A New Era for After-School Care in Singapore

SINGAPORE - Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled a bold expansion plan for after-school student care services, aimed at enriching the lives of thousands of students across the nation. This announcement was made during the 10th anniversary celebration of Big Heart Student Care on September 14, celebrating a decade of dedication to student well-being.

Reflecting on Singapore’s transformation, PM Wong highlighted how after-school care has vastly improved from the past. "Those of us who grew up in the 70s or 80s had minimal support. We had to fend for ourselves and learn quickly to be independent," he remarked, drawing a contrast with today’s innovative approaches.

Innovations That Inspire Learning

Gone are the days of mere homework supervision. Today’s after-school centres, like Big Heart Student Care, are pioneering engaging methods that promote holistic development. PM Wong emphasized the importance of evolving these centres into hubs for creativity and socio-emotional learning.

With over 17,000 students enrolled in the last decade, Big Heart is already making a significant impact. The celebratory carnival at D’Marquee in Downtown East was alive with joy, as families came together to celebrate educational progress.

New Initiatives to Foster Holistic Development

At the carnival, Ms. Low Yen Ling, chairwoman of the Self-Help Groups Student Care, announced two groundbreaking initiatives aimed at preparing children for the fast-paced world ahead. The first, PlayQuest, will engage students through hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

"Creative zones and literacy-numeracy boosters will fuel curiosity and confidence," declared Ms. Low, also a Senior Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth. The initiative will launch at seven centres in 2025 before expanding to all 30 centres by 2026, ultimately benefiting over 5,000 children.

Additionally, a new pilot program focused on boosting social and emotional skills will be rolled out in 2026, developed in collaboration with the Education Ministry. This initiative aims to cultivate essential relationship building and emotional resilience in students through mentoring in fields like art and sports.

Empowering Families and Communities

The significance of these initiatives is clear: the goal is to provide a safe, enriching environment for students that promotes character development and skill-building.

Madam Tok Shi Shi, a dedicated mother of two and committed teacher, shared her experience. "Enrolling Ashton and later Aden in Big Heart offered my husband and me peace of mind, knowing they were safe and would learn valuable life skills," she expressed.

As her older son Ashton highlighted his enriching experience, saying, "Those three years at Big Heart taught me resilience and connected me with exciting outdoor activities."

A Vision for the Future

PM Wong summed up the importance of after-school programs: "How our children spend their after-school hours is crucial to their growth and development. It's a golden opportunity for them to build character and explore new interests." This forward-thinking approach promises a brighter future for Singapore's youth.