SINGAPORE — Tapping on the close ties they have fostered with residents, some 500 women grassroots leaders will be trained to reach out to heartlanders to help them better understand key government policies and schemes, under a new programme by the People’s Association’s (PA) Women’s Executive Committees (WECs).
Launched yesterday by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the WEC Befriender Programme will start off by having the women, from the 105 WECs in all constituencies, befriend and communicate with eligible residents — as well as their families and caregivers — details of the Pioneer Generation Package.
In time, they will also reach out to residents to share information in other areas such as healthcare, retirement and employment.
The befrienders will be trained in communication and outreach skills, as well as government policies and programmes.
Mr Tharman said WEC members are well placed to promote awareness about various government schemes on the ground, as they are often in touch with residents, particularly women and the elderly.
The programme was launched at a dinner organised by the coordinating body of the WECs, the Women’s Integration Network Council, and hosted by Senior Minister of State (Health and Manpower) Amy Khor. It was held to recognise the contributions of WECs to the community, and in celebration of International Women’s Day, which was celebrated on March 8.
Dr Khor, who is also REACH Chairman and Adviser to the WIN Council, noted that a poll conducted by REACH last year found that while seven in 10 Singaporeans are aware of various government assistance schemes, segments of the population, such as the elderly and low-income families, are less aware of government help.
Hence, more effort needs to be made to reach out to these groups, so that they have greater assurance they can get the help they need, and have better understanding of government policies and schemes, said Dr Khor.
She also noted that there have been many calls recently for the Government to do more to reach out to the Pioneer Generation and ensure they understand the benefits they are eligible for.
“The WEC Befrienders will not only explain major government schemes to residents but also provide a social support network by befriending them, especially the elderly, and sharing useful information that can benefit them,” added Dr Khor.
At the end of the Committee of Supply debates earlier this month, Speaker of Parliament Halimah Yacob said many of her residents were still unaware about the Pioneer Generation Package, and that there was a need to ensure policies actually reach the people that they are meant to benefit.
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