“I had a colourful past, but it doesn’t determine who I am today. I hope to be a source of hope and support for those who are going through the same struggles as I did.”
– Pei Ling, EM6 Graduate
Empowering Mums 6 (EM6) Roundup
At the Empowering Mums 6 (EM6) Graduation Ceremony, a palpable feeling of excitement and anticipation permeated the room as these powerful women, looking their best, prepared themselves to go on stage. They had spent weeks reflecting on the challenges and triumphs that had brought them to this moment and were prepared to share their stories with loved ones who were eagerly awaiting their arrival.
Our graduate getting dolled up by a volunteer from Image Mission
EM6 graduates walking into Peace Room with their heads held high, exuding their newly discovered strength and confidence
Our graduates receiving their certificates from our YWCA President, Ms Janet Tan, for completing the Empowering Mums programme
Our graduates entered the room with their heads held high, exuding their newly discovered strength and confidence. They took to the stage one after another, sharing their stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph.
EM6 Graduates expressing their gratitude and sharing their stories of struggle, perseverance and triumph with the audience
One graduate from the EM6 programme, Peiling, shared, “I had a colourful past, but it doesn’t determine who I am today. I hope to be a source of hope and support for those who are going through the same struggles as I did.”
Their speeches were passionate and inspiring as the guests listened intently. As the speeches came to a close, the guests rose to their feet and gave these women a standing ovation in recognition of their courage and resilience. Our graduates looked over the crowd, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.
One of the content partners, Ms Barbara Crane, said, “I was very impressed by the desire I saw in the group to continuously learn and devote their lives to care for their children and extended families. Children watch us and learn from our example and the example the ladies set is foundational. In my view, there are two things which can help in furthering their growth: willingness and consistency. I commend this group for their commitment demonstrated and for continuing their journey to further independence and being such a great example of strength and self-worth, despite many challenges and difficulties.”
The Empowering Mums programme has been a major source of support and empowerment for back-to-work mothers from low-income families since its inception, and we are proud to have played a role in our graduates’ journey of self-driven change.
Congratulations to all our EM6 graduates! Well done!
Click here to watch our Empowering Mums 6 graduation video.
Our Impact
Giving marginalised women the tools and resources they require to advance will encourage a generation of strong, tenacious women who can guide and motivate their families and communities. It also illustrates the role the YWCA can play in empowering and supporting women in our local community.
Cherry, an EM6 graduate, said, “The programme is meaningful to me because going through the 10 sessions, I get to meet other mums in similar situations as I am, and I believe they are extremely strong and encouraging.”
The EM6 project saw all 10 mothers graduate with a high attendance rate of 80%-100%, of which 57% have secured a job since enrolling in the programme.
The success of the Empowering Mums programme is a testament to the power of women’s empowerment. Charmaine, a social worker from Singapore Aftercare Association said, “I’ve watched my client grow into a more confident lady with a higher sense of self-esteem and I’m also glad that it has enabled her to become more motivated and clearer in the goals she has set for herself.”
EM6 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet
Held on 25 March 2023, the YWCA EM6 Employer’s Meet-and-Greet session was organised to help candidates find suitable employment opportunities. Established organisations like Fairprice, Alexandra Hospital and Watson’s were among some of our partners offering flexible work arrangements, incentives, and on-the-job training to support these mums.
“Most candidates are back-to-work mothers, so we need to be understanding towards their backgrounds, and we have to share the positions that are flexible and suited to their needs,” said Annie from Fairprice.
EM6 Employers’ Meet-and-Greet
Our Empowering Mums 6 graduates felt this Meet-and-Greet session was fruitful and informative. Cherry added, “Flexible timing is important to me because I have two young children, one with mild Autism (ASD), and I’m a single mum. I like how some of these employers offer to pay bonuses even for part-timers.”
About the YWCA Empowering Mums Programme
The Empowering Mums programme is a powerful initiative to transform the lives of mothers from marginalized backgrounds. Our beneficiaries often face significant barriers to employment, including a lack of skills, experience, and socioeconomic challenges that make it difficult for them to secure meaningful employment.
In this programme, women are equipped with essential employability and soft skills to succeed in the workplace and in life. Through a series of empowerment workshops, they are taught to identify their strengths and set achievable goals to set them on a journey of self-driven change. The workshops cover a range of important themes, such as Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness and Financial Literacy, which promote mental well-being and a sense of control in their lives.
Following each workshop are support group sessions that run in tandem to the workshops to provide a safe space for mothers to share and journey together. These sessions help the mothers become more aware of their resources, values and accomplishments and are an important source of support and encouragement.
To encourage consistent attendance, Halal food, one-way transport, and childminding services are provided to help these mothers focus on their journey towards empowerment.
EM6 Project Schedule
|
Date/Time |
Programme |
Content Partner |
|
18 Nov 2022 (Fri), |
EM6 Launch: Ice-breakers, Project Briefing & EM5 Graduates Sharing (Family invited)
|
YWCA, EM5 Graduates, Content and Community Partners
|
|
26 Nov 2022 (Sat), |
Workshop 1*: Finding Your Mums’ Power
|
Amplify Point
|
|
3 Dec 2022 (Sat), |
Workshop 2* Financial Literacy
|
Manulife
|
|
10 Dec 2022 (Sat), |
Workshop 3*: EQ and Mindfulness
|
Ennove Consultancy
|
|
17 Dec 2022 (Sat), |
Workshop 4*: Reality of a Job Hunt
|
re:Quest Asia
|
|
7 Jan 2023 (Sat), |
Workshop 5*: Dress for Success
|
Image Mission
|
|
14 Jan 2023 (Sat), |
Workshop 6*: Stay on T.O.P – Time Management, Organisation and Planning
|
Barbara Crane
|
|
28 Jan 2023 (Sat), |
Workshop 7*: Mobile Job Search & Win the Search Workshop
|
e2i
|
|
4 Feb 2023 (Sat), |
Workshop 8*: Interview Coaching
|
e2i
|
|
11 Feb 2023 (Sat), |
Graduation, Makeover and Employers Meet-up |
YWCA, makeover partners, employment partners |
*Weekly support group sessions facilitated by YWCA
EM6 participants participating in a Financial Literacy workshop
Goal-setting workshop for our participants to help them manage their time
Resume-writing and mock interview skills for our EM6 participants
To further support our participants on their journey of self-driven change and employability, YWCA hosts 6 monthly post-project sessions which cover topics such as communication strategies, and relationship management.
Our Board Member, Ms Sim Hwee Hoon, presenting the mothers with tokens of appreciation.
Special Thanks
The Empowering Mum 6 programme would not have been made possible without the support from our sponsors, content and community partners. Thank you for your faithful support!
Partners:
Support Us
We hope to support and uplift more women into discovering their true potential and helping them find employability through our Empowering Mums project.
If this cause resonates with you and you would like to support, click here to volunteer, or here to make a donation.
If you would like to contribute as a partner or sponsor future projects, please contact Anne Chew at csp@ywca.org.sg.
The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as our special guests, our Meals-on-Wheels elderly beneficiaries, stepped into Sophia Cooke Ballroom at YWCA Fort Canning to celebrate the Chinese New Year. For the first time since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, our beneficiaries were able to participate in a large-scale festive event that was specially curated for them. The luncheon allowed them to socialize, meet new friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Our guests taking photos with the decorations outside Sophia Cooke Ballroom
The ballroom and walkway were transformed into a vibrant and festive space with traditional Chinese New Year decorations that adorned the walls, ceilings, and elegant tables with festive centerpieces. The ambience brought smiles to the faces of our beneficiaries as everyone soaked in the festive atmosphere.
As our beneficiaries settled into their seats, volunteers and YWCA staff continued mingling among them to ensure that everyone felt included. The warm and friendly atmosphere was palpable as people of all ages and backgrounds shared stories and laughter. From welcoming our beneficiaries at the entrance of YWCA Fort Canning to ushering them into the ballroom, our volunteers ensured that our guests had everything they needed to enjoy the day.
One of our guests, Mdm Boh, said, “It has been two years since the COVID-19 restrictions, and I can feel that some of the elderlies are suffering from loneliness because they rarely step out of the house. This event helps them to socialise more, and everyone feels excited.”
A Temasek Polytechnic volunteer ushering our guest to Sophia Cooke Ballroom.
Our guests were treated to various activities and games, but one of the main highlights was the Bingo game, which brought a lot of excitement and fun. The crowd waited in anticipation as the emcees called out each number on stage, hoping to mark off the numbers on their Bingo cards.
Our guests waiting in anticipation for their numbers to be called out
As the game progressed, the excitement in the room grew. Finally, as the last number was called, a handful of guests shouted in triumph, with their eyes gleaming with joy as they came forward to collect their Fairprice vouchers, kindly sponsored by Ms. Selene & Ms. Shirley. It was indeed a heartwarming moment.
Gleaming with joy as he came forward to collect his prize
However, the true value of this game was more than just about the prizes. It was the connections that were forged among our guests and volunteers sitting at the same table that made it special. The game opened the opportunity for our guests to interact with each other. This is especially precious for elderlies who have had to endure long periods of isolation due to the pandemic.
Another event highlight was the six-course banquet lunch, which was specially prepared along with Yusheng. Our guests were given individual plates and chopsticks as they poured each ingredient representing different blessings and good wishes for the new year onto the large plate of Yu Sheng. The Yu Sheng toss was a hit with the guests and volunteers as it created a feeling of unity and camaraderie. A big thanks to YWCA Fort Canning’s Chef and Kitchen crew for cooking that very special CNY feast for our guests.
Guests and volunteers coming together to toss the Yu Sheng
Toward the end of the event, we invited past years’ finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show to perform for our guests. The talented performers serenaded our guests with some festive songs and popular oldies like “Country Road” and “永远无怨的是我的双眼”.
Finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show serenaded our guests with festive songs and popular oldies
Our guests clapping along to their favourite songs
A sense of nostalgia filled the air as our guests clapped and danced to familiar songs. The performance brought much liveliness to the event! Thank You to the finalists of the Golden Age Talent Time show for the wonderful performance and for spending the afternoon with us.
Happy faces of our volunteers
It was a day of fun for our guests and a day to remember for many as they left the ballroom with big smiles on their faces and red packets in their hands, feeling not only joyful and uplifted from the day’s festivities but also grateful for the kindness from our sponsors and volunteers. The event was a testament to YWCA’s commitment to fostering close community and social connections and a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a difference in people’s lives.
When asked what the best part of the event was, our guests, Mdm Nurul said, “I liked the event so much!” and Mdm Siti added, “The prizes were good, and everything was so great! I was excited about the event. The games and performances were good, and I hope YWCA can organise this every year.”
New friendships forged between our beneficiaries and volunteers
Our guest celebrating her birthday at our MOWE Luncheon! Happy Birthday!
The volunteers who helped support the event felt that it was a meaningful day as they could put a smile on the faces of the elderly. Adelina, our volunteer, said, “The best part was to see the elderly so happy, getting to socialize and mingle, to meet new friends, and to spark some joy during this Chinese New Year. It was fun to see the elderlies from different communities come together to celebrate the new year.
“I think this is a wonderful and meaningful event, and I would like to thank YWCA for giving our Temasek Polytechnic students the opportunity to volunteer and good exposure. Thank you so much for organising the event and having us here to support the event,” said Andrew, a volunteer and lecturer from Temasek Polytechnic.
The Meals-on-Wheels luncheon was a resounding success with strong support from our kind Benefactors and their generous donation. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our beneficiaries at the Meals-on-Wheels Chinese New Year luncheon. We hope that everyone who attended was blessed by the it. We also feel blessed to have been able to serve. Let us continue to serve others with love and kindness.
By Love, Serve One Another
The faces behind the scenes.
Click here to watch the reel of our event.
How You Can Help
Interested in supporting our Meals-on-Wheels beneficiaries and making a difference in their lives? There are various ways to get involved, including volunteering your time, making a donation, or even just spreading the word.
If you wish to contribute as a corporate sponsor, contact Anne Chew at csp@ywca.org.sg today.
From Zoom sessions with our beneficiaries to the unprecedented success of the YWCA Charity Carnival, here’s a look back at our year in 2022!
Thank you very much to all of our Volunteers, Corporate Partners and Guests for making a difference to our Beneficiaries with your support!
In the heart of Orchard Road, the beautiful grounds of YWCA Fort Canning played host to the YWCA Charity Carnival on 12 November 2022. Three floors were transformed that Saturday into a fun carnival ground, where community groups and volunteers showcased their talents and homemade produce through food and games stalls as well as lively performances, to help raise funds for YWCA’s community programmes.
As this was the first time that the much-anticipated YWCA Charity Carnival returned after a few years of absence during the pandemic, we were extremely heartened to see a record turn-out of children, families and our YWCA volunteers and members. It was a great day of family bonding and fun whilst doing something good for our community.
The excitement and energy that filled the atmosphere were infectious! Kicking off the event was a series of performances by the 9 centres of our YWCA Preschool.
Our talented YWCA Preschool children braved the stage, singing and dancing to the likes of “Fight Song”, “听我说谢谢你”, and “Jesus Loves Me”, to name a few. For many of our children, this was their first performance on a grand stage, some of whom were only 3 or 4 years old! Yet, all of them displayed great stage presence, truly displaying the YWCA Preschool core values of Confidence. Parents beamed with pride and joy at what their young children had achieved, a testimony of the wonderful coaching and nurturing from the YWCA Preschool teachers. It was indeed a heartwarming moment for all of us at the YWCA, and we could not be prouder of our children.
YWCA Preschool children performing on stage
The K2 children at YWCA Preschool @ Marine Drive impressed the audience, too, with their magic show performance. They engaged the audience with mind-boggling tricks. Kudos to our YWCA Preschool children who certainly had more than a few tricks up their sleeves!
Magic show performance by YWCA Preschool @ Marine Drive
Such was the vibe at the YWCA Charity Carnival, where many heartwarming moments were peppered throughout the day. Upon finishing her performance on stage, 6-year-old violinist, Kai Le, waited patiently with a smile as her 2-year-old sister toddled up the stage to present her with a bouquet of flowers. And that is why the YWCA Carnival will always be such a special event for us – a precious time for us to celebrate family love.
Our young violinist, Kai Le, performing on the grand stage
Meanwhile, the foyer was getting busy with people patronising stalls set up by our staff and volunteers. One such contributor was Addict Bakers. In collaboration with Bakery Brera, an artisanal bakery well-known for its indulgent bakes, Addict Bakers brought a range of freshly baked croissants, cruffins and sourdough bread, which were a hit as they quickly flew off the shelves and became one of the top fund-raising stalls! Thanks to our YWCA President Ms Janet Tan for blessing us with your beautiful bakes!
Addict Bakers– a group of baking enthusiasts comprising of Ms Janet Tan, President of YWCA (right), Thrina Low (not pictured), owner of Bakery Brera, and a few friends.
Besides Addict Bakers, our carnival-goers also had the opportunity to indulge in decadent Nyonya pastries made by Mrs Maureen Nguee, a director on YWCA’s Board and Founder of Mrs Kueh. At Mrs Nguee’s stall, business was brisk, as her popular Kueh Salat was sold out by noon.
Another crowd favourite was our very own YWCA Café Lodge’s Laksa with Abalone. People who tried it for the first time relished the authentic “lemak” flavour and were pleasantly surprised to discover a mini abalone in each bowl of laksa! This dish is a mainstay on Café Lodge’s menu, so you can still enjoy our signature laksa at the café even after the carnival!
YWCA’s Fort Canning kitchen staff serving Laksa with Abalone
Over at the lobby, the Green Corner set up by Ms. Pauline Boey was a soothing sight to behold. When you walk into her booth, it feels like you have stepped into an enchanted garden surrounded by lush greenery and tiny succulents.
A first-time volunteer and contributor with the YWCA, Pauline conceived the idea of a green corner and rallied 10 friends to help in propagating beautiful plants just in time for the carnival.
However, her story does not end here. Pauline shared with us how this event also turned out to be a blessing for one of her biggest contributors, Aunty Irene. Aunty Irene is 88 years old and used to be an active volunteer for her church. In recent years, she became isolated from social activities and was mainly homebound during the pandemic.
When invited to help with the Green Corner, Aunty Irene got on her feet and spent all day in her garden propagating plants. Her daughter described her as “coming alive again”. Aunty Irene has since returned to her active lifestyle, socialising and being busy with her newfound hobby. Thank you, Aunty Irene. You remind us of what the YWCA is about—that through our little contributions, we can be a blessing to others, and be blessed in return. You remind us also that every one of us have been blessed with gifts and talents and are empowered to contribute, whatever our age!
Pauline, at the Green Corner
Another therapeutic retreat at the Carnival was the stall set up by our team from the YWCA Weaving Programme. At the Coasters Weaving Experience, participants received a crash course on weaving on a loom and got to take home their very own unique piece of a handwoven coaster. The regular weaving workshop is usually 2.5 hours long, so a crash course like this was a rare and unique experience that our carnival-goers had the chance to experience!
Participants received a crash course on weaving
Back at Sophia Cooke Ballroom, Ronald and Friends were stirring up feelings of nostalgia as the audience grooved to familiar old tunes like “Crocodile Rock” by Elton John and “When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating. Although first-time volunteers with the YWCA, Ronald and his friends were no strangers to the stage, having performed at other charity events. We thank Ronald and Friends for hyping up the carnival with your great music.
Our live band, ‘Ronald and Friends’
During the stage performance interval, a young chap confidently stepped on stage with a ukulele and serenaded the audience with popular hits like “Count on Me” by Bruno Mars and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. If he looked familiar, it was because he was a proud alumnus of our YWCA’s Workz-on-Wheels programme. We are so glad that Brayden (who joined our Workz-on-Wheels when he was just a mere boy at age 11) has now blossomed into a fine young 18-year-old man, and has returned to give back to the YWCA, volunteering not only for the carnival but for the Workz-on-Wheels programme as well. Thank you, Brayden, for truly exemplifying the YWCA motto of “By Love Serve One Another”.
Brayden, serenading the crowd with his euphonious voice
At the back of the ballroom, the energy in the air was heightened as children squealed with delight, being treated to unlimited fun at our giant bouncy castles and art activities.
Children enjoying themselves at the bouncy castles
Children participating in glue art
On the 3rd floor, excitement filled the room as children and adults were treated to a range of carnival games. There was even a game console corner where the kids could indulge in popular multiplayer digital arcade games, whilst munching on popcorn and candy floss.
A group of children playing Mario Kart at the game console corner
The biggest attraction of the Charity Carnival was the Sure-Win Raffle. For $5 per try, participants were guaranteed a prize with each spin. Thanks to our generous sponsors, prizes such as bicycles (sponsored by Menarini Asia Pacific), Kiztopia tickets (sponsored by Kiztopia), a Nespresso coffee machine, Swarovski jewellery, branded fashion items, children’s toys as well as home appliances were given out throughout the day. The grand prize was won by a mother-daughter duo who were rewarded with a 2D1N staycation at the suite room at YWCA Fort Canning worth $500 (sponsored by YWCA Fort Canning). Winning a prize, whilst donating for a good cause, what a great way to end the Charity Carnival.
A mother-daughter duo’s win: a 2D1N Staycation sponsored by YWCA Fort Canning
The YWCA Charity Carnival was also a magical day for our beneficiaries. Thanks to the kind donation of carnival tickets by the YWCA Board and Committees, we sponsored a group of beneficiaries to an all-expenses paid fun-filled day and many were excited they had a chance to enjoy the carnival!
Our beneficiaries were invited to attend the carnival
“By Love, Serve One Another” – the people behind the scenes all had one thing in common—a heart to serve. The Carnival activated close to 40 volunteers and brought the YWCA staff from across our National Office, YWCA Fort Canning and YWCA Preschools together to ensure everything went as smoothly as possible, with everyone working with passion and solidarity for the single purpose of serving the YWCA communities.
The YWCA Charity Carnival could not have been such a resounding success without your support! We managed to raise more than $120,000 (thank you to the dollar-for-dollar matching by Tote Board), and we are so grateful for every one of you who came and made a difference. The monies raised from this Charity Carnival will surely go a long way in benefitting the communities we serve!
We hope all our beneficiaries and the attendees at the Carnival have been blessed, for this was also such a blessing for all of us here at the YWCA to have served.
By love, serve one another.
The camaraderie among YWCA staff in serving and bringing joy to our beneficiaries
All net proceeds from the carnival will go towards supporting the following causes:
Bursary Scheme
Financial Assistance Scheme
A big Thank You to our sponsors:
Saturday, 12th November 2022 | 10am- 4pm
We are excited to share about our YWCA Charity Carnival on the 12th of November at
YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Rd, Singapore 179494.
Come and enjoy a fun-filled day at YWCA Charity Carnival with delicious food, games, bouncy castles, live performances, and much more! Gather your family and friends together and have a blast as we do our part to raise funds for our community!
Admission is FREE!
Coupons can be purchased on-site. We look forward to seeing all of you soon!
All proceeds from our carnival will go towards supporting the following causes:
Bursary Scheme
Financial Assistance Scheme
Supported by:
If you unable to attend and wish to make a direct donation, you may make a PayNow transfer to our UEN Number (S61SS0075J050) by scanning the QR code below. Please indicate “YWCA Carnival” in the reference field when you do so. For other alternative methods of donations, please check our donation page.
YWCA’s biggest annual children’s event – our Kids Christmas Party, was recently held on 02 December 2017. Over 50 child beneficiaries of our Meals-On-Wheels (Children), Kids’ Weekday Care and Sustenance programmes had a fun-filled and memorable time with the exciting line-up of activities planned for them.
To celebrate their achievements and growth in 2017, as well as to empower our children for the upcoming new year, we chose the theme, “Superheroes” for this year’s party. Programmes for the day included a mass wristband craft-making session, quiz and comic card segment which our children greatly enjoyed. Everyone participated in the activities with much eagerness and energy. Other fringe activities such as the photo and body paint booth were also available on-site.
YWCA’s President, Ms. Mavis Tsoi graced the event and gave out the YWCA Bursary Awards (Distinction & Merit) and Kids’ Weekday Care Awards to respective award recipients during the bursary awards presentation. We are proud of and would like to congratulate all the children for a job well done!
To spice up our traditional giveaway of Christmas wishlist gifts during the Kids Christmas Party, a special “Villain vs Captain America” appearance was arranged. With the help of “Captain America”, the children enthusiastically defeated the villain and received their Christmas presents just before the party ended.
A big thank you to everyone who has joined us for the party and special thanks to all our generous sponsors and donors who have made the event possible for our beneficiaries. We hope to see you again next year!
For more photos of the event and updates on YWCA’s upcoming activities, head on over to our Facebook page!