While the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE) has been actively promoting the well-being of foreign domestic workers (FDWs) here, it has taken new steps to further solidify its focus.
CDE signed a memorandum of understanding on 28 January 2019 with the Singapore Red Cross, The Salvation Army, NTUC LearningHub, the Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN), POSB and Singtel to further promote the rights and welfare of domestic employees.
CDE Chairman Yeo Guat Kwang said: “We have evolved the way we care for our domestic employees to ensure their overall well-being and employment rights are better taken care of.
“CDE believes that with our new strategic partners on board, and with the partnerships we have built up with others over the years, all of us will have the means to go the extra mile in enhancing help for domestic employees in Singapore.”
The strategic partnerships will cover areas such as medical aid, training, volunteering and engagement support.
[Read more: Campaign to help FDWs learn financial management skills]
The Singapore Red Cross Society (SRC) – Last-mile Support
What happens to injured domestic workers needing medical attention and are repatriated? To make sure they reach their destination safely, CDE will work with SRC and its National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies network in Southeast Asia.
NTUC LearningHub – Training
The Assessment-Only-Pathway skills certification, co-developed by CDE and NTUC LearningHub, will ensure FDWs can perform their duties effectively and enhance their employability. The programme piloted in October 2018 at an introductory rate of $50 person and with 30 FDWs.
Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN) – Volunteering
Feedback from FDWs reflect they want to do more volunteering and spend their time meaningfully. With this in mind, CDE worked with APSN Centre for Adults to give FDWs a chance to interact with their trainees and guide them in simple training programmes such as packing of items and general cleaning. To date, there have been 25 such volunteering sessions at the centre.
The Salvation Army (TSA) – Providing engagement support
The initiative will create value-added activities and programmes for shelter residents so as to meaningfully engage them during their stay with CDE.
POSB – Payroll Account
The recent partnership enables FDWs to set up a POSB account to manage their monthly salary and make cashless payments and remittances. Employers can also pay salaries electronically, reducing the potential cases of salary-related disputes. Over 4,900 applications have been submitted by CDE to the bank as at December 2018.
Singtel – Affordable Communications Services
Newly-arrived FDWs get a free $2 prepaid SIM card with 500MB data to stay connected with their loved ones. With subsequent $10 top-ups, they get further exclusive deals such as additional 500MB data every month over the next 12 months.
[Read more: What’s life like for a foreign domestic worker in Singapore?]
