Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manifesto NUSTLS Singapore Tamil Youth Conference 2016 Manif | Page 51

Issue 8 : Tertiary Level Education of Tamil Language
Post-Panel Discussion
• Overseas learning trips and programmes could be conducted. Students could be brought
to villages and shown the rural life, the essence of native Tamil Culture. They can be
brought to Thanjavur Periya Kovil and shown how ancient and powerful the Tamil
Civilisation is, comparable to the Persians and the Greeks.
• These trips need to have some educational value. Currently, most of the overseas trips
are Community Involvement Programmes which focus mainly on community service. We
could have a similar programme like China studies. The overseas exchange programme
can be merged with the India studies module.
• It does not have to be restricted to India. There are countries like Sri Lanka, Mauritius etc.
with a vibrant Tamil culture.
How do we further increase the quantity and quality of tertiary level Tamil language
education opportunities?
Recommendation 1 – Connect the students with their roots
• Use literature and History of Tamils as means of teaching the language as this might
interest more students to learn about their own predecessors while Tamil language serves
as a useful and necessary medium for teaching.
• Film or song analysis can be done. E.g. The film ‘Paradesi’ sheds some light on the
suffering of our Tamil diaspora. This would be a light-hearted change compared to the
same old composition and comprehension.
• Kolam, flower stringing, kabadi and other cultural activities can be conducted as well
during curriculum time.
• Overseas trip could be organised during the holidays. Learning journeys can be organised
to countries such as India or Sri Lanka so that students undergo experiential learning.
• Service learning can also be done to help the less fortunate there. Academic credits could
be awarded to those in Polytechnics and ITEs.
Issue 8 : Tertiary Level Education of Tamil Language
PAGE 51