Partnership with Ministry of Education – Racial Harmony Forum 2011

OnePeople.sg partnered Ministry of Education, National Education Branch (NEB) in their annual Racial Harmony Forum which aims to raise awareness on issues relating to racial and religious harmony amongst leaders, teachers and parents. Guest of Honour, Mr Hawazi Daipi, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Manpower and Ministry of Education graced the forum held on 6 July 2011 (Wed) at Nanyang Polytechnic Auditorium.

The theme for the RHD 2011, ‘HOME-Joint HOpes, Shared MEmories’, seeks to bring together the projections of our future together as a nation (Joint Hopes) and the recollections of past moments of joy that are shared with our friends from all the different races (Shared Memories) within our “Home”.

OnePeople.sg invited Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa to speak on racial harmony, social cohesion and social resilience based on their personal experiences in Nigeria and the importance of teacher’s role as ‘mentors of tomorrow’ to advocate peace as well as racial and religious harmony. Vice-Chairman, OnePeople.sg, Mr Gerald Singham also moderated the dialogue session with Pastor Wuye and Imam Ashafa to draw the relevance of their experiences to the local context.

Following this segment, OnePeople.sg facilitators also led an except of Explorations in Ethnicity Basic Course to demonstrate how schools and National Education educators can facilitate discussions on the topic of ethnicity in schools. OnePeople.sg also showcased information of our Orange Ribbon Celebrations and youth programmes at the Gallery Walk (exhibition).

OnePeople.sg is pleased to collaborate with MOE National Education Branch in promoting our shared objectives and showcasing the current Racial Harmony efforts for schools at the Racial Harmony Forum.

Orange Ribbon Celebrations 2011

The finale of the month long Orange Ribbon Celebrations 2011 themed "HOME: Joint HOpes, Shared MEmories" was held on 23 July at Fort Canning Green. This year the finale event was done in partnership with the National Heritage Board as a key event of the Singapore Heritage Fest (SHF).More than 2,000 participants from all walks of life took part in the event that featured food and craft bazaars, roving cultural performances, heritage trails and cultural exhibits.

Winners of this year’s photo blurb competition “What’s Your Story?” also received their prizes at the event. Started last year, the competition calls for entries of memorable photographs and short blurbs on what friendship and racial harmony mean to people. This year’s competition centres on the theme of HOME. Of the 1,400 entries, an overwhelming number – 1,200 – were from youths up to the age of 20.

Major-General (NS) Chan Chun Sing, ,Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth & Sports graced the event as the Guest of Honour and gave out prizes to the winners of the competition and led the orange light up of Fort Canning Green.

The event culminated with the Home Brewed Concert, which enthralled participants featuring performances from Singapore Idols Sylvia Ratonel, Nathan Hartono John Molina, Maggie Teng, Jatt Ali and Tania.

More About Orange Ribbon Celebrations 2011

The Orange Ribbon Celebrations (ORC) is a signature national event in July to celebrate Racial Harmony and a focal point to promote understanding, appreciation and trust among Singapore’s multi-racial and multi-religious society. ORC 2011 is spearheaded by OnePeople.sg together with its partners namely, the Community Development Councils (CDCs), Self-Help Groups, People’s Association, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS) and Ministry of Education (MOE).

ORC 2011 Theme

The theme chosen for 2011 is “HOME: Joint Hopes, Shared Memories”. The theme seeks to capture our hopes and aspirations for the future and recollections of our shared past. It forges a sense of identity and anchors our thoughts and feelings in making Singapore our HOME.  Singapore’s cultural, ethnic and religious landscape will become more diverse and complex in the coming years. It is hoped that the ORC will bring our diverse communities together in appreciation, understanding and trust.

Be Part of ORC 2011

• Display the Orange Ribbon partner logo
• The logo carries the words “A Partner of the Orange Ribbon Celebrations” and can be displayed at all events with a racial and religious harmony theme. Partners can submit their events to the Orange Ribbon Celebrations 2011 Master Calendar and use this logo on their backdrops and other event publicity and collaterals to spread the movement. Please drop us an email at orangeribbon@onepeople.sg to use the logo.
• Wear The Orange Ribbon throughout the month of July
• The Orange Ribbon comprising a band at the heart of its design symbolizes unity and the interwoven values of respect, understanding and trust that underpin racial and religious harmony. The ribbons are sold at cost price of $0.40 cents each. It should be worn to show support for racial and religious harmony. We encourage you to support the Orange Ribbon drive.
• Participate in “What’s Your Story?” Online Photo-Blurb Competition
• The “What’s Your Story?” online photo blurb competition is a key feature of the ORC. The competition, launched in May, aims to motivate our community to share stories of cross-cultural ties in line with the theme of this year’s ORC, “Home: Joint Hopes, Shared Memories”.  Winners will receive their prizes at the ORC Finale in July.  We would like to encourage as many residents to participate in this initiative competition and share with us what makes Singapore, a great multicultural HOME. Please visit our portal at www.whatsyourstory.com.sg/onepeople and share your stories!
• Wear Orange on Racial Harmony Day
• Join us to bathe the country in orange on Racial Harmony Day on 21 July 2011. Wear an orange outfit or display any orange accessories to show your support and celebrate Singapore as a racially harmonious nation built on rich diversity of culture and heritage. Orange being the colour of warmth, harmony and brotherhood embodies our commitment to racial and religious harmony.
• Join us at the ORC  Main Event on 23 July 2011
• This year the ORC finale event will be held in collaboration with the Singapore Heritage Fest. The event will be held on Saturday, 23 July 2011 from 12 noon at Fort Canning Green. The day event will showcase heritage attractions, games and a food bazaar while in the evening, a concert will be held featuring Singapore’s music throughout the decades. Come join the party as we celebrate our diversity, regardless of race, language or religion. Meet people of all walks of life, learn new cultures and taste great food!  An event not to be missed!

For more details on ORC 2011 please call Venka @ 6253 3285 or email us at orangeribbon@onepeople.sg