A Mosaic of Learning Experiences – Total Defence

Written by Nasry Naufal Bin Mohamed Yusrin and Elgin Ng of Sec 3F

On every 15th February, Singapore remembers how the nation fell to the Japanese. We mark Total Defence Day on this date every year as a reminder of what could happen to us if we cannot defend Singapore ourselves, and to strengthen our resolve to keep Singapore safe, secure and sovereign. This event is celebrated all around Singapore in schools and institutions to show patriotism and loyalty to the country. The Japanese Occupation disrupted our lives but we emerged successful and prosperous thereafter.

Zooming and Gaming

Students this year enjoyed a host of activities via zoom and games. Quek Reyshen of Sec 3F said,

"We celebrated Total Defence by watching educational videos that informed us more about how we as students and how others such as Singapore citizens can play a part in contributing to Total Defence. After hearing about it, I can already tell students are more informed and knowledgeable about Total Defence through the videos.”

When tested on their knowledge about Total Defence on a Kahoot quiz, Quek Reyshen and his classmates managed to acquire flawless scores which goes to show how the informative videos have helped them better understand Total Defence. Another student, Fareez from Sec 2A commented,

"The school organised a zoom session with an outside organisation called Funplay where they informed us more about Total Defence and how we play an important role in it.”

'Sharing and Talking Opens One’s Heart to Greater Bonds'

In some classes, teachers shared stories and memorable moments of the past to liven and engage the students. Lutfan from Sec 5A shared,

"My classmates and I celebrated Total Defence by talking and sharing about how each and everyone has contributed and can contribute towards Total Defence. We also talked about what our great grandparents experienced the Japanese Occupation as a way to somehow feel like we were the ones there defending the country.”

A different Total Defence experience

Unlike previous years, where learning journeys were organized for students, this year was different. Esmail Iskandar Bin Mohamad Osman from Sec 3A mentioned that

"Last year we could go out of the school for a learning journey. Now, all we can do is just stay in class all hot and sweaty."

This definitely shines a light on how different the celebration was this year as it was affected by Covid-19. In many ways, this Total Defence celebration attains a true meaning as we are fighting a very real threat as a nation. We have learnt the pillars of Total Defence – especially psychological defence live as we have to stand united to overcome these very real crises.

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