NurtureStars Preschool children attending the Open House at SAFRA Choa Chu Kang on 30 June 2024 had a pleasant surprise. President Tharman Shanmugaratnam accompanied by his spouse, Ms Jane Ittogi, dropped in to join them in their activities to mark 40 years of Total Defence in Singapore.
President Tharman engaging a couple of the children and their parents.
The presidential entourage included Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr. Zaqy Mohamad, and Mr. Ho Lye Sum, Chairman of NurtureStars.
The children from NurtureStars@SAFRA Choa Chu Kang had gone to the BE@SAFRA Open House with their parents to enjoy a series of fun-filled activities organised for club members. They were learning about national service and the six pillars of Total Defence at the NurtureStars centre located in the club when the VVIPs dropped in.
President Shanmugaratnam and his wife interacted with the children and their parents and observed them kick off the “Appreciating NSmen Art Jam 2024” activities for all the seven NurtureStars centres. The little ones, with the help of their parents, created 3D pop-out appreciation cards featuring images of NSmen from various services in the Singapore Armed Forces.
The preschoolers also made cards for their NSmen fathers – our unsung heroes – and family members.
The surprise presidential visit made the occasion extremely memorable for the children who were there to learn, have fun and bond with their loved ones.
All smiles as the children and their loved ones pose for a group photo with the President and his wife (centre) and Senior Minister of State for Defence Mr. Zaqy Mohamad.
Total Defence Day is commemorated every year to remind the community of the sufferings endured by our fore fathers during the Japanese Occupation, and the importance of the six pillars of defence. It is commemorated every year by the children at the centres located in all SAFRA Clubs, including Jurong, Mount Faber, Punggol, Tampines, Toa Payoh and Yishun.