FILLING MANPOWER GAPS
Preschools in Singapore told CNA that vacancies for Mandarin teachers have been taking as long as six months to fill, or in some cases not at all.
Ms Jackie Barkham, director of Swallows and Amazons Kindergarten in Bukit Timah, said her teachers have had to double up and cover two classes, instead of being dedicated solely to one.
“It’s still good, but it’s not what I wanted to offer. The time they spend with each other (and) the exposure that each child gets to the language is less,” she said.
The shortage in Mandarin teachers is also forcing some preschools to put their expansion plans on hold.
EtonHouse is rolling out a new Mandarin immersion programme next year, with pilot classes currently underway.
The curriculum is taught entirely in Mandarin and also includes cultural learning, with students taking part in tea appreciation, Chinese calligraphy, and even learning how to make noodles.