As part of this year's Total Defence Day, all Primary schools in Singapore will be participating in simulated scenarios involving food, water, or electricity disruptions on Thursday, Feb 15 and Friday, Feb 16.
During this exercise, emergency food supplies will be distributed to some schools, replacing regular canteen food with ready-to-eat meals.
Compared to past years, 2024's Total Defence Day (TD40) aims to further deepen Singaporeans' understanding of what to do during unexpected crises.
How can Parents make the most out of this learning opportunity?
By participating in simulated disruptions, students receive first-hand understanding of the importance of:
1) Resilience
2) Adaptability
3) Preparedness
This is a good chance to have a conversation about the relevance of Total Defence Day.
For instance, you can discuss stories of resilience from Singapore's past, emphasising how such experiences contributed to the resilience of our nation. Historical lessons can be drawn from past events, such as the Asian Financial Crisis, or the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
This creates a platform for learning outside of the classroom.
Another Fun Way to Learn about Total Defence Day
For parents looking for something more experiential: Take a look at Total Defence for Thee! A special exhibition held at the Singapore Discovery Centre.
This is happening between January 22, 2024, to March 17, 2024. Entry to the exhibition is free.