Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Founding and Veteran Members Reclaim AWARE
In what could be the first for Singapore, the local media - both mainstream and social websites/blogs - reported on the AWARE EGM as it happened at Suntec City Hall 402 from about 2pm till 9:15pm on 2 May 2009. It was indeed a historical day for Singapore civil society.
Josie's new team steps down
By AsiaOne
The new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) has stepped down after a vote of no confidence was passed successfully against them on Saturday.
Ex-Aware president Dana Lam was nominated the new leader, and Ms Chew i Jin the vice-president.
1414 votes were cast in favour of a no confidence while 761 votes were against in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that went over five hours.
The EGM was attended by some 2,000 members.
* * *
Marathon EGM meeting
By Teo Wan Gek & Elizabeth Soh (The Straits Times)
THE new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) was grilled by members at a marathon extraordinary general meeting, which is still going on five hours after it started on Saturday afternoon.
A strong turnout of 2,000 members, many of them newly registered, showed up at the EGM at the Suntec City Convention Centre to debate and vote on the proposed constitutional amendments to give voting rights to associate members, and to table a vote of no confidence in the new team.
Questions came fast and furious from the floor as scrutineers tallied the votes.
* * *
New Aware exco spent $90k
By Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
THE new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware), which took office on March 28, has spent about $90,000 so far, an exco member disclosed on Saturday at its extraordinary general meeting, which is still going on at the Suntec City Convention Centre on Saturday.
Fielding questions from members at the EGM to debate and vote on the proposed constitutional amendments to give voting rights to associate members and to table a vote of no confidence in the new team, Ms Maureen Ong, a committee member said the booking of the venue for Saturday's EGM alone cost more than $20,000.
She said the new exco, whose new president is Josie Lau, has spent about $90,000 since it came into office just barely a month ago.
* * *
Voting ends at Aware EGM
By Elizabeth Soh and Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
SOME 2,000 members have voted at the closely-watched extraordinary general meeting of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) on Saturday, which started on a rowdy note.
Scrutineers are tallying the votes and the outcome is expected to be announced shortly.
The atmosphere in the meeting held in a function hall on the 4th floor of Suntec Suntec City Convention Centre was highly charged.
* * *
Rowdy start to Aware EGM
By Elizabeth Soh & Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
THE closely-watched extraordinary general meeting of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) on Saturday started on a rowdy note, with boos from opposing camps and ugly outbursts.
The atmosphere in the meeting room on the 4th floor of Suntec Suntec City Convention Centre, packed with 2,000 members, was highly charged.
Boos and jeers greeted new Aware executive committee president Josie Lau when she stood up to make her opening remarks.
* * *
Aware showdown begins
By Elizabeth Soh and Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
BEFORE the actual commencement of the extraordinary general meeting (EOGM) of the Association of Women and Research (Aware), the battle lines seem to have already been drawn.
There are at least 100 people at the Suntec City Exhibition Hall 402, of which about 20 per cent are men.
The two separate camps are clearly distinct, with the new guard volunteers wearing red shirts with the words 'Pro woman, pro family, pro Singapore' on the back of the shirts, while the old guard volunteers have on white shirts with the words 'We are Aware'.
* * *
Photos by Little People Press
Josie's new team steps down
By AsiaOne
The new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) has stepped down after a vote of no confidence was passed successfully against them on Saturday.
Ex-Aware president Dana Lam was nominated the new leader, and Ms Chew i Jin the vice-president.
1414 votes were cast in favour of a no confidence while 761 votes were against in an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) that went over five hours.
The EGM was attended by some 2,000 members.
Marathon EGM meeting
By Teo Wan Gek & Elizabeth Soh (The Straits Times)
THE new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) was grilled by members at a marathon extraordinary general meeting, which is still going on five hours after it started on Saturday afternoon.
A strong turnout of 2,000 members, many of them newly registered, showed up at the EGM at the Suntec City Convention Centre to debate and vote on the proposed constitutional amendments to give voting rights to associate members, and to table a vote of no confidence in the new team.
Questions came fast and furious from the floor as scrutineers tallied the votes.
New Aware exco spent $90k
By Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
THE new executive committee of the Association of Women and Research (Aware), which took office on March 28, has spent about $90,000 so far, an exco member disclosed on Saturday at its extraordinary general meeting, which is still going on at the Suntec City Convention Centre on Saturday.
Fielding questions from members at the EGM to debate and vote on the proposed constitutional amendments to give voting rights to associate members and to table a vote of no confidence in the new team, Ms Maureen Ong, a committee member said the booking of the venue for Saturday's EGM alone cost more than $20,000.
She said the new exco, whose new president is Josie Lau, has spent about $90,000 since it came into office just barely a month ago.
Voting ends at Aware EGM
By Elizabeth Soh and Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
SOME 2,000 members have voted at the closely-watched extraordinary general meeting of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) on Saturday, which started on a rowdy note.
Scrutineers are tallying the votes and the outcome is expected to be announced shortly.
The atmosphere in the meeting held in a function hall on the 4th floor of Suntec Suntec City Convention Centre was highly charged.
Rowdy start to Aware EGM
By Elizabeth Soh & Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
THE closely-watched extraordinary general meeting of the Association of Women and Research (Aware) on Saturday started on a rowdy note, with boos from opposing camps and ugly outbursts.
The atmosphere in the meeting room on the 4th floor of Suntec Suntec City Convention Centre, packed with 2,000 members, was highly charged.
Boos and jeers greeted new Aware executive committee president Josie Lau when she stood up to make her opening remarks.
Aware showdown begins
By Elizabeth Soh and Teo Wan Gek (The Straits Times)
BEFORE the actual commencement of the extraordinary general meeting (EOGM) of the Association of Women and Research (Aware), the battle lines seem to have already been drawn.
There are at least 100 people at the Suntec City Exhibition Hall 402, of which about 20 per cent are men.
The two separate camps are clearly distinct, with the new guard volunteers wearing red shirts with the words 'Pro woman, pro family, pro Singapore' on the back of the shirts, while the old guard volunteers have on white shirts with the words 'We are Aware'.
Ho Ching Gets Top Award
The Straits Times ran this story on 2 May 2009:
Outgoing Temasek chief Ho Ching gets top award
By Kor Kian Beng
OUTGOING Temasek chief Ho Ching received this year's top labour award for her support of the work of unions and for safeguarding workers' interests here.
Ms Ho, 56, was one of two senior management figures who received the Medal of Commendation (Gold) Award at the May Day Dinner last night.
The other was Mr James Lee Kim Wah, 70, director and senior adviser of property and retail group Wing Tai Holdings.
Ms Ho and Mr Lee, both nominated by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), received their awards from labour chief Lim Swee Say at the Orchid Country Club.
A range of awards were also presented to 58 other individuals and companies for their contributions to the labour movement, improving relations and looking out for the interests of workers.
Among them was veteran unionist Michael Chang Song Chew, who received the Comrade of Labour (Star) Award.
The presentations were made before an audience of 1,400. They included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who accompanied his wife Ms Ho; guest of honour Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong; other Cabinet ministers; labour MPs; unionists and employers.
In its citation, the NTUC described Ms Ho as an 'exemplary leader who supports the work of unions, engages the union leaders, and cares for the workers'.
And it cited specific instances to illustrate her positive contributions.
In 2007, when Temasek decided to sell its power generation companies, she anticipated the anxieties of leaders and members of the Union of Power and Gas Employees and engaged them early. In doing so, she addressed the concerns they had about the future of their jobs.
The NTUC said Ms Ho also meets leaders of the Singapore Port Workers' Union and Port Officers' Union periodically to exchange views. She was instrumental in resolving the issue of special payments for workers when port operator PSA Corporation suspended its listing plans in 2002. Temasek is a PSA shareholder.
Another example: During the 2003 Sars crisis, she encouraged taxi operators to start a Hardship Fund for quarantined taxi drivers and to also set up temperature checkpoints for cabbies islandwide.
'The leaders at the various unions and taxi associations involved are deeply impressed and touched by Madam Ho's concern and personal involvement in safeguarding the well-being of their workers,' the NTUC said in its citation.
Speaking at her Temasek office before the ceremony, Ms Ho, who is chief executive officer and executive director, said of the award: 'It's a recognition of the trust between Temasek as a team and some of the unions that we have worked with.'
She described the labour relations here as a unique strength for Singapore as management and unions understood each other's needs and shared common long-term interests for the country.
'We're not fighting for a bigger share of one small pie. But really it's about growing that pie and making sure the pie is sustainable. And that, in turn, is in the long term interest of everyone,' she said.
But these strong ties did not come easy. It required an effort on both sides 'to give and take, to understand the other perspective, and most important, not to break the trust between each other'.
'So when there are difficult issues, we don't dodge the issues. We bring them to the table and discuss them.'
Ms Ho, who hands over the reins on Oct 1 to Mr Charles Goodyear, said the mutual confidence among unions, management and government is an important element of labour relations here.
At last night's ceremony, Mr Gan said the swine influenza outbreak will add uncertainty to the economic outlook, and added that the labour market 'will remain weak for quite some time'.
But Singaporeans could remain confident of overcoming the challenges as the fundamentals here, including the tripartite relationship, were strong.
Singapore responded swiftly and decisively, he said citing the $20.5-billion Resilience Package, among others.
Also, there are at least 45,000 jobs expected over the next two years, while 20,000 jobs are currently available in various industries and at different levels.
Over 77,000 workers and 1,100 companies have also committed to the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience, or Spur, since its launch last December.
He also expressed confidence that by working together, Singaporeans can and will overcome the crisis as they had done in the past.
Outgoing Temasek chief Ho Ching gets top award
By Kor Kian Beng
OUTGOING Temasek chief Ho Ching received this year's top labour award for her support of the work of unions and for safeguarding workers' interests here.
Ms Ho, 56, was one of two senior management figures who received the Medal of Commendation (Gold) Award at the May Day Dinner last night.
The other was Mr James Lee Kim Wah, 70, director and senior adviser of property and retail group Wing Tai Holdings.
Ms Ho and Mr Lee, both nominated by the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC), received their awards from labour chief Lim Swee Say at the Orchid Country Club.
A range of awards were also presented to 58 other individuals and companies for their contributions to the labour movement, improving relations and looking out for the interests of workers.
Among them was veteran unionist Michael Chang Song Chew, who received the Comrade of Labour (Star) Award.
The presentations were made before an audience of 1,400. They included Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who accompanied his wife Ms Ho; guest of honour Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong; other Cabinet ministers; labour MPs; unionists and employers.
In its citation, the NTUC described Ms Ho as an 'exemplary leader who supports the work of unions, engages the union leaders, and cares for the workers'.
And it cited specific instances to illustrate her positive contributions.
In 2007, when Temasek decided to sell its power generation companies, she anticipated the anxieties of leaders and members of the Union of Power and Gas Employees and engaged them early. In doing so, she addressed the concerns they had about the future of their jobs.
The NTUC said Ms Ho also meets leaders of the Singapore Port Workers' Union and Port Officers' Union periodically to exchange views. She was instrumental in resolving the issue of special payments for workers when port operator PSA Corporation suspended its listing plans in 2002. Temasek is a PSA shareholder.
Another example: During the 2003 Sars crisis, she encouraged taxi operators to start a Hardship Fund for quarantined taxi drivers and to also set up temperature checkpoints for cabbies islandwide.
'The leaders at the various unions and taxi associations involved are deeply impressed and touched by Madam Ho's concern and personal involvement in safeguarding the well-being of their workers,' the NTUC said in its citation.
Speaking at her Temasek office before the ceremony, Ms Ho, who is chief executive officer and executive director, said of the award: 'It's a recognition of the trust between Temasek as a team and some of the unions that we have worked with.'
She described the labour relations here as a unique strength for Singapore as management and unions understood each other's needs and shared common long-term interests for the country.
'We're not fighting for a bigger share of one small pie. But really it's about growing that pie and making sure the pie is sustainable. And that, in turn, is in the long term interest of everyone,' she said.
But these strong ties did not come easy. It required an effort on both sides 'to give and take, to understand the other perspective, and most important, not to break the trust between each other'.
'So when there are difficult issues, we don't dodge the issues. We bring them to the table and discuss them.'
Ms Ho, who hands over the reins on Oct 1 to Mr Charles Goodyear, said the mutual confidence among unions, management and government is an important element of labour relations here.
At last night's ceremony, Mr Gan said the swine influenza outbreak will add uncertainty to the economic outlook, and added that the labour market 'will remain weak for quite some time'.
But Singaporeans could remain confident of overcoming the challenges as the fundamentals here, including the tripartite relationship, were strong.
Singapore responded swiftly and decisively, he said citing the $20.5-billion Resilience Package, among others.
Also, there are at least 45,000 jobs expected over the next two years, while 20,000 jobs are currently available in various industries and at different levels.
Over 77,000 workers and 1,100 companies have also committed to the Skills Programme for Upgrading and Resilience, or Spur, since its launch last December.
He also expressed confidence that by working together, Singaporeans can and will overcome the crisis as they had done in the past.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Churches Should Stay Out of Aware Tussle
The Straits Times ran this story on 1 May 2009:
Churches should stay out of Aware tussle
By Zakir Hussain & Wong Kim Hoh
THE National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) has said it does not condone churches getting involved in recent matters related to the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).
It also does not condone pulpits being used for the purpose, it said in a statement last night.
'We do not condone churches getting involved in this matter; neither do we condone pulpits being used for this purpose. Our member churches are not involved in the present saga.
Churches should stay out of Aware tussle
By Zakir Hussain & Wong Kim Hoh
THE National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) has said it does not condone churches getting involved in recent matters related to the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware).
It also does not condone pulpits being used for the purpose, it said in a statement last night.
'We do not condone churches getting involved in this matter; neither do we condone pulpits being used for this purpose. Our member churches are not involved in the present saga.
Ex-Reform Party Chairman Says His Piece
Today ran this story on 1 May 2009:
Ex-chairman says his piece
Leong Wee Keat
AS FAR as he was concerned, the Reform Party, Singapore’s youngest political party, did not hold any meetings nor did it call for a vote of no-confidence against his leadership on Sunday night.
Speaking at the Speakers’ Corner yesterday, former Reform Party chairman Ng Teck Siong maintained that he resigned from his post because he felt the fledgling party had strayed from the ideals of its founder, the late J B Jeyaretnam. These include providing challenges, fighting for the interests of the people and country, developing human rights, and preserving justice and equality.
Three other central executive committee members have also resigned from the party.
Today understands that Mr Ng stormed out of the party’s meeting before the no-confidence motion.
“My personal view, and that of other central executive committeemembers, is that if we want to continue with JB’s ideals, we have to move out because people at the wings and the back are not strong in their purpose,” he said.
Mr Jeyaretnam was the party’s secretary-general before he died of heart failure last September. The post was left vacant until his son, Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, was appointed secretary-general earlier this week — a month after he joined the party.
Mr Ng, a long-time ally of the senior Jeyaretnam and one who has been espousing the Opposition’s cause for almost three decades, related that the party was heading to “the second stage” of conducting house visits and producing party publications when there was a “mis-step”.
Asked to elaborate, he declined, saying it was a “painful event which happened in the party”.
When asked about his thoughts on the younger Jeyaretnam taking over, Mr Ng said: “I realised they are two different people — JB was from a different plane, whereas Kenneth has no political record, experience.”
Using a football analogy, he added: “It will be a huge task for him to move the party because the flanks and the back will not be of great help.”
Were there a lot of disagreements between Mr Ng and the younger Jeyaretnam? “Time will tell,” was Mr Ng’s reply. “We in the Opposition must show unity. We are not going to talk about the differences.”
Mr Jeyaretnam did not respond to queries by press time.
Ex-chairman says his piece
Leong Wee Keat
AS FAR as he was concerned, the Reform Party, Singapore’s youngest political party, did not hold any meetings nor did it call for a vote of no-confidence against his leadership on Sunday night.
Speaking at the Speakers’ Corner yesterday, former Reform Party chairman Ng Teck Siong maintained that he resigned from his post because he felt the fledgling party had strayed from the ideals of its founder, the late J B Jeyaretnam. These include providing challenges, fighting for the interests of the people and country, developing human rights, and preserving justice and equality.
Three other central executive committee members have also resigned from the party.
Today understands that Mr Ng stormed out of the party’s meeting before the no-confidence motion.
“My personal view, and that of other central executive committeemembers, is that if we want to continue with JB’s ideals, we have to move out because people at the wings and the back are not strong in their purpose,” he said.
Mr Jeyaretnam was the party’s secretary-general before he died of heart failure last September. The post was left vacant until his son, Mr Kenneth Jeyaretnam, was appointed secretary-general earlier this week — a month after he joined the party.
Mr Ng, a long-time ally of the senior Jeyaretnam and one who has been espousing the Opposition’s cause for almost three decades, related that the party was heading to “the second stage” of conducting house visits and producing party publications when there was a “mis-step”.
Asked to elaborate, he declined, saying it was a “painful event which happened in the party”.
When asked about his thoughts on the younger Jeyaretnam taking over, Mr Ng said: “I realised they are two different people — JB was from a different plane, whereas Kenneth has no political record, experience.”
Using a football analogy, he added: “It will be a huge task for him to move the party because the flanks and the back will not be of great help.”
Were there a lot of disagreements between Mr Ng and the younger Jeyaretnam? “Time will tell,” was Mr Ng’s reply. “We in the Opposition must show unity. We are not going to talk about the differences.”
Mr Jeyaretnam did not respond to queries by press time.
MOE Investigates Complaints Over AWARE Sex Programme
Today ran this story on 1 May 2009:
MOE Investigates complaints over AWARE sex programme
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said yesterday that some parents have expressed concern over the content found in an “AWARE Comprehensive Sexual Education: Basic Instructor Guide” that has been posted online. The MOE said it was investigating this matter. Apart from MOE’s own sexuality education programme, the ministry said that “schools can also collaborate with other agencies”. In doing so, schools must ensure that any programmes run by external agencies are guided by the same principles set out in MOE’s framework for sexuality education, said the ministry.
Why do schools engage external agencies?
As the needs of students vary across schools, schools are given the autonomy to decide on topics that would best meet their students’ needs to augment sexuality education in schools; and also on which external agency to engage. For this purpose, guidelines on the engagement of external organisations to conduct sexuality education have been given to schools.
What are the guidelines for schools to engage external vendors?
Sexuality programmes conducted by external agencies should adhere to the guiding principles as set out in the framework for sexuality education. They have to be premised on the importance of the family and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues. Parents may also opt their children out of any sexuality education programme.
What should schools look out for when engaging external vendors?
Specifically, in the selection of external vendors, schools are advised to screen external agencies to ensure that they are of good repute. In addition, the schools should consider (a) background of the vendor, (b) details of the programme, (c) key messages conveyed, (d) mode of delivery that would best engage students, (e) feedback and evaluation process for future improvements.
What are the common topics covered by the external agencies?
In secondary schools, the common topics include boy-girl relationship, STI/HIV prevention, consequences of pre-marital sex, Internet safety and pornography. Post-secondary schools cover topics on STI/HIV prevention, consequences of pre-marital sex, dating, love and relationships.
Does MOE audit programmes byexternal agencies?
Currently, schools audit the programmes and provide MOE with the feedback. As specified in the guidelines in engaging external agencies, teachers should be present with the students to ensure that the key messages conveyed are consistent with those agreed upon by the school and the external agency.
It is good practice for teachers to follow-up with their students after the workshop to clarify any outstanding issues or concerns that were either not addressed during the workshop or were surfaced during the workshop itself. Schools are also advised that they can check with Guidance Branch if they need further information and advice on the programmes conducted by specific vendors.
MOE Investigates complaints over AWARE sex programme
The Ministry of Education (MOE) said yesterday that some parents have expressed concern over the content found in an “AWARE Comprehensive Sexual Education: Basic Instructor Guide” that has been posted online. The MOE said it was investigating this matter. Apart from MOE’s own sexuality education programme, the ministry said that “schools can also collaborate with other agencies”. In doing so, schools must ensure that any programmes run by external agencies are guided by the same principles set out in MOE’s framework for sexuality education, said the ministry.
Why do schools engage external agencies?
As the needs of students vary across schools, schools are given the autonomy to decide on topics that would best meet their students’ needs to augment sexuality education in schools; and also on which external agency to engage. For this purpose, guidelines on the engagement of external organisations to conduct sexuality education have been given to schools.
What are the guidelines for schools to engage external vendors?
Sexuality programmes conducted by external agencies should adhere to the guiding principles as set out in the framework for sexuality education. They have to be premised on the importance of the family and respect for the values and beliefs of the different ethnic and religious communities on sexuality issues. Parents may also opt their children out of any sexuality education programme.
What should schools look out for when engaging external vendors?
Specifically, in the selection of external vendors, schools are advised to screen external agencies to ensure that they are of good repute. In addition, the schools should consider (a) background of the vendor, (b) details of the programme, (c) key messages conveyed, (d) mode of delivery that would best engage students, (e) feedback and evaluation process for future improvements.
What are the common topics covered by the external agencies?
In secondary schools, the common topics include boy-girl relationship, STI/HIV prevention, consequences of pre-marital sex, Internet safety and pornography. Post-secondary schools cover topics on STI/HIV prevention, consequences of pre-marital sex, dating, love and relationships.
Does MOE audit programmes byexternal agencies?
Currently, schools audit the programmes and provide MOE with the feedback. As specified in the guidelines in engaging external agencies, teachers should be present with the students to ensure that the key messages conveyed are consistent with those agreed upon by the school and the external agency.
It is good practice for teachers to follow-up with their students after the workshop to clarify any outstanding issues or concerns that were either not addressed during the workshop or were surfaced during the workshop itself. Schools are also advised that they can check with Guidance Branch if they need further information and advice on the programmes conducted by specific vendors.
AWARE Workshops Funded by Donation
Today ran this story on 1 May 2009:
Workshops Were Funded by Donation
By Esther Ng
THE sex education workshops conducted by Aware at 11 secondary schools last year was fully subsidised, thanks to a donation from the Chen Su Lan Trust.
Each workshop cost between $500 and $600 but was free for the schools, which have not yet been named publicly.
Yesterday, former Aware president Constance Singam revealed to Today that $35,000 out of the $113,000 donated by the Chen Su Lan Trust last year was spent on the free Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) workshops at schools.
Asked if he was aware of the content of the CSE programme, Reverend Yap Kim Hao, the chairman of the Chen Su Lan Trust, said that he had been given a “rough outline” of the programme, but he had not seen the teaching materials. When Today showed him two pages of the CSE trainers’ manual, which stated that “anal sex can be healthy” and that “homosexuality is perfectly normal”, Rev Yap said that he “had no problems” with the content.
“I recognise there are dissenting views, but these have to be presented and it’s up to the student to make a decision so (the trainer) is not promoting one particular view,” said Rev Yap.
The 80-year-old is a retired Bishop of the Methodist Church here and currently pastoral adviser to the Free Community Church. According to the church’s website, it accepts same-sex relationships and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.
Workshops Were Funded by Donation
By Esther Ng
THE sex education workshops conducted by Aware at 11 secondary schools last year was fully subsidised, thanks to a donation from the Chen Su Lan Trust.
Each workshop cost between $500 and $600 but was free for the schools, which have not yet been named publicly.
Yesterday, former Aware president Constance Singam revealed to Today that $35,000 out of the $113,000 donated by the Chen Su Lan Trust last year was spent on the free Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) workshops at schools.
Asked if he was aware of the content of the CSE programme, Reverend Yap Kim Hao, the chairman of the Chen Su Lan Trust, said that he had been given a “rough outline” of the programme, but he had not seen the teaching materials. When Today showed him two pages of the CSE trainers’ manual, which stated that “anal sex can be healthy” and that “homosexuality is perfectly normal”, Rev Yap said that he “had no problems” with the content.
“I recognise there are dissenting views, but these have to be presented and it’s up to the student to make a decision so (the trainer) is not promoting one particular view,” said Rev Yap.
The 80-year-old is a retired Bishop of the Methodist Church here and currently pastoral adviser to the Free Community Church. According to the church’s website, it accepts same-sex relationships and welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered persons.
Sexuality Programme: Guided or Misguided?
Today ran this story on 1 May 2009:
Guided or misguided?
Alicia Wong and Lin Yanqin
THE debate over the sexuality education programme by the Association of Women for Action and Research boils down to a 15-minute segment of its three-hour workshop, Today has learnt after obtaining on Wednesday pages of the group’s Comprehensive Sexual Education: Basic Instructor Guide.
The section in question defines terms such as “anal sex”, “virginity”, “teenage pregnancy”and “homosexual”. As part of the workshop exercise, students are asked to associate these terms according to three categories: Positive, neutral and negative.
Today had approached Aware’s old guard to verify the material, after receiving it from a source outside the group, and compared it with hard copies of the actual guide, which has separately been put on the Internet.
The rest of the guide deals with topics such as body image, HIV/Aids, contraception and relationships. But it is the description of terms such as homosexuality and anal sex (see graphic), that appears to be at the heart of the contention raised by self-declared “feminist mentor” and senior lawyer Thio Su Mien.
She took issue with homosexuality being seen as a neutral, not negative, word.
What the Old Guard say
Founding Aware member and its first president, Lena Cheng, met with Today and said that the group had consulted religious groups, academics, social workers and teachers when they adapted the guide from the 25-year-old International Women’s Health Coalition, which promotes and protects girls’ and women’s sexual and reproductive rights and health. “We’re not some feminists who just thought this up,” she said.
Aware’s former programme manager Deeksha Vasundhra said the definitions are for instructors to facilitate discussions.
The “private and confidential” guide is never given to students, she said.
Students can also place the terms in question in more than one category and they are not pushed to accept certain views.
“I tell trainers, it’s not up to you to teach values. Decisions are made based on family, culture and religion,” she said, and added that children are always advised to speak to their parents or teachers.
Since the material caters to a wide age group, the onus remains on instructors to focus on the relevant topics, said Ms Vasundhra.
Aware’s 10 trainers are selected for their maturity, open-mindedness and ability to manage young people. They go through a stringent selection process, training sessions and examinations.
One trainer told Today, discussions are “very student driven”.
“We basically ask students, ‘what’s your views?’ We don’t say anything, and let them hear all the different ideas ... I only make sure everybody respects each other. We don’t believe in imposing any viewpoints,” she said.
During class, trainers use the word “partner” instead of “husband”, for instance, so that lesbian students do not “tune out,” said Ms Vasundhra. Ditto for homosexuality, which is not defined as abnormal so students do not feel excluded.
Ultimately, the aim, said Ms Vasundhra, is to “help kids see that everybody is different and help them to accept that”.
What parents say
Today contacted five schools about the programme. Four neither confirmed nor denied if they had the programme, and one said yes but did not reply to queries.
Today also showed 13 parents with teenage students the copy of the training material.
While the majority saw the importance of educating their children on sexuality and making the right choices, many also questioned the handling of controversial topics and the explicitness of the material.
“It’s okay to let them know (about sex) but not to this extent. I don’t want my son to learn such explicit things,” said Ms Nor, a mother of three.
Father of six, Rizan Jantan, 45, felt children could approach parents and “we can explain to them (right from wrong).”
A mother of two boys said it was “all natural”, while businessman Chung Toh Keong, 56, felt such issues should be taught, since we “don’t dare talk about such taboo topics”.
Guided or misguided?
Alicia Wong and Lin Yanqin
THE debate over the sexuality education programme by the Association of Women for Action and Research boils down to a 15-minute segment of its three-hour workshop, Today has learnt after obtaining on Wednesday pages of the group’s Comprehensive Sexual Education: Basic Instructor Guide.
The section in question defines terms such as “anal sex”, “virginity”, “teenage pregnancy”and “homosexual”. As part of the workshop exercise, students are asked to associate these terms according to three categories: Positive, neutral and negative.
Today had approached Aware’s old guard to verify the material, after receiving it from a source outside the group, and compared it with hard copies of the actual guide, which has separately been put on the Internet.
The rest of the guide deals with topics such as body image, HIV/Aids, contraception and relationships. But it is the description of terms such as homosexuality and anal sex (see graphic), that appears to be at the heart of the contention raised by self-declared “feminist mentor” and senior lawyer Thio Su Mien.
She took issue with homosexuality being seen as a neutral, not negative, word.
What the Old Guard say
Founding Aware member and its first president, Lena Cheng, met with Today and said that the group had consulted religious groups, academics, social workers and teachers when they adapted the guide from the 25-year-old International Women’s Health Coalition, which promotes and protects girls’ and women’s sexual and reproductive rights and health. “We’re not some feminists who just thought this up,” she said.
Aware’s former programme manager Deeksha Vasundhra said the definitions are for instructors to facilitate discussions.
The “private and confidential” guide is never given to students, she said.
Students can also place the terms in question in more than one category and they are not pushed to accept certain views.
“I tell trainers, it’s not up to you to teach values. Decisions are made based on family, culture and religion,” she said, and added that children are always advised to speak to their parents or teachers.
Since the material caters to a wide age group, the onus remains on instructors to focus on the relevant topics, said Ms Vasundhra.
Aware’s 10 trainers are selected for their maturity, open-mindedness and ability to manage young people. They go through a stringent selection process, training sessions and examinations.
One trainer told Today, discussions are “very student driven”.
“We basically ask students, ‘what’s your views?’ We don’t say anything, and let them hear all the different ideas ... I only make sure everybody respects each other. We don’t believe in imposing any viewpoints,” she said.
During class, trainers use the word “partner” instead of “husband”, for instance, so that lesbian students do not “tune out,” said Ms Vasundhra. Ditto for homosexuality, which is not defined as abnormal so students do not feel excluded.
Ultimately, the aim, said Ms Vasundhra, is to “help kids see that everybody is different and help them to accept that”.
What parents say
Today contacted five schools about the programme. Four neither confirmed nor denied if they had the programme, and one said yes but did not reply to queries.
Today also showed 13 parents with teenage students the copy of the training material.
While the majority saw the importance of educating their children on sexuality and making the right choices, many also questioned the handling of controversial topics and the explicitness of the material.
“It’s okay to let them know (about sex) but not to this extent. I don’t want my son to learn such explicit things,” said Ms Nor, a mother of three.
Father of six, Rizan Jantan, 45, felt children could approach parents and “we can explain to them (right from wrong).”
A mother of two boys said it was “all natural”, while businessman Chung Toh Keong, 56, felt such issues should be taught, since we “don’t dare talk about such taboo topics”.
A Christian Solution to the AWARE Conundrum
Facebook member Gwee Li Sui has posted a follow-up to his note:
A CHRISTIAN SOLUTION TO THE AWARE CONUNDRUM
This is a follow-up to my earlier note. After posting it, I received -- and am still receiving -- words of thanks and encouragement from many Christians and people with different beliefs and opinions. The Christians specifically said that it was what they needed to hear or would have liked to get across themselves.
But I have also received less appreciative messages. Some of these charged me with having sown discord and embarrassed Christianity in front of non-believers. The irony did not escape me, but then I began to wonder whether I did make one too many assumptions. These comments were probably knee-jerk reactions, meaning that some Christians may actually not have thought it possible that other Christians, a whole lot of us, could be this appalled with the episode.
For this reason, as a brother-in-Christ, I feel that I need to believe that the new ex-co's sadness over its negative reception and its willingness to heal the social rifts it caused are genuine. There has already been too much distrust, and somewhere trust has to re-begin. My appeal for non-support is not about humiliating or condemning any group of individuals on either side. Those who have hoped that I came out in strong condemnation of one, emailing me links to sex education and "the gay agenda", or in clear support of the other, initially mistitling my view as "supporting the Old Guard", know that I won't.
This is not being wishy-washy; it is staying focussed. The simple disagreement is with a course of action pursued by a group of Christians that has caused suspicion between communities and fear within each. If everyone is to set aside his or her own fixation -- gay, anti-gay, faith in practice, fundamentalism, etc. -- and trace back to the source of our current unhappiness, he or she will see that it all started with a single fateful decision. One ought not then to doubt that these Christians intend good from their point of view, but one has every reason to doubt that things could be restored and relationships healed by going down the same road.
As the party involved is Christian, the most amicable solution may well also be the most obvious. In fact, how could we not have seen it? We Christians believe in a God who gives every person second chances in life. Every chance after the first two is still the second: that's how gracious we believe He is! When one makes a mistake or realises that one has followed a bad choice, there is no shame in admitting wrong, so long as one is sincere about changing. The choice to turn back is never a Christian defeat; it is our triumph!
Indeed, paradoxically in this situation, one can also only move on, move forward, by going backwards to the point where the wrong choice was made and choose rightly this time. This is a versatile truth I learnt from C. S. Lewis a long time ago. If the new ex-co will, without contest, give up its seats for a more inclusive shape of leadership in AWARE, it will have regained, I dare say, the faith of many Singaporeans and the admiration and support of every Christian in full measure. These individuals can then go on to pursue in earnest their concern over homosexual teaching in schools and related issues with the right authorities. I want to believe that everyone in that later business will be cooperative and respect the eventual findings, whatever the outcome is.
If the AWARE Christians in current leadership and those gearing up to vote tomorrow will choose this infinitely less harmful route, they will have made us all who are Christians proud of them. Do consider the option seriously: it is as practical and as Christian as it can get. Realise that fellow believers like me who are outraged want peace too and have been praying for it. But, when it comes to making peace a reality, only specific individuals are able to effect it. The ball is in their court alone. We can all avoid a confrontation. We can stun the nation with one simple move that affirms love, faith, and hope, all at once.
Yours Truly,
Gwee Li Sui
A CHRISTIAN SOLUTION TO THE AWARE CONUNDRUM
This is a follow-up to my earlier note. After posting it, I received -- and am still receiving -- words of thanks and encouragement from many Christians and people with different beliefs and opinions. The Christians specifically said that it was what they needed to hear or would have liked to get across themselves.
But I have also received less appreciative messages. Some of these charged me with having sown discord and embarrassed Christianity in front of non-believers. The irony did not escape me, but then I began to wonder whether I did make one too many assumptions. These comments were probably knee-jerk reactions, meaning that some Christians may actually not have thought it possible that other Christians, a whole lot of us, could be this appalled with the episode.
For this reason, as a brother-in-Christ, I feel that I need to believe that the new ex-co's sadness over its negative reception and its willingness to heal the social rifts it caused are genuine. There has already been too much distrust, and somewhere trust has to re-begin. My appeal for non-support is not about humiliating or condemning any group of individuals on either side. Those who have hoped that I came out in strong condemnation of one, emailing me links to sex education and "the gay agenda", or in clear support of the other, initially mistitling my view as "supporting the Old Guard", know that I won't.
This is not being wishy-washy; it is staying focussed. The simple disagreement is with a course of action pursued by a group of Christians that has caused suspicion between communities and fear within each. If everyone is to set aside his or her own fixation -- gay, anti-gay, faith in practice, fundamentalism, etc. -- and trace back to the source of our current unhappiness, he or she will see that it all started with a single fateful decision. One ought not then to doubt that these Christians intend good from their point of view, but one has every reason to doubt that things could be restored and relationships healed by going down the same road.
As the party involved is Christian, the most amicable solution may well also be the most obvious. In fact, how could we not have seen it? We Christians believe in a God who gives every person second chances in life. Every chance after the first two is still the second: that's how gracious we believe He is! When one makes a mistake or realises that one has followed a bad choice, there is no shame in admitting wrong, so long as one is sincere about changing. The choice to turn back is never a Christian defeat; it is our triumph!
Indeed, paradoxically in this situation, one can also only move on, move forward, by going backwards to the point where the wrong choice was made and choose rightly this time. This is a versatile truth I learnt from C. S. Lewis a long time ago. If the new ex-co will, without contest, give up its seats for a more inclusive shape of leadership in AWARE, it will have regained, I dare say, the faith of many Singaporeans and the admiration and support of every Christian in full measure. These individuals can then go on to pursue in earnest their concern over homosexual teaching in schools and related issues with the right authorities. I want to believe that everyone in that later business will be cooperative and respect the eventual findings, whatever the outcome is.
If the AWARE Christians in current leadership and those gearing up to vote tomorrow will choose this infinitely less harmful route, they will have made us all who are Christians proud of them. Do consider the option seriously: it is as practical and as Christian as it can get. Realise that fellow believers like me who are outraged want peace too and have been praying for it. But, when it comes to making peace a reality, only specific individuals are able to effect it. The ball is in their court alone. We can all avoid a confrontation. We can stun the nation with one simple move that affirms love, faith, and hope, all at once.
Yours Truly,
Gwee Li Sui
Church Responds on Aware Connection
AsiaOne ran this story on 30 April 2009:
Church responds on Aware connection
The Church of Our Saviour issued a statement to the media clarifying that they are not involved in the Aware takeover. They have requested that that statement be used in its entirety or not at all.
Their full statement is reflected below:
As the media reported on the AWARE saga, it brought up the fact that several of the new exco are members of Church of Our Saviour. This has created the perception that the church was behind the move.
This is not true. Church of Our Saviour did not initiate or instigate any campaign to take over the leadership of AWARE. The church withheld comment but the allegations have continued. This statement is to clear the air so far as our alleged involvement is concerned.
We have not, nor will we, allow our pulpit to be used to intentionally teach anything that would arouse social tensions, divisions and unrest.
Church of Our Saviour does not have an agenda against homosexuals. We are not antihomosexual. The Christian Bible says we have all committed sin in different ways - heterosexual and homosexual - against Almighty God. But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to take the judgment in our place. (Reference John 3:16, Romans 5:8). We believe homosexuals should be extended understanding, kindness and love like every other human being. No homosexual should ever be deprived of any right enjoyed by every other Singaporean.
However, Church of Our Saviour does have a stand against the agenda of activists promoting homosexuality as a normal alternative lifestyle. Just as much as the Bible commands us to love the homosexual person, it also states categorically that homosexual practice is wrong. (Reference Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:8-10)
Accepting homosexual practices and endorsing any education program that teaches our children that such practices are neutral or normal, would lead to the erosion of the sound family values on which Singapore society has been built.
We hope that AWARE members will go to their EGM without the wrong assumption that the exco is a pawn of the church or that it has intentions to turn it into a religious organization as that is totally untrue.
Senior Pastor Derek Hong
Church responds on Aware connection
The Church of Our Saviour issued a statement to the media clarifying that they are not involved in the Aware takeover. They have requested that that statement be used in its entirety or not at all.
Their full statement is reflected below:
As the media reported on the AWARE saga, it brought up the fact that several of the new exco are members of Church of Our Saviour. This has created the perception that the church was behind the move.
This is not true. Church of Our Saviour did not initiate or instigate any campaign to take over the leadership of AWARE. The church withheld comment but the allegations have continued. This statement is to clear the air so far as our alleged involvement is concerned.
We have not, nor will we, allow our pulpit to be used to intentionally teach anything that would arouse social tensions, divisions and unrest.
Church of Our Saviour does not have an agenda against homosexuals. We are not antihomosexual. The Christian Bible says we have all committed sin in different ways - heterosexual and homosexual - against Almighty God. But God loves us so much that He sent Jesus Christ to take the judgment in our place. (Reference John 3:16, Romans 5:8). We believe homosexuals should be extended understanding, kindness and love like every other human being. No homosexual should ever be deprived of any right enjoyed by every other Singaporean.
However, Church of Our Saviour does have a stand against the agenda of activists promoting homosexuality as a normal alternative lifestyle. Just as much as the Bible commands us to love the homosexual person, it also states categorically that homosexual practice is wrong. (Reference Leviticus 18:22, Leviticus 20:13, Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:8-10)
Accepting homosexual practices and endorsing any education program that teaches our children that such practices are neutral or normal, would lead to the erosion of the sound family values on which Singapore society has been built.
We hope that AWARE members will go to their EGM without the wrong assumption that the exco is a pawn of the church or that it has intentions to turn it into a religious organization as that is totally untrue.
Senior Pastor Derek Hong
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
