multiculturalism

As read in the Straits Times, October 23, Pg C14.
'Germany wakes up to integration woes' - Jonathan Eyal, Europe Correspondent

"But multiculturalism only works if people are aware of what they share together, as well as what they cherish apart. And on this score, Germans provided no guidance."

Context: generations of 'gastarbeiter' or guest workers who settled in Germany but did not choose to take up citizenship... creating a class of people... who have no stake in the country.

Peekaboo

a not so recent speech but got me thinking...

http://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/Speeches/speeches_2010_SMS_30012010.htm

"HDB living is indeed a uniquely Singaporean experience that shapes our national identity."


Which might be true for the 80% who grew up and still live in these flats (which I must say are very comfortable and excellent, if you ever seen public housing elsewhere, you would likely agree...)


But what about the 20% who 'miss out' on this shared experience that shapes our national identity? How are their notions of nationality affected? Are they affected?


What about our leaders, some of whom might have never slept a night in a HDB flat? Or the educators whom we entrust the task of citizenship education? 

public transport in singapore

gahmen wants us to use public transport ... i say allowances then must be made to allow moms to feed their babies on MRT and better facilities for parents (changing rooms, more practical ramps...)  
Also provide bigger carriages for bikes, strollers...

tough days

Thursday wasn't much fun.

Had to conduct make up tests for three students while i tried to get the rest working quietly on simple assignments. Didn't work - despite pleads to have the noise down so their friends can complete the test in peace.
Had to constantly remind them to work quietly - tiring.

Nope. And to top it all off, one of three students decides she's not going to write. Not even her name. It's frustrating to see them so careless with their future. What am i to do? can't force her to write. So I take her script  at the end of 45 mins, write her name and post a skinny zero.

sigh...

5 weeks

i survived. 5 weeks.

week 3

been a rough week - baby, visitors, work. A potent concoction that pretty much knocked me off my feet. Hung on till Friday, not sure what sustained me other than the Good Lord (oh, and my father-in-law's cooking). Got home and crashed out on the bed after my usual de-stress session with baby...

hope I will be able to connect with the kids in my classes soon - it's been tough trying to win them over and getting them to focus on work.