Singapore is a small but proud country that is home to people from various races. They honour each race most uniquely by celebrating Racial Harmony Day on 21st July. This day aims to commemorate and instil the values of a harmonious and secular nation in its citizens.
Singapore is undoubtedly way ahead of most developed countries, which is why it does not come as a shocker that they educate young kids about this day as well. So let us take a look at some exciting racial harmony games for kids.
Five stones
The game of five stones is one of the most popular games played by boys and girls in Singapore. It has to be played by two or more people wherein they throw stones and catch them simultaneously. It comprises eight steps, so the one who completes it the maximum number of times is the winner. To make the game safe, you can make triangular cloth pouches filled with seeds or sand.
Hopscotch
This game focuses on physical ability wherein the player throws a disk on the number table made on the floor. The table has numbers from one to eight, and the player has to hop on each number to retrieve the disk. This game instils teamwork in the kids.
Capteh
Though Capteh is a leisure game, it has been played on a professional level as well. Each player has to kick a rubber disk (which has feathers attached to it) with the help of their heel. The purpose is to keep the disk in the air for as long as possible. If at any time a player misses a kick, or the disk touches the ground, he is out.
Design Kolams
Considering the games are about accepting other races, it is vital to learn about their activities too. Kolam is a South Indian art form in which people make beautiful designs using rice flour, white stone powder or chalk powder.
Heena
Heena, also known as Mehendi in Hindi, is a mesmerising form of body art. The designs are made by using a paste created from the dried powdered leaves of the plant Heena. This art is purely for decorative purposes, temporary and safe on the skin. It can be designed on one's hands, legs or fingers.
Ketaput Weaving
Keeping different races and religions in mind, the ketaput weaving activity should be encouraged amongst children. First, teach them to weave paper ketaput and then advance to the rice ones.
Kho Kho
Kho Kho is a fantastic team building game in which the kids are divided into two teams. One team sits on the ground facing opposite sides while a member from the team enters the playing ground. The purpose is to catch the opponent's team members while they run.
While engaging in multi-racial games is one of the ways to promote inclusivity in Singapore. Another thoughtful way to celebrate Racial Harmony Day is by participating in activities such as colouring contests, inviting students to participate. It will be a creative avenue for young minds to explore themes of racial harmony and multiculturalism. Through art and expression, children learn to appreciate diversity from a tender age, laying a strong foundation for cultural understanding that lasts a lifetime.
The contest would encourage young participants to depict Singapore's multicultural spirit through vibrant colours and imaginative designs. It's a fun and educational opportunity to celebrate the nation's cultural mosaic while fostering creativity and unity among students.
Gurnika Talwar is FNP’s marketing and creative content writer and has been with the firm since 2020. She is based in Delhi, India and has been in this field for 2+ years.
She started her journey as a freshman but since then has created content on several mediums. With blogging on gift ideas, food, gardening tips and whatnot as her primary goal, she has also curated content for social media and brand films. As a storyteller, she creates original, genuine, and relatable content to connect with the mass. Besides work, you’ll find her chit-chatting about movies or making sarcastic jokes.