Page 43 - 30th Ann Book FV 2

Thanks to the vision and conviction of our founding leaders, Singapore has become
exemplary as a harmonious, multi-racial society. However, especially in recent years,
there have been significant developments – in Singapore and around the world -
that threaten this. We take this peaceful and harmonious co-existence for granted
to our peril. Maintaining it has to be a deliberate, all-hands-on-deck effort. Youths
have a significant role in this.

The NYAA’s approach has provided opportunities and platforms for youths from
diverse backgrounds to understand each other and appreciate, if not celebrate,
the differences. Empathy, respect and compassion are essential. NYAA youth
participants engage with each other through dialogue, forums and community
projects where racial, religious and cultural fault lines become evident. Through
deft and sensitive facilitation, the youths better appreciate the cause and nature
of these fault lines and the importance of addressing them and not kicking the can
down the road.

The NYAA believes in and promotes the importance of being honest yet sensitive,
addressing the issues with a sense of urgency without being alarmist, and keeping
faith in ourselves.

Understanding and respecting each other’s culture is part of the NYAA’s Racial Harmony
Programme.

30 Years of Bringing out the Best in our Youths 39