Bandar Seri Begawan- Twenty four Singaporean primary school students are in Brunei for an educational immersion programme that is designed to allow them to experience traditional Malay culture and tradition.
Coming from a westernised country where only a minority speak Malay, students of Corporation Primary School expect to acquire first-hand experience in Brunei`s traditional Malay culture and language, according to Karen Teo, business development director of Centre for Learning and Training (CFLT), a member of Cyberland International Pte Ltd, Singapore.
To this end, 24 students of Jerudong Primary School are given the opportunity to be teachers to their counterparts for six days under the School Immersion Programme (SIP) organised by the Science, Technology and Environment Partnership (Step) Centre, Ministry of Education in partnership with Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Pte Ltd with the support of CFLT.
"Brunei is rich in traditional culture, which is lacking in Singapore," said Teo.
"The Bruneian students will be able to educate and give the Singaporean students the experience of their language and culture."
Jerudong Primary School selected 12 boys and 12 girls, all from primary six and aged from 11 to 12.
The Singaporean students are accompanied by five officers and teachers.
The two schools paired the students in a buddy system, whereby the students from Singapore will have the experience of attending classes with their counterparts throughout the duration of their stay in Brunei.
"This is a school initiative," said Mohd Khir bin Mohd Sapuan, a senior teacher from Singapore.
"We want the students to go regional and spread their wings to other parts of the world."
A number of activities has also been planned for the students and teachers, which include educational visits to Brunei Museums, Royal Regalia Building, Padi Field at Kampong Wasan and Ambulong Processing Factory.
Known for their handicraft in Jerudong Primary School, the students will also be teaching their Singapore counterparts the art of handicraft.
A homestay will also be organised, whereby Jerudong Primary School teachers will each host at least two children from Singapore.
This "authentic learning experience" is hoped to foster ties and build relationships between the two countries and give the students a first-hand experience of living in a Brunei home for one day.
The programme is also beneficial to the accompanying officers and teachers from Singapore who hope to learn more from Brunei`s education system.
A two-day sharing session will be held at the Ministry of Education main conference room for headmasters, heads of department, senior masters and teachers from all primary schools in the country.
"We can exchange ideas," said Noorleha Hj Tamit, headmaster of Jerudong Primary School.
"Singapore is more advanced, so hopefully they can open our eyes to new things."
The School Immersion Programme has been an on-going educational programme between the two countries since 2005.
The first immersion programme organised was two years ago when students of Nanyang Primary School from Singapore were linked with Dato Marsal Primary School students.
Source: The Brunei Times (29 Mei 2007)
