Cleaning up mandatory for students of all Singapore schools from January

As part of its endeavour to help children develop good habits, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that all students from primary school to junior college will have to take part in daily cleaning activities in their schools from January next year.

According to The Straits Times, schools can choose the type and time slots for these daily cleaning activities, which include cleaning up of classrooms, canteens and corridors.

Why it works

Here is why the move has been applauded by one and all:

• It helps pupils develop good life long values.
• It shows them how to be organised from early on in life. They can discuss storage ideas and identify areas for improvement. They feel a sense of ownership and it gives them greater pride in their work.
• They understand that cleaning up is not easy, hence they start respecting the cleaners more.
• Also, in cleaning manpower starved Singapore, the move is a wise one, as it reduces dependence on cleaners. Countries like Japan and Taiwan have already implemented this move to great success.
• All children, regardless of their wealth and social status have to participate, so it inculcates a feeling of sameness, and builds character in the students, and keeps them grounded.
• Children who get used to cleaning up in school will tend to clean up after themselves at home too, leading to happier and more relaxed parents.

Other feedback

Some parents have their apprehensions too. One parent apparently feels that this additional activity would lead to the child being more tired than usual and losing focus in studies.

Nisa Abdul, whose son will go to Primary 2 next year seemed a bit surprised, exclaiming, "Wait, they're not already doing it? I did this as a student!"