Extra-curricular activities build character and personality

I refer to the letter “Too many school activities on Saturdays” (The Star, Aug 12) and wish to comment that extra-curricular activities should not be viewed as a burden to students, parents or teachers but rather as supplementary for a more holistic approach towards education.

I agree that some schools do focus a lot on extra-curricular activities and that some students are heavily involved in them. This might be perceived by some parents as extra work because they will have to chauffeur their children to and fro school even on Saturdays when they expect to have a more relaxed weekend.