TKPS staff, instructors to be honoured: Heng
Visitors at Tanjong Katong Primary School viewing condolence notes left behind by mourners in tribute to the teachers and students who perished in the Sabah Earthquake. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The staff and instructors who accompanied the students from Tanjong Katong Primary School to Mount Kinabalu last month will be honoured in a “manner that is befitting of their courage and sacrifices”, said Education Minister Heng Swee Keat yesterday (July 14). He told Parliament that further details would be announced at an “appropriate time”.
Mr Heng was responding to questions by Members of Parliament on whether any special awards would be handed out to teachers, trainers or guides for their acts of bravery when the Sabah earthquake struck on June 5.
“What they did on Mount Kinabalu was a continuation of their care and devotion to our students,” said Mr Heng. “Their selfless acts and devotion to duty have drawn tributes from many Singaporeans, and have given rise to calls for formal recognition.”
He added that the Ministry of Education has also launched the Sabah Earthquake Fund to provide financial assistance to the dependents of the two Singaporean teachers and one instructor who lost their lives.
Part of the fund will also be passed to the Mountain Torq trainers or their families, and the Sabahan mountain guides.
“This is a meaningful way we can show our care to those affected by the Sabah earthquake, and to whom we are indebted,” said Mr Heng.
