Some regard it as all aspects of the process by which teachers (and other adults) transmit values to pupils.

"Traditionally one of the most important functions that a society has is to transmit commonly shared values to the next generation," he said.

"But the Brooklyn program is the first we know of that specifically attempts to transmit values from old to young in the minority community."

Birds easily transmit values on respect to nature and the fragility of ecosystems.

"Stories are our way of transmitting social values," he said.

Except perhaps in communal groupings, the family will lose what little remains of its power to transmit values to the younger generation.

The young are an extremely efficient means of transmitting sound values, characterised by democracy.

Malay is valued as the means for transmitting familial and religious values.

Teachers act as the major vehicle for transmitting the school curriculum and associated values to children.

"And if you want to transmit values, you have to take every opportunity to do it where young people are looking."