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Straits Times, 20 Jan 05 Key to becoming a nation NOMINATED MP Eunice Olsen kept her word yesterday, focusing her maiden speech in Parliament on volunteerism and youth. The 27-year-old argued vigorously that volunteerism is pivotal for Singapore to take the leap from being a country to becoming a nation. It is 'the bedrock of our future nation' because to volunteer is to take a stake in society, she said. Miss Olsen suggested that the Government give two days of paid leave for workers to do volunteer work. By doing so, the Government would demonstrate how important volunteerism is in nation-building, similar to the two days of childcare leave given to encourage Singaporeans to have children. The proposal was among a host of ideas on how to nurture the emotional commitment she felt was a stronger force in keeping people rooted to Singapore than any physical or material commitment. Her ideas include integrating volunteer activities into the school curriculum, building a volunteer network system that brings together the various ethnic self-help groups and getting companies to work with schools on volunteer projects. While she welcomed the Government's move to involve young people more often in national and community issues, Miss Olsen said it was also important to 'set the right climate for their participation'. Even if they were to fail, they should be supported to show 'they are being trusted'. Miss Olsen also called for more ways to help the disabled integrate into mainstream society, by captioning the news for the deaf and having one class for special needs students in normal schools. Links Related articles on General reports on nature, the environment and conservation in Singapore |
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