking to extend our outreach and advocacy initiatives,” says Ms Candice Soh, Subject Head of Student Involvement and Agency at PRCSS. “It is a meaningful event that also empowers our students, as they impart their knowledge of Total Defence to younger students.”
Now in its fourth year, these Total Defence Day recess activities have become something that the WSPS students look forward to annually.
“We’ve had feedback from our students that engaging activities make what they learn really stick. This also gives them a chance to interact with potential future seniors, since PRCSS is one of their secondary school choices,” says Mdm Nur Syahirah Sa’adon, Subject Head of Character and Citizenship Education at WSPS.
The collaborative nature of the event reflects the true spirit of Total Defence, as the two school communities continue to grow closer. Both Ms Soh and Mdm Syahirah are heartened by the fact that WSPS alumni who are now with PRCSS return for the event to give back to their juniors, as well as to visit their teachers.
“We want them to know that staying united in times of crises and disruptions is important,” says Mdm Syahirah. And for Ms Soh, this annual initiative is something that aligns perfectly with the uniformed groups’ focus on “developing every uniformed group student into a confident leader and an active citizen”.
