Children from the Building Bridges EIPIC Centre at SPD’s headquarters in Tiong Bahru learnt about our Straits-born forefathers and their culture during an excursion to the Peranakan Museum on 6 December 2018.

Accompanied by 28 Ministry of Manpower (MOM) volunteers as well as our teachers and caregivers, the children’s excursion started with a bus ride from SPD Ability Centre to the museum situated at Armenian Street.

There, the children went on a guided tour and were told to look out for exhibits such as dragons, phoenixes, kirins and butterflies that are believed to be auspicious and symbolise prosperity in the Peranakan community. Worksheets given out to the children at the start of the tour were stamped with motifs of the creatures after the children were able to identify them.

Stamping embossed motifs

The children then tried their hands at colouring the picture of a “kamcheng”, a Chinese porcelain storage jar used during festive seasons. Each also had a chance to have Polaroid photos taken dressed-up as babas (Peranakan term for man) or nyonyas (Peranakan term for woman).

Colouring the kamcheng

The visit enabled the children to learn a new culture and its customs while practicing observing proper etiquette in public places. They also had the opportunity to interact with adults besides their teachers and caregivers which helped to improve their social skills.

Dressing up as a nyonya

One of the volunteers, Ms Patricia Lee, MOM’s assistant manager of labour relations, enjoyed bringing the children around the museum.

“Seeing their excitement while boarding the bus and completing the activity sheet made everything worthwhile! I learnt to be more appreciative with what I have and would continue to volunteer, whenever possible.”

We thank Community Chest, MOM and the National Council of Social Service for collaborating with us on this outing.