By Kay del Rosario
Two events were held over the weekend to celebrate International Migrants’ Day (IMD) which falls on the 18th of December every year.
First up, more than 30 families, together with their Foreign Domestic Workers (FDWs) cruised around the Singapore River on Sunday, 15th December.
Organised by the Centre for Domestic Employees (CDE), this activity was the highlight of CDE’s three-month long campaign to advocate for a harmonious relationship between employers and FDWs.
Over at Little India, migrant workers enjoyed performances and games at various activity booths put together by the Migrant Workers’ Centre (MWC) in appreciation of their hard work. This was the culmination of multiple celebrations held at various venues across Singapore in the month of December.
Here are some snapshots to bring you the day’s happenings.
The cruise took families and their FDWs on a 30-minute tour around the Singapore River, and passed by the iconic districts of Clarke Quay, Boat Quay and Marina Bay. Some light refreshments were also provided before the cruise.
Ms Rhealyn Nudalo, a 33-year-old domestic worker from the Philippines, was very happy that her employers and their children accepted her invitation to join her on the cruise. She has worked with the family for two years.
Graced by Guest-of-Honour Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of the Centre for Domestic Employees, the event was also attended by H.E. Joseph Del Mar Yap, Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to Singapore; Mr Sanjith Chaminda, First Secretary (Employment & Labour Welfare) from Sri Lanka High Commission; representatives from DBS/POSB, CDE’s strategic partner and event venue sponsor; and representatives from various employment agencies.
At their IMD celebration, MWC worked with 90 of its Grassroots Network ambassadors to present a flash mob-style performance.
Some 5,000 migrant workers were treated to an evening of fun and relaxation, graced by Guest-of-Honour Minister of State for Manpower Zaqy Mohamad.
