It’s Father’s Day today, #LetsMeet Ian Lee, 39, a financial advisor and father of a 5-year-old son.
"During the circuit breaker, being with my son all day – instead of the usual three to four hours a day – had its bittersweet moments, but this was definitely more sweet than bitter.
My wife and I initially didn’t understand why he would throw tantrums over trivial issues, so we attended an online parenting workshop which taught us to ask him questions after he calms down. Now, we understand why he gets worked up, and can help him to communicate his feelings better.
We want to be good friends and parents that he can confide in when he's in trouble or when he feels down. I love being a hands-on father, and spending more time with him has actually made me want to have more kids!"
Wishing all Dads a Happy Father’s Day today! For tips and resources to keep your dad game strong, visit www.family.org.sg/StrongerwithDad.
"During the circuit breaker, being with my son all day – instead of the usual three to four hours a day – had its bittersweet moments, but this was definitely more sweet than bitter.
My wife and I initially didn’t understand why he would throw tantrums over trivial issues, so we attended an online parenting workshop which taught us to ask him questions after he calms down. Now, we understand why he gets worked up, and can help him to communicate his feelings better.
We want to be good friends and parents that he can confide in when he's in trouble or when he feels down. I love being a hands-on father, and spending more time with him has actually made me want to have more kids!"
Wishing all Dads a Happy Father’s Day today! For tips and resources to keep your dad game strong, visit www.family.org.sg/StrongerwithDad.
#LetsMeet Choo Li Ying, 25, Chief Operating Officer at Hatch, a social enterprise that runs job training and matching programmes in digital and design fields.
“We work with young adults from many walks of life, and one of the groups with enormous potential are probationers referred through MSF. Building trust and rapport with them has been a consistent challenge, as many have been scarred from past instances where others have betrayed their trust. To get around this, we invest a lot of time and energy to connect with them, and understand their interests to match them to suitable companies.
It is really heartening to journey through life with our students and alumni. For us, success rehabilitation is measured by attitude, progress, and the effort they put into their work.”
Check out Hatch at https://www.hatch.sg
“We work with young adults from many walks of life, and one of the groups with enormous potential are probationers referred through MSF. Building trust and rapport with them has been a consistent challenge, as many have been scarred from past instances where others have betrayed their trust. To get around this, we invest a lot of time and energy to connect with them, and understand their interests to match them to suitable companies.
It is really heartening to journey through life with our students and alumni. For us, success rehabilitation is measured by attitude, progress, and the effort they put into their work.”
Check out Hatch at https://www.hatch.sg
#LetsMeet Jayaprakash Krishna Prasad, an operations manager and foster father of a 4-year-old girl.
"Being around my family during the circuit breaker period made me realise that I have to wear multiple hats at home and at work.
My foster daughter and I also got to spend more time together. In between my work, she would sit beside me and ask me to play “Mr Bean” or “Peppa Pig” for her on my phone. We shared moments of laughter, funny conversations and everything in between. Our relationship has definitely grown stronger."
If you are interested to find out more about MSF’s Fostering Scheme, visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering or get in touch with us at 9645 8231.
"Being around my family during the circuit breaker period made me realise that I have to wear multiple hats at home and at work.
My foster daughter and I also got to spend more time together. In between my work, she would sit beside me and ask me to play “Mr Bean” or “Peppa Pig” for her on my phone. We shared moments of laughter, funny conversations and everything in between. Our relationship has definitely grown stronger."
If you are interested to find out more about MSF’s Fostering Scheme, visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering or get in touch with us at 9645 8231.
#LetsMeet Benny Ng, founder and designer of Independent Market, which makes see-through face masks to help the deaf community.
“I connected with SG Enable after learning from them about the difficulties in communication that the deaf community faces while wearing masks. Inspired by similar initiatives overseas, my team and I decided to make see-through masks to help locally.
For the deaf community, being able to see more of each other’s faces makes communication easier. We are heartened to hear that this initiative also helped educators, speech therapists and others, who reached out to us for these masks."
#InclusiveSG
“I connected with SG Enable after learning from them about the difficulties in communication that the deaf community faces while wearing masks. Inspired by similar initiatives overseas, my team and I decided to make see-through masks to help locally.
For the deaf community, being able to see more of each other’s faces makes communication easier. We are heartened to hear that this initiative also helped educators, speech therapists and others, who reached out to us for these masks."
#InclusiveSG
#LetsMeet Kit Hoon Kit Xuan, 33, a beneficiary of the Temporary Relief Fund (TRF) and COVID-19 Support Grant (CSG).
“When I was let go by my company earlier this year after COVID-19 affected the business, I was worried about not being able to pay my bills.
However, I'm really thankful for the financial support from the TRF and CSG. On top of helping with my bills, it enabled me to pursue a part-time Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications course in psychology and criminology. I wish to become a social worker in the future with the knowledge and skills I pick up.
Despite the challenges I faced, I will remain positive in the face of adversity.”
“When I was let go by my company earlier this year after COVID-19 affected the business, I was worried about not being able to pay my bills.
However, I'm really thankful for the financial support from the TRF and CSG. On top of helping with my bills, it enabled me to pursue a part-time Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications course in psychology and criminology. I wish to become a social worker in the future with the knowledge and skills I pick up.
Despite the challenges I faced, I will remain positive in the face of adversity.”
#LetsMeet Mohamad Fadhil Bin Abdul Jalil, 24, an artist with autism from Arts@Metta, Metta Welfare Association, who created an artwork for the #NDP2020 Singapore Together Pack, as part of SG Enable’s i’mable initiative which aims to celebrate the abilities of persons with special needs.
“In my artwork, I drew the HDB blocks opposite my own block, with national flags hanging outside each flat. I feel that hanging flags lets us express our pride in Singapore. When all of us hang our flags together, it can become something inspiring.
Personally, I do not know my neighbours well although I have seen them many times. I have always wanted to befriend them, and I hope that I can do so one day.”
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
“In my artwork, I drew the HDB blocks opposite my own block, with national flags hanging outside each flat. I feel that hanging flags lets us express our pride in Singapore. When all of us hang our flags together, it can become something inspiring.
Personally, I do not know my neighbours well although I have seen them many times. I have always wanted to befriend them, and I hope that I can do so one day.”
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
#LetsMeet Abel Peh, 23, an undergraduate from the National University of Singapore who volunteered as a Safety Officer to support Child Protective Service (CPS) with the safety monitoring of children during this time.
“I have always found this work to be meaningful as I am able to be an advocate for vulnerable children.
I assisted the core team in CPS with their active intervention cases. Weekly, I engaged in video calls with vulnerable families and observed the identified children for unusual behaviour.
I have learnt to be impartial when it comes to working alongside these families because very often, the perpetrators also need our helping hand. Being able to support children who feel afraid or helpless keeps me motivated to continue volunteering."
“I have always found this work to be meaningful as I am able to be an advocate for vulnerable children.
I assisted the core team in CPS with their active intervention cases. Weekly, I engaged in video calls with vulnerable families and observed the identified children for unusual behaviour.
I have learnt to be impartial when it comes to working alongside these families because very often, the perpetrators also need our helping hand. Being able to support children who feel afraid or helpless keeps me motivated to continue volunteering."
#LetsMeet Gabriella Francesca Allan, 39, an artist with Down Syndrome from Down Syndrome Association, who created an artwork to celebrate the people around her, for the #NDP2020 Singapore Together Pack, as part of SG Enable’s i’mable initiative which aims to celebrate the abilities of persons with special needs.
“I am one of the red figures in the middle, surrounded by my friends, teachers and family members. I love dancing to Michael Jackson tunes.
This National Day, I want to dance and sing to the songs played during the parade. Kit Chan’s ‘Home’ is my favourite song.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/files/eBook_compressed.pdf
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
“I am one of the red figures in the middle, surrounded by my friends, teachers and family members. I love dancing to Michael Jackson tunes.
This National Day, I want to dance and sing to the songs played during the parade. Kit Chan’s ‘Home’ is my favourite song.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/files/eBook_compressed.pdf
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
#LetsMeet Seah Chee Meng, 31, an artist with moderate intellectual disability, from Arts@Metta, Metta Welfare Association. His artwork is featured on the “Our Heart for Singapore” card in the #NDP2020 Singapore Together Pack, as part of SG Enable’s i’mable initiative which aims to celebrate the abilities of persons with special needs.
“I wanted to show the heartlands, where people relax, do housework, or go out and walk.
COVID-19 has led to many changes, but I see Singapore as a place that is always safe and secure.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/files/eBook_compressed.pdf
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
“I wanted to show the heartlands, where people relax, do housework, or go out and walk.
COVID-19 has led to many changes, but I see Singapore as a place that is always safe and secure.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.ndp.gov.sg/files/eBook_compressed.pdf
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
#LetsMeet Adeline Vejaletchmy, 58, a visually impaired artist from Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped, who created an artwork for the #NDP2020 Singapore Together Pack, as part of SG Enable’s i’mable initiative which aims to celebrate the abilities of persons with special needs.
“My artwork was inspired by my personal experience of living in an HDB flat harmoniously with neighbours of different races. To me, the COVID-19 crisis reinforces the importance of compassion and mutual understanding. In the midst of challenges, there is always good to be found if we stand as one. Only by working together can Singapore become a better place where we can prosper.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.imable.sg/ndp-artworks
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
“My artwork was inspired by my personal experience of living in an HDB flat harmoniously with neighbours of different races. To me, the COVID-19 crisis reinforces the importance of compassion and mutual understanding. In the midst of challenges, there is always good to be found if we stand as one. Only by working together can Singapore become a better place where we can prosper.”
Read more about the stories behind these inspiring artists and their artwork here: https://www.imable.sg/ndp-artworks
#imable #CelebratingAbilities #TogetherStrongerSG
Today is International Youth Day, #LetsMeet Lim Si Hui, the Founding Partner of Glyph, a social enterprise that makes holistic education accessible and affordable to kids and youths from challenging backgrounds.
"I believe that innovation is key in the social service space, and this is what keeps me motivated to constantly try new ways of doing things at Glyph.
Despite not being able to conduct our usual activities with the kids during the Circuit Breaker period, we took the initiative to check in on their families' well-being through regular calls and messages. To ensure that their basic needs were taken care of, we personally delivered meals to them, and even found creative ways of engaging the kids through online gaming parties! As part of MSF's Community Link initiative, we were also able to reach out to rental families in Jalan Kukoh and Marsiling.
My journey at Glyph over the past 3 years has been challenging but extremely rewarding, and I am glad I decided to pursue my passion in this space."
"I believe that innovation is key in the social service space, and this is what keeps me motivated to constantly try new ways of doing things at Glyph.
Despite not being able to conduct our usual activities with the kids during the Circuit Breaker period, we took the initiative to check in on their families' well-being through regular calls and messages. To ensure that their basic needs were taken care of, we personally delivered meals to them, and even found creative ways of engaging the kids through online gaming parties! As part of MSF's Community Link initiative, we were also able to reach out to rental families in Jalan Kukoh and Marsiling.
My journey at Glyph over the past 3 years has been challenging but extremely rewarding, and I am glad I decided to pursue my passion in this space."
#LetsMeet Andrew, a counsellor at Fei Yue Community Services, who has been volunteering with the National CARE Hotline (NCH) over the past 4 months.
“The isolation from family and friends during the Circuit Breaker period has been difficult for many, and I wanted to help the community by equipping them with the relevant coping mechanisms. Once, a young caller felt so lonely that it triggered a panic attack. However, I was able to calm her down during the phone call. It was good that she decided to seek help, and the incident inspired me to carry on helping those in need during these unprecedented times.”
If you are feeling down or distressed, call the NCH at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily, starting 1 September 2020.
“The isolation from family and friends during the Circuit Breaker period has been difficult for many, and I wanted to help the community by equipping them with the relevant coping mechanisms. Once, a young caller felt so lonely that it triggered a panic attack. However, I was able to calm her down during the phone call. It was good that she decided to seek help, and the incident inspired me to carry on helping those in need during these unprecedented times.”
If you are feeling down or distressed, call the NCH at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily, starting 1 September 2020.
#LetsMeet Nafisah Suheimi, Principal of Madrasah Al-Ma’arif Al-Islamiah, who has been volunteering with the Youth Mental Well-being (YMWB) Network since the start of this year.
“As I work closely with parents in my role as an educator, I realise that many of them need guidance in areas pertaining to the mental well-being of youths. I joined the YWMB Network as I was interested to see how parents and caregivers can be equipped to better support their children.
One of the roles I play in the Network is facilitating group discussions, where members come up with problem statements and solutions to issues on youth mental well-being. It has been rejuvenating to meet and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, which inspires me to do more for the community!”
If you are passionate about youth mental well-being too, connect with us at www.reach.gov.sg/youth-mental-well-being
“As I work closely with parents in my role as an educator, I realise that many of them need guidance in areas pertaining to the mental well-being of youths. I joined the YWMB Network as I was interested to see how parents and caregivers can be equipped to better support their children.
One of the roles I play in the Network is facilitating group discussions, where members come up with problem statements and solutions to issues on youth mental well-being. It has been rejuvenating to meet and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals, which inspires me to do more for the community!”
If you are passionate about youth mental well-being too, connect with us at www.reach.gov.sg/youth-mental-well-being
#LetsMeet Brian Monteiro, from Catholic Welfare Services, who partners us in reaching out to rough sleepers.
"I recall a memorable heart-warming interaction with a rough sleeper who shared with me that being able to sleep on a mattress after many years on a cardboard box got him thinking more seriously about the present circumstances in his life.
Our colleagues and volunteers conduct weekly night walks (also known as Friday Night Mission) to reach out and befriend rough sleepers on the streets.
One of our collaborators, Masks for All SG joined us on a recent night walk, and even provided some 6500 masks and other supplies to Catholic Welfare Services and also to the rest of the PEERS Network, to help keep these vulnerable groups safe. I would like to thank them for all their hard work in supporting our homeless friends during this challenging period.
I hope that the community can also be compassionate towards the homeless, and encourage them to seek shelter or return home."
"I recall a memorable heart-warming interaction with a rough sleeper who shared with me that being able to sleep on a mattress after many years on a cardboard box got him thinking more seriously about the present circumstances in his life.
Our colleagues and volunteers conduct weekly night walks (also known as Friday Night Mission) to reach out and befriend rough sleepers on the streets.
One of our collaborators, Masks for All SG joined us on a recent night walk, and even provided some 6500 masks and other supplies to Catholic Welfare Services and also to the rest of the PEERS Network, to help keep these vulnerable groups safe. I would like to thank them for all their hard work in supporting our homeless friends during this challenging period.
I hope that the community can also be compassionate towards the homeless, and encourage them to seek shelter or return home."
#LetsMeet Mr Rosswira Bin Ismail, 49, a freelance stagehand worker, whose perseverance shone through when COVID-19 affected his income. He now does ad-hoc delivery to supplement his income.
“I still have some savings but if I don’t receive enough work and keep taking from my savings, it will slowly become zero.
I told myself I cannot give up, so I’m still looking out for jobs. The COVID-19 Support Grant has given me some relief and I plan to apply for another three months of assistance.”
Find out if you are eligible for the CSG too: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs
“I still have some savings but if I don’t receive enough work and keep taking from my savings, it will slowly become zero.
I told myself I cannot give up, so I’m still looking out for jobs. The COVID-19 Support Grant has given me some relief and I plan to apply for another three months of assistance.”
Find out if you are eligible for the CSG too: go.gov.sg/msf-csg-faqs
As we celebrate International Day of Sign Languages today, #LetsMeet counsellor for the deaf community, Tina Li.
“I first learnt sign language in secondary school through interacting with my fellow hard-of-hearing friends, and joining activities that included the deaf.
As a counsellor now, sign language helps me to communicate clearly with my deaf clients, and understand their needs to provide suitable help. It allows me to express myself better, compared to gesturing or writing, and has also brought me closer to the deaf community.”
“I first learnt sign language in secondary school through interacting with my fellow hard-of-hearing friends, and joining activities that included the deaf.
As a counsellor now, sign language helps me to communicate clearly with my deaf clients, and understand their needs to provide suitable help. It allows me to express myself better, compared to gesturing or writing, and has also brought me closer to the deaf community.”
#LetsMeet Ronnie Ma, Kampong Glam Citizens’ Consultative Committee Chairman, who coordinates food support activities in the area.
“During the Circuit Breaker, the demand for food tripled, as more families were having meals at home. My team and I worked tirelessly with volunteers and coordinated the distribution of food packs – donated by various food charities – to families in need.
It was very encouraging to see an influx of volunteers stepping forward to serve the community when we put up a notice asking for more help.”
“During the Circuit Breaker, the demand for food tripled, as more families were having meals at home. My team and I worked tirelessly with volunteers and coordinated the distribution of food packs – donated by various food charities – to families in need.
It was very encouraging to see an influx of volunteers stepping forward to serve the community when we put up a notice asking for more help.”
This World Mental Health Day, #LetsMeet Bringing Love to Every Single Soul (BLESS)' Managing Director, Gillian Peck, who promotes art-making as a way to sustain mental well-being.
“5 years ago, my struggle with depression and an eating disorder led me to drop out of university. I visited an art therapist who helped me work through my issues, and taught me to express my emotions through art. I set up an Instagram account (@he.artnotes) to share my artworks, and spread hope and positivity to others, which helped me get my life back on track.
Now, I am also reaching out to youths from rental households through BLESS’ upcoming mental health workshops.
I hope that my story can inspire people to take charge of their mental health, and seek help early.”
If you need emotional and psychological support, call the National CARE Hotline at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily or visit go.gov.sg/mentalwellnessresources.
“5 years ago, my struggle with depression and an eating disorder led me to drop out of university. I visited an art therapist who helped me work through my issues, and taught me to express my emotions through art. I set up an Instagram account (@he.artnotes) to share my artworks, and spread hope and positivity to others, which helped me get my life back on track.
Now, I am also reaching out to youths from rental households through BLESS’ upcoming mental health workshops.
I hope that my story can inspire people to take charge of their mental health, and seek help early.”
If you need emotional and psychological support, call the National CARE Hotline at 1800-202-6868 from 8am to midnight daily or visit go.gov.sg/mentalwellnessresources.
On World Food Day today, #LetsMeet Sim Bee Hia, Chief Executive Officer of Food From the Heart.
“During the Circuit Breaker period, we had to ensure that the provision of food rations was not disrupted for families in need. Although we faced several logistical challenges, we are thankful to volunteers who came forward to help with packing and delivering the food packs to our beneficiaries.
We have also expanded Project Belanja!, our charity meal programme that allows beneficiaries to scan a card and redeem meals at selected hawker stalls. We now have more partner hawkers, so we can serve more beneficiaries.”
“During the Circuit Breaker period, we had to ensure that the provision of food rations was not disrupted for families in need. Although we faced several logistical challenges, we are thankful to volunteers who came forward to help with packing and delivering the food packs to our beneficiaries.
We have also expanded Project Belanja!, our charity meal programme that allows beneficiaries to scan a card and redeem meals at selected hawker stalls. We now have more partner hawkers, so we can serve more beneficiaries.”
#LetsMeet Monica Datta from DBS, who has been working with The Food Bank Singapore to develop a nationwide virtual food banking platform that aims to provide support to families in need and reduce food waste at the same time.
“We believe that no one should go hungry, and wanted to do something to help vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling with basic food needs. Over the past year, we have been working on an app that allows food support organisations to submit requests from their beneficiaries directly to food donors. I’m looking forward to the app's launch later this year, as I hope it will help to reduce one of Singapore's largest waste streams, food waste, and lead to a more food secure world in the future.”
“We believe that no one should go hungry, and wanted to do something to help vulnerable individuals and families who are struggling with basic food needs. Over the past year, we have been working on an app that allows food support organisations to submit requests from their beneficiaries directly to food donors. I’m looking forward to the app's launch later this year, as I hope it will help to reduce one of Singapore's largest waste streams, food waste, and lead to a more food secure world in the future.”