RP partners Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Singapore School in championing inclusivity through meaningful, holistic programmes for youth with disabilities.
In Singapore alone, it is estimated that more than 110,000 people, close to 3% of our nation, have some form of disability. Globally, 1 to nearly 4 in every 1000 people has cerebral palsy. As Singapore looks to refresh its social compact, there is a clear need for meaningful, holistic, and inclusive experiences for this part of our population, especially in the critical domain of education.
Partnering to Support Students with Special Needs
On 20 October 2023, a landmark Memorandum of Understanding was inked between RP and the Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Singapore School (CPASS), paving the way forward with further opportunities for students with special needs.
“We are delighted to embark on this meaningful partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Alliance of Singapore in providing a special learning platform to empower individuals to become the best possible version of themselves. Through our expertise in outdoor and adventure learning, we want to champion students with special needs and equip them with the confidence to participate in a variety of physical activities, as well as to appreciate the outdoors in their everyday life. We hope to inspire other members of society in embracing the spirit of diversity, as part of Singapore’s refreshed social compact,” said Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & Chief Executive Officer of Republic Polytechnic.
Latha Kutty, Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore (CPAS) also remarked that this collaboration aims to provide students with holistic learning experiences that transcend conventional boundaries, embracing diversity, nurturing inclusivity, and harnessing the potential of outdoor learning.
Pioneering an Inclusive Outdoor Learning Programme
At the signing ceremony, a customised outdoor learning programme was launched as part of the partnership. The first of its kind between an Institute of Higher Learning and CPASS, it will allow CPASS students to experience outdoor activities, and even an overseas learning trip during the final year of the programme.
RP School of Sports, Health and Leisure took special care in structuring the programme for those with varying abilities. It takes full advantage of the many disability-friendly features available in RP’s on-campus Xperiential Learning Centre, Singapore’s largest inclusive outdoor adventure centre. Students from RP’s Diploma in Outdoor & Adventure Learning (DOAL) will also value-add to the outdoor learning programme by facilitating various activities.
Facilitators assisting CPASS students at the XLC
“This meaningful partnership also benefits RP students by allowing them to pick up new skills and knowledge outside the classroom. They can learn how to coordinate and adapt programmes for those with varying abilities and, at the same time, play an important role in fostering inclusion,” said Ms Jeanne Liew, Principal & Chief Executive Officer of Republic Polytechnic.