Four preschools under the Crestar Education Group, namely Kinderland, Elfa, NurtureStars and Skool4Kidz, on June 14 2019 waived the surcharges for one year for late pick-up of children by their NSmen fathers who have to be away for In-Camp Training or other National Service duties.

The waiver was announced during the visit of Senior Minister of State for Defence, Dr Mohamad Maliki Bin Osman, to NurtureStars Preschool @ Safra Toa Payoh for the launch of “Appreciating NSmen Art Jam 2019”.

It took effect from 24 June to 30 June 2020 at all the 48 centres of the four preschools.

Minister Dr Maliki had visited the centre in the lead-up to Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Day on 1 July to join preschool children and their parents in folding paper figurines of servicemen to thank their NSmen fathers for defending the nation.

“Appreciating NSmen Art Jam” was jointly organised by SAFRA and the Association of Early Childhood and Training Services (ASSETS).  It was included in the curriculum of more than 500 preschool centres from 14 June to 1 July. The initiative was first launched last year when over 100 preschools took part.

Mr Robert Leong, president of ASSETS, which represents some 500 brands of childcare centres and kindergartens in the country, said that more preschools would be encouraged to participate in the late pick-up waiver arrangement.

Dr Maliki assisting one of our little ones with paper curing of images of NS servicemen

A “Hi Five” welcome for Dr Maliki

An NS serviceman father sharing his National service experience with some of the parents and children.

Mr Robert Leong, President of Association of Early Childhood and Training Services (ASSETS), and some of our guests participating in a memory game with our children, with Mr Ho Lye Sum, Chairman of Joint Management Committee of NurtureStars joining in the fun as well..

Parents and their children joining Dr Maliki & Mr Ho (in red) in a salute in appreciation of our national servicemen at the end of the event.