As part of its efforts to provide better assistance to single mothers, NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat (WDS) launched the WeCare Befriender Programme on 28 November 2015. At the same time, it also marked the sixth year since the WeCare for U Project was rolled out.
The WeCare Befriender Programme will see 15 pioneer WeCare for U beneficiaries become friend and mentor to single mothers who have newly joined the initiative. These 15 befrienders have gone through a training workshop and other preparations with Family Central, a service by Fei Yue Community Services to effectively carry out their roles.
They will also act as ambassadors by actively reaching out and helping to refer single mums to WDS.
WDS Director Sylvia Choo said: “Over the years, many single mothers have benefited from the WeCare for U programmes. Other than providing them with self-improvement workshops and helping them to find gainful employment, we have partnered with the Ministry of Social and Family Development and Housing Development Board to explain the various schemes available to them.
“We have certainly seen them improve their lives. Many are now more confident and positive, and some have stepped forward to ask how they could contribute back to the community of single mothers. So we mooted this idea of them becoming befrienders to help single mothers who join the programme. With the coming of the Skills Future Credit, WDS together with its leaders will outreach to them to guide them in making informed choices to enhance their employability and self-development.”
Giving Back
One befriender, Ms Meharoon Nisha, has benefited from the WeCare initiative since early 2010. She said that she understands the plight of other single mothers like herself and that they need not have to face the challenges alone.
“It’s been a wonderful experience since I joined the programme. I’ve been able to spend more quality time with my children. We have benefited from the educational programmes WDS provides, and the single mothers here have a strong bond and friendship with each other. I strongly urge single mothers to come forward and join the family,” said Ms Meharoon.
The Role of Unions
WDS also said that women union leaders can play a role in helping single mothers at the workplace.
Singapore Union of Broadcasting Employees (SUBE) General Secretary Sim Siew Lect said: “I think as women leaders, we can keep a look out for single mothers at the workplace and introduce them to the WeCare for U initiative.
“Through it, not only do the single parents benefit but so do the children. If there are any single mothers under SUBE, I’d like them to know that they can come forward to any of our executive committee members and we will not hesitate to provide the help they need.”
Launch of Programme
In 2009, NTUC Women’s Development Secretariat’s (WDS) launched the WeCare for U Project to uplift the lives of single mothers in Singapore. Since then, WDS has engaged close to 1,700 single mothers and their children.
Single mothers who are keen to join the WeCare for U Programme may contact WDS at 62138383 or wds@ntuc.org.sg.
Source: NTUC This Week
