Racial Harmony Day in Singapore is more than a school event with colourful costumes and cultural performances; it’s a vivid reminder of the importance of empathy, respect, and inclusion in a multicultural society.
For parents, it’s also an opportunity to teach children how to value differences and embrace kindness, not just for one day but as a way of life. Sophie Davies, Vice Principal for Safeguarding and Inclusion at NLCS (Singapore), shares her insights as both an educator and a parent raising a young child in this unique cultural landscape.
What is Racial Harmony Day and Why it Matters in Singapore
Established in 1997, Racial Harmony Day commemorates the 1964 racial riots and promotes unity in Singapore’s multicultural fabric. It’s an annual occasion to celebrate diversity while reflecting on ways to strengthen social cohesion. For parents, it’s a meaningful chance to embed these values at home.
“Inclusion starts at home,” Sophie Davies emphasises, explaining that it’s the foundation of how children perceive and respond to cultural differences.
Understanding Racial Microaggressions in Schools
Even in a multicultural country like Singapore, children may unintentionally reinforce stereotypes. Recognising these microaggressions is the first step to helping kids develop empathy and true acceptance of differences.
What They Look Like Among Kids
“Some of the more common forms I’ve encountered stem from assumptions or stereotypes about students from particular cultural or ethnic backgrounds,” shares Sophie Davies.
These microaggressions can show up as social divides, certain kids being excluded from games, or assumptions about who is naturally better at sports or academic subjects. While often unintentional, these moments can still hurt.
Why They Happen
According to Davies, such behaviour is often the result of “limited exposure or learned biases, whether from media, past experiences, or even subtle adult cues.” What may seem like playful teasing can unintentionally reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The Impact on Third Culture Kids
“Many third culture kids identify with multiple cultures or don’t feel a strong tie to just one. Microaggressions can make them question their sense of belonging or feel pressured to ‘choose a side,’” she explains.
For children who have grown up in Singapore but aren’t recognised as Singaporean, these experiences can be deeply confusing. It creates an emotional tension between the place they call home and how others perceive them.
Parents’ Role in Raising Inclusive Kids
Parents are their children’s first teachers. Every word, gesture, and choice at home shapes how kids view people who are different from them.
What Worries Sophie Davies as a Parent
“What worries me most is the possible normalisation of hurtful language or behaviour under the guise of banter or ‘just playing around,’ she admits. Parents need to intervene early to ensure children don’t absorb these attitudes as harmless fun.
Modelling Inclusivity at Home
“Children observe everything! They are sponges for what they see and learn, not just from what we say, but from how we treat neighbours, colleagues, and members of our community,” Davies adds.
She encourages families to intentionally celebrate diversity, whether through shared meals from different cultures, attending festivals, or inviting friends from various backgrounds for playdates.
Turning Microaggressions Into Microaffirmations
“Microaffirmations are the subtle, everyday expressions of respect, support, and inclusion,” she explains. These can be simple yet powerful, such as:
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Using inclusive language that avoids stereotypes
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Validating others’ feelings (“I hear you when you say…”)
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Asking curious, respectful questions about different cultures
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Recognising positive behaviour (“I noticed how you included everyone in the game—well done!”)
Tips for Parents This Racial Harmony Day
This Racial Harmony Day is more than just dressing up or attending school events; it’s a chance for parents to lead by example, show kindness, and build lasting, inclusive habits.
Be Curious Together
Sophie suggests being actively curious as a family—attending cultural events, trying cuisines from different countries, and reading stories about diverse communities.
Talk About Mistakes Openly
“Don’t shy away from the conversation… We all make mistakes, and sharing those moments helps normalise accountability and empathy for others,” she advises. If your child makes an insensitive comment, guide them through reflection rather than scolding.
Teach Allyship
Allyship doesn’t just mean speaking up, Davies explains. It’s also about amplifying voices that aren’t always heard and encouraging children to do the same, whether in the classroom or on the playground.
Raising a Generation That Belongs
Racial Harmony Day is just one moment in the year, but the values it promotes should guide families daily. “I really hope to raise him to be a positive example, someone who resists peer pressure and embraces kindness,” Sophie shares. When parents lead with empathy, accountability, and respect, children learn that everyone deserves to belong, without question, without qualification.
