“EU Comes to Your School” launching event was organized on May 13, 2019 at the Ministry of Education Language Centre in Bishan, Singapore.
The project was presented to promote 21st century proficiencies by enhancing global awareness and cross-cultural skills amongst Singaporean students to teach them to appreciate different cultures and languages through the diverse cultures of Europe. Just like a trained essay writer, they’ll learn interpersonal skills and nurture cultural intelligence.
It will run from May 14 to 27 and will be attended by over 10,000 students aged 16 to 18 from over 20 Singapore schools to learn about the EU and its relations with Singapore.
At the opening event, the guests were Minister for Education Ong Ye Kung, the European Union Ambassador to Singapore Barbara Plinkert and Ambassadors of EU members based in Singapore including Paula Parviainen, Finland’s Ambassador to Singapore, who was a part of the panel at the event.
(Photo: Finland in Singapore’s Twitter)
The ministers and EU diplomats took this opportunity to engage students from participating schools in an interactive discussion about the importance of foreign language proficiency in a globalized world.
Wong Siew Hoong, Director-General of Education, addressed that this project is very vital for Singaporean children to build an awareness of global situations in order to have profound knowledge to appreciate the different cultures.
“That is why EU@School is such a valuable platform for our students and youths, not just to learn more about the EU and its relations with Singapore and ASEAN, but also to reflect on current geopolitical realities, where they stand in the world as the next generation of Singapore’s movers and shakers,” he advised.
The European Union Ambassador to Singapore Barbara Plinkert, also added that the EU at School project not only benefit for developing students’ skill and knowledge but also benefit for reinforcing the longstanding relationship between Singapore and the EU.
“It is also a great opportunity for us to reach out to the younger generation. I am thrilled with the overwhelming support we have received from the Ministry of Education and we look forward to a successful project,” she expressed.
