Aware's response to MOE regrettable

Aware's response to MOE regrettable

I AM disappointed by the response from the Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware) to the Ministry of Education's decision not to use Aware's sexuality education programme until the public had regained its trust in it.

Aware's response to the issue - as highlighted in last Friday's report, 'Minister slams rival sides in Aware tussle', and as published on Aware's website - is in stark contrast to that of the Ministry of Education (MOE).

After receiving feedback from concerned parents and the public, MOE took quick, decisive and well-considered actions to stop all such programmes, review them carefully and re-examine the internal processes and controls of such programmes at the school and ministry levels. The outcome is a tightening of MOE's processes to vet and approve external agencies providing sexuality education in schools.

Regrettably, Aware has not changed its attitude. It still has not acknowledged that it was in the wrong.

The group has affirmed that 'during the two years it (Aware's Comprehensive Sexuality Education programme) was run in schools, there was no negative feedback' and stated that 'we recognise that the ministry has been under considerable pressure from some parents on the matter and we can understand why it has taken this action'.

This shows that Aware still believes the fault lies with the parents (who gave negative feedback) and that MOE acted only because of pressure from these parents.

Aware seems to have put the blame on the parents and MOE, while saying Aware itself has done no wrong.

Aware's attitude and reaction will not help re-establish the trust of MOE and parents in the group. Nor will it help the public to see Aware as a responsible part of Singapore's civil society.

Lee Kai Yin

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