IIRP assistant professor and director of Continuing Education John Bailie at a Basic Restorative Practices event in Singapore
Lutheran Community Care Services Ltd. (LCCS), a new IIRP affiliate in the Republic of Singapore, hosted IIRP assistant professor and director of Continuing Education Dr. John Bailie in presenting a four-day Basic Restorative Practices event in the Southeast Asian island city-state in March. Twelve participants from the fields of education, residential care and prison services attended the event.
LCCS executive director Daniel Ang has been the driving force behind bringing restorative practices to Singapore. Asked what had motivated him to bring the practices to his country, Ang wrote, “Restorative Practices is evidence-based. The practice impacts people and organization’s narrative that is life changing and culture transforming. I am excited to be part of this movement worldwide. Dr. John Bailie’s visit marks a significant milestone for the Lutheran Community Care Services as it formalised our relationships with IIRP as an affiliate partner. This relationship helps us to bring a wealth of knowledge, resources and training to Singapore.”
Bailie also presented at a "networking session" on the principles of restorative practices, for educators and others who work with children and youth, held at Bishan Park Secondary School, hosted by Bishan Park principal Valerie Goh. That school has begun implementing the practices, as have several other schools and programs in Singapore.
Adrian Tan, director of AG Home residential homes, attended the networking session. She is very excited about implementing the practices in her organization, writing, "For us at AG Home, we found deep meaning in this process and ready excitement to put RP to work. We have done this for different scenarios, starting with a circle to engage a resident about her school performance and among our staff to sort out communication and expectation issues. It was liberating to hear one another speak without any judgments cast or feeling guilty. I know for sure that it was emotively stirring and definitely effective in helping our community be real and draw us out of our shells."
