[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – The former Raffles Girls’ School at 20 Anderson Road is now being used as an alternative gathering place for Foreign Domestic Workers (FDW).
Amphitheater @ 20 Anderson Road has been open since February 21 and will remain open for use by the FDW every Sunday through the end of June.
Its aim is to be a safe space that will provide services and activities for foreign domestic workers while at the same time adhering to safe management measures amid Covid-19.
The Center for Domestic Employees (CDE) worked with government agencies such as the Ministry of Manpower for the initiative.
The Minister of State for Manpower Gan Siow Huang took a tour of the site on Sunday afternoon (March 7) and said that the initiative was still in its pilot phase, but more sites were already being analyzed. to take it further.
“We have been planning together with the CDE for several months to provide additional safe gathering places for foreign domestic workers,” he said.
“Due to the pandemic, several of the usual meeting places for foreign domestic workers on their days off have been affected and are also subject to safe distancing measures.”
The former student said she thought it was a worthy use of her old alma mater site.
She said, “(Being here) brings back memories. I’m glad we can make good use of the school now that it’s vacant.”
The CDE has contracted with various partners to provide services and activities for foreign domestic workers, including improvisational art services, telecommunications and remittance services, and the sale of food, beverages, and clothing.
Currently, it is only open to foreign domestic workers, who are granted a blue token as an additional security measure in addition to the existing safe distancing measures when they enter the premises.
Ms. Evelyn Obillo, 49, a domestic servant who has worked here for 19 years, said she strongly supported the initiative as it provides a safe haven for domestic workers.
“I think CDE did a good job of acquiring this place, and it’s really huge,” he said.
“This is great for housemaids as it will alleviate overcrowding in hot spots. Here, we are protected from rain or sun and we feel safe and secure.”
About 300 FDWs were seen at the facility Sunday, with dozens of CDE volunteers engaging them in activities and ensuring they adhere to safe distancing measures.
Shamsul Kamar, executive director of CDE, said he hopes that more Singaporeans will volunteer for the initiative to involve foreign domestic workers.
“We can do more, we can work with all of our stakeholders, have more activities and involve them, attracting the many Singaporeans who want to volunteer,” he said.
“I think we will definitely change the landscape and make Singapore a better place for everyone. Not only for our Singaporeans, but also for our guests.”
[ad_2]
