Setting an example

An interview with the Minjoot Family

If you’ve been on campus recently, chances are you will have seen the ‘St Joseph and the Children’ sculpture located in front of our Assembly Hall, on the way to the Chapel.

The sculpture depicts Joseph, wearing his carpenter’s tools, swinging the Child Jesus in a playful manner, with two children, a boy and a girl, joining in with the fun.

Several generous donors supported the commissioning of this beautifully meaningful sculpture for our school. The most eminent of these donations was made by Ms Faith Koh Hui Hwa in memory of her late husband, Mr Christopher Minjoot – a Founder and founding member of the SJI International Board of Governors.

Speaking of her husband, Ms Koh explains “Chris was on the Board of Governors for many years, right up until 2016 when he passed on. One of Chris’s wishes was to donate to the school, and following a helpful conversation with Brother Larry – who suggested a statue – I decided on commissioning the sculpture.”

Following further discussions, Singapore’s Cultural Medallion recipient Chong Fahcheong was selected to create the piece using the image of a father playing with his young child as the point of reference.

The example set by St Joseph, the patron and namesake for our school, who had nothing more at heart than to care for Jesus, is precisely what SJI International looks to emulate in the nurturing and guidance of all children entrusted to its care.

“When we serve others, we can set an example for our children.”

These values were key in the Minjoot family’s decision to send all three of their children to SJI International.

“We believe in the values that SJI International holds, as they are aligned with those of our own family. The 4 pillars of learning - Academic, Outdoor Education, Service Learning and CoCurricular Activities provide a truly holistic education. My children have all been heavily involved in service trips and expeditions organised by the school. On one of these expeditions, to Northern Thailand, my children helped build a strawberry farm so that local villagers could grow their own fruits and subsequently have their own source of income from the sales. This experience demonstrated that it is not just donating money that helps, but enabling people to gain their independence,” she said.

Ms Koh’s sons have now all graduated from SJI International, her youngest son, Ethan most recently in 2020. Ewan, her middle son, has just completed National Service in Singapore and is now embarking on the next step of his education at Durham University in the UK. Whilst Ryan, her oldest son is now in the third year of university at King’s College London, UK.

Despite all three sons completing their studies at SJI International and now being part of our Alumni Association, Ms Koh explains why she continues to give back:

“We can continue to share with others what our children have experienced and gained. Hopefully, more students can enjoy the exceptional education and opportunities that the school provides. As a not-for-profit organisation, SJI International relies on the support and generosity of the donors. With no government funding, every act of support makes a difference to a child, so I think it’s a very good cause to support,”.

“I think if we believe in the core values of SJI International, serving others, and giving back to society, there are many ways in which we can do this, all facilitated by the school. When we choose to serve others, we can set an example for our children. Hopefully, that will encourage each of us to do something for a good cause. We can start small, even volunteering once a year, committing one weekend. It’s good enough, and you will feel like doing more when you experience the joy of giving just as Saint Francis of Assisi says for it is in giving that we receive.”

Ms Koh and her family have been long-term supporters of the School. She continues the call to serve our community through her recent appointment as a member of the SJI International Board Human Resource Committee.