"Gracious Students" (Kevin Foo)

TITLE: Gracious Students
AUTHOR: Kevin Foo
PUBLISHER: Singapore, Kevin Foo and Associates, 2014, (163 pages).

It was a chance encounter but a really pleasant one. We have known each other for many years but lost touch after I left to help plant another Church. My friend, Kevin Foo, is continuing his passion to facilitate more gracious living in Singapore. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of Cardiff, UK, he has worked in various corporations in both the Asia Pacific as well as the UK. Currently, he is a writer with a company called "Kevin Foo and Associates." He has written two earlier books also based on the "Have we lost it?" series. This is his third book that offers some good ideas and practices of living graciously in a busy society.

Kevin believes that one can have fun and be gracious at the same time. Many schools are strong in the academic pursuits and students equally driven to study hard and do well in examinations. Education however goes beyond mere good results. It is the character of a person that is ultimately more important than the academic grades one get. That is why a holistic education continues to be emphasized. For Kevin, holistic education means starting young. It means inculcating "values in action." It means learning and practicing good manners. It also means planting the seeds of graciousness that can sprout, grow, and flourish in every segment of society.

In this book, we read of 80 concise tips on how to be gracious during travels to and from school; behaviour as students walk to the assembly hall; how to behave in classrooms; library etiquette; being good students in school areas like canteens, playgrounds, class times, and even toilet tips! He has a section on cyber-behaviour as well, considering more and more young people are engaging on social media and online activities. With cartoons and illustrations to accompany each page of advice, the book is not only informative but also fun to read. This is an interesting parallel to Kevin's belief that one can show grace and have fun at the same time! He ends the book with the famous golden rule: "Do to others what you want them to do to you." Great conclusion.

Thanks Kevin for contributing to the development of a gracious society.

conrade

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This book is provided to me courtesy of the author. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.