Every day in Singapore, there is a large group of workers, whose hard work often escapes notice. They are the ones to ensure things go smoothly, taking care of administrative and other operational preparations, sometimes offering a listening ear to the students they meet on an almost daily basis.
For this, the Education Services Union (ESU), a union for all working in the private education services industry, has initiated an Appreciation Movement every September. Into its second year, it hopes to gain enough momentum so that this movement can be celebrated every September through a host of activities and events.
Through this movement, ESU hope to get private education institutions to recognise the effort put in by workers in professions such as office managers and administrators, laboratory staff, counsellors, early childhood educators, lecturers and other private education workers make a difference to 100,000 students each year and truly deserve our appreciation.
To kick off this year’s Appreciation Movement, ESU organised a tea reception on the grounds of Parliament House on 31 August 2012. Some of the bosses from these private education organisations have agreed to prepare and serve local favourites to their staff as a gesture of thanks. About 100 employees, nominated by their organisations, were the Guests-of-Honour at the event which was also graced by Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan who is the Chairman of ESU Council of Advisors.
Appreciation Movement
Through this Movement, private education organisations are encouraged to pledge their support to show that they value their employees’ commitment and contribution by participating in some initiatives. (See Annex A for list of initiatives that organisation can sign up for).
As of today, 22 organisations and counting have pledged to support the Appreciation Movement to show that they value their staff’s commitment and contribution by joining in the initiatives. At its inaugural event last year, the Movement managed to garner support from 58 organisations and one association.
Stressing the importance of appreciating even non-teaching staff, Mr Ang Hin Kee, Executive Secretary of ESU and Cluster Lead of the NTUC Education Cluster, said, “Let’s not forget these everyday heroes in the private education sector, who form an important group of people, who make it possible for Singapore to have a quality and world-class education system.”
Appreciation Day for Early Childhood Education Employees
As part of the month-long Appreciation Movement, ESU is also organising an Appreciation Day specifically for the early childhood education sector. About 350 guests are expected at the event and with the highlight being a visit to Gardens By The Bay on 5 September 2012. To reaffirm their commitment, the guests will also recite the early childhood creed (see Annex B).
