- Joined
- Jul 24, 2008
- Messages
- 33,627
- Points
- 0
May 26, 2010
PA ties up with foreign groups
Embassies and cultural organisations offer native trainers to deliver 'authentic' experience
<!-- by line -->By Melissa Sim
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
The first session last weekend, called Viva! Global Colours and Flavours, included traditional Italian music. -- PHOTO: PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION
<!-- story content : start -->
THE People's Association (PA) has tied up with embassies and foreign cultural groups here to give Singaporeans a glimpse into the intricacies of, for example, Mexican dance, how to make Russian pancakes, tie a Japanese kimono or speak Italian.
Such courses on aspects of foreign cultures, available at the PA's network of 105 community clubs, are run by people native to the country, no less.
The PA has so far tied up with eight embassies and organisations to come up with a menu of classes far wider than when it was relying on foreign trainers on an ad hoc basis.
It will continue to widen its list of partners, said Ms Jacinta Lim, who heads PA's Lifeskills and Lifestyle Division.
Those already on board include the Mexican and Japanese embassies, the Swiss Association, the Turkish Cultural Centre and the Italian Cultural Centre, all of which rope in their respective countrymen who have cultural knowledge or skills to share. Ms Lim said embassies and cultural organisations are the experts on their cultures, so they would deliver an 'authentic' experience.
The supply of trainers is also sustainable, she said, adding: 'We want to tap their expertise and networks, their members working or living here and also their visiting experts.'
PA ties up with foreign groups
Embassies and cultural organisations offer native trainers to deliver 'authentic' experience
<!-- by line -->By Melissa Sim
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
<!-- story content : start -->
THE People's Association (PA) has tied up with embassies and foreign cultural groups here to give Singaporeans a glimpse into the intricacies of, for example, Mexican dance, how to make Russian pancakes, tie a Japanese kimono or speak Italian.
Such courses on aspects of foreign cultures, available at the PA's network of 105 community clubs, are run by people native to the country, no less.
The PA has so far tied up with eight embassies and organisations to come up with a menu of classes far wider than when it was relying on foreign trainers on an ad hoc basis.
It will continue to widen its list of partners, said Ms Jacinta Lim, who heads PA's Lifeskills and Lifestyle Division.
Those already on board include the Mexican and Japanese embassies, the Swiss Association, the Turkish Cultural Centre and the Italian Cultural Centre, all of which rope in their respective countrymen who have cultural knowledge or skills to share. Ms Lim said embassies and cultural organisations are the experts on their cultures, so they would deliver an 'authentic' experience.
The supply of trainers is also sustainable, she said, adding: 'We want to tap their expertise and networks, their members working or living here and also their visiting experts.'
