THE National Integration Council (NIC), set up in April, will consolidate orientation programmes for new citizens, such as the People Association's National Education Experience Programme, and introduce a Naturalisation and Integration (N&I) Journey, said Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports Vivian Balakrishnan.

The N&I Journey will enable new citizens to learn about Singapore's history, social norms and core values. They will also be introduced to their grassroots communities and be encouraged to take part in the many community-bonding activities.

The NIC will also review the group representation constituency-level citizenship ceremonies which are the culmination of a new citizen's N&I journey.

The council also aims to enhance the significance of the ceremonies.

It is also working on increasing awareness of volunteering opportunities and volunteer-matching services available to newcomers.

The NIC recently launched the $10-million Community Integration Fund and will provide co-funding of up to 80 per cent for social-integration projects over three years that support programmes which will bring newcomers and Singaporeans closer together.

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