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”
Therefore, my beloved brothers,
be steadfast, immovable, always
abounding in the work of the
LORD, knowing that in the LORD
your labour is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58 ”
Contents
President’s Message 2
YWCA News 3
Community Services and Programmes 5
Spotlight 8
YWCA Child Development Centres 9
Announcements & Compliments 11
April - June
2021
School Learning Experience
Kids’ Weekday Care Programme
Holiday Fun
Weaving Programme: International
Women’s Day Workshops
Meals-on-Wheels for Elderly &
Disabled: Terrarium workshop
A quarterly newsletter of the YWCA— Young Women’s Christian Association of Singapore www.ywca.org.sg
P resident’s M essage
For the second year running, the YWCA held its Annual General Meeting (AGM)
online due to Covid-19. While we had hoped to revert to in-person meetings,
we ended up dialing in virtually to discuss the past year’s happenings, propose
constitution changes, and elect the board for a new term of office. Thank you for
taking the time to log in and participate despite the limitations inherent to online
meetings!
We have included a list of the new board and committee chairpersons in this
issue of the YWLink. My heartfelt thanks goes out to these volunteers for their
selfless giving to YWCA. Without their time, expertise, and experience, the
YWCA would not have survived for decades.
Covid-19 has been greatly impacting the revenue of YWCA Fort Canning due
to the travel restrictions imposed. The YWCA Fort Canning team has done a
tremendous job of adapting to changes and meeting each challenge with grace.
Their tenacity is an inspiration to us all! In this issue, you will see quite a few of
their promotions advertised, and I encourage you to show them your support.
We expect to continue feeling the impact of Covid-19 on all aspects of YWCA
over the next few years. Due to increased expenditure, we ended 2020 with a
deficit of $5million, and I expect 2021 to be equally challenging for us.
Nevertheless, we shall persist and persevere! The YWCA of Singapore will
keep helping women and children improve themselves through programs and
activities, with an emphasis on reaching out to those who fall through the gaps.
Finally, please join me in this expression of thanks to our former President, Ms
Tan Kee Leng, for her faithful service and steadfast leadership that carried us
through the uncharted waters of Covid-19.
I look forward to the new season ahead, of experiencing the goodness and
merciful provision of God as we seek to serve one another and the community
at large.
Ms Janet Tan
President
Young Women’s Christian Association of Singapore
UPCOMING EVENTS
CREDITS
Published by YWCA
Editor
Ms Tan Kee Leng
Editorial Coordinators
Mrs Leung Yee Ping, Ms Gladys Foo,
Ms Nicole Andrea Tan
254 Outram Road Singapore 169051
Tel: 6223 1227 Fax: 6227 3650
Email: admin@ywca.org.sg
Website: www.ywca.org.sg
Articles may be reproduced but acknowledgement
must be given to YWCA/Young Women’s Christian
Association of Singapore, and a copy of the
publication should be sent to the Editor.
Articles express the opinions of the authors and do
not necessarily refl ect the opinions or policies of
the YWCA/Young Women’s Christian Association
of Singapore.
All information correct at the time of printing.
All rights reserved. © YWCA of Singapore 2019.
MCI (P) 056/05/2019
2 April - June 2021 • ywLink Proverbs 3:3-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your
own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight
your paths.”
YWCA NEWS
CHEFS'
Steamed Bamboo Clams $% Slow Cooked Beef Cheek in Wok Fried King Prawn &%
Red Wine Sauce &%
Crispy Garlic Pork Ribs &% Steamed Traditional
Rosemary Braised Lamb Glutinous Rice
Shanks &% % ' &% ( $ '
!" #
CALL 6335 8008 / 8009
EMAIL ywcacafe@ywca.org.sg
VISIT www.ywcafortcanning.org.sg
@YWCAFortCanning @YWCAFortCanning.sg
YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Road, Singapore 179494
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that
you do be done in love.”
ywLink • April - June 2021 3
YWCA NEWS
1-for-1! café lodge | dine-in only
NEW DISHES
HOKKIEN NOODLES
LOCAL THAI
SEAFOOD MEE
TOM YUM
GORENG | $16.00
SEAFOOD SOUP
STIR-FRIED BEEF WITH RICE | $16.00
HOR FUN | $16.00
JAPANESE
SALTED FISH &
MISO MARINATED
BEANSPROUT
CURRY CHICKEN WITH PRATA OR RICE
SALMON WITH
FRIED RICE | $16.00
GARLIC RICE
| $16.00
HOKKIEN
NOODLES | $16.00
WESTERN
CURRY CHICKEN SPAGHETTI
WITH PRATA OR RICE
BOLOGNESE
| $16.00
| $16.00
SWEET & SOUR
FROM THE SEA!
PORK WITH RICE FISH, PRAWNS AND CALAMARI
TOM YUM SEAFOOD SOUP WITH RICE | $16.00 WITH CAJUN SPICES & SERVED
WITH FRENCH FRIES
| $21.00
MALAY
HEALTHY CHOICE
MEE SIAM | $14.00
TOFU SALAD
WITH CENTURY EGG DRESSING
MEE REBUS | $14.00 AND SESAME DRESSING
| $16.00
1-for-1 offer applicable for dine-in only.
1-for-1 items will be charged based on the higher priced dish.
Prices are subject to 10% service and prevailing GST charges.
SWEET AND SOUR PORK WITH RICE
CALL 6335 8008 / 8009
EMAIL ywcacafe@ywca.org.sg
VISIT www.ywcafortcanning.org.sg
@YWCAFortCanning @YWCAFortCanning.sg
YWCA Fort Canning, 6 Fort Canning Road, Singapore 179494
4 April - June 2021 • ywLink Matthew 17:20 “Our faith can move mountains.”
COMMUNIT Y SERVICES AND PROGR AMMES
YWCA Kids’
Weekday Care
Programme
Holiday Fun
Written by: Liew Shan Yao
On 20 March, the NUS Science Volunteering
Corps Executive Committee organised a
day of fun-filled learning for the children of
the YWCA Kids’ Weekday Care Programme. The
children learnt about environmental
conservation through an adventure story of
helping Beaver and his friends clean up a river
so they can build a home.
The day started off with one of the student
facilitators engaging the children in story time
while wearing a beaver mask. They split into
groups of 8 (as per MOH Covid-19 guidelines at
that point in time) and played icebreaker games
to get to know the student volunteers.
After which, it was game time! There were
4 stations in total, each with its unique twist on
how we can follow the guidelines of Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle, and other daily
little things that protect the environment. At
the end of each station, the facilitators
explained the consequences of not protecting
the environment and taught them what they
could do individually on a day-to-day basis.
The first game was a dancing ‘Shake-it-Off’
challenge, where they had to shake off the “bad
environmental behaviour” post-it notes stuck
to their clothes, while keeping the “good
environmental behaviour” ones.
The next station involved picking “rubbish”
out of a basin of water using pre-prepared
tools, to mimic the cleaning of lakes,
reservoirs, and seas. The third required the
children to traverse an obstacle course of
raffia string while looking for “waste” along the
way. The final station required the children to
sort recyclables according to types by throwing
them into their respective pails.
Finally, each group was given materials
to construct a home for Beaver and his
friends. They made splendid and creative
structures, impressing the event facilitators who
gave each child a certificate to award them for
completing the lesson. The children left excited
with their newfound knowledge on how they can
help save the earth.
Psalm 107:1 “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good: His love endures
forever.”
ywLink • April - June 2021 5
COMMUNIT Y SERVICES AND PROGR AMMES
Meals-on-Wheels for Elderly & Disabled:
Terrarium workshop Written by: Mandy Lim
After a year’s hiatus on Meals-on-Wheels outings due to Covid-19, YWCA was finally able to organise a small-scale
workshop for a handful of our elderly and disabled beneficiaries on 18 March 2021. A total of eight beneficiaries attended
a terrarium workshop conducted by facilitators from TerrAIDrium.
The Programmes Team staff set off early in the morning to pick the beneficiaries up from their homes and bring them to
the YWCA National office, where the workshop was held. The beneficiaries were beaming with excitement upon finally
meeting some the staff members again after a year. As they trickled in and settled down within their socially distanced
designated groups, the beneficiaries were treated to light snacks as they caught up with each other.
Once all the beneficiaries arrived, the facilitators from TerrAIDrium began by explaining what terrarium plants are. They
proceeded to demonstrate each step of the terrarium building process so the participants could customise their own. In
this interactive workshop, the beneficiaries enjoyed the hands-on experience of making their own terrariums with the staff
and facilitator’s assistance, allowing them to showcase their creativity. At the end of the workshop, the facilitators listed
some simple steps on plant care as the beneficiaries listened intently.
When the workshop was over, the beneficiaries had lunch with the staff and fellow beneficiaries, before heading home
with their DIY terrariums and goodie bags prepared by YWCA.
6 April - June 2021 • ywLink Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
COMMUNIT Y SERVICES AND PROGR AMMES YWCA Weaving Programme: International Women’s Day Workshops Written by: Debra Low Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, weaving has provided an outlet for mindful creating and the art of being present in the moment. While many of our participants were hesitant at first, they gradually eased into the craft and grew to be more expressive with their pieces by the end of a session. The studio has been filled with the gleeful laughter of satisfaction and amazement upon completing a piece in a mere 2.5 hours. For International Women’s Day, we organised a series of weaving workshops. We have enjoyed this heartwarming journey of sharing this therapeutic craft of freestyle weaving with these talented women. At the end of each session, they brought home one-of-a-kind pieces that they created on our SAORI looms. Each piece captures the individuality of our participants through their choice of colours and design. For the facilitators, it has been an informative process learning to better aid our budding weavers. The beneficiary mothers under this programme are continuously training in weaving and workshop facilitation to gain an alternative source of income. This also gives them an opportunity to develop their communication skills and confidence. In celebration of International Women’s Day, we also want to celebrate our beneficiary mothers. They bear dual roles of caring and financially supporting their families, which are no easy feats. We have learnt so much through our conversations and sharing of experiences, and are inspired by their stories of love, resilience, and strength. We have seen them grow from strength to strength as they develop their knowledge of weaving and teaching. We hope that our weaving programme continues to empower and encourage them to express their creativity through this craft. Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge ywLink • April - June 2021 7 in him.”
SPOTLIGHT
Getting to know new YWCA President
Ms Janet Tan Written by: Nicole Andrea Tan
Ms Janet Tan, a long-serving member, has been recently elected President
of the YWCA of Singapore for the term of 2021/22. She also serves full-time
as the Director of Women’s Ministry at the International Baptist Church in
Singapore. Prior to working with women, she dedicated 15 years to working
with children.
A mother of two grown up children, Ms Tan left her job when they were in
primary school to focus on raising them. Watching them mature into adults
and now parents themselves has been the greatest joy of her life. These
days, other than community work and serving in church, her two adorable
grandchildren keep her incredibly busy.
Besides her role in the YWCA and in the Church, Ms Tan also oversees
mission projects in Indonesia, which include fundraising activities to support
the women and children in living and educational costs.
We had a chat with Ms Tan to find out more about her life’s work and personal
mission:
Please tell us about your journey in YWCA – how long you have been a
member, how long you have been volunteering, and why you chose to be
part of the Association and what we do.
I have been serving in YWCA since 2006. I have also had the honour of
sitting on various committees, including the 135th Anniversary Committee,
and served as the YWLink editor. I previously had the opportunity to chair the
Christian Growth Committee and the Connexion Committee as well. These
pursuits, while being certainly challenging and time-consuming, provide a far
greater reward – that of being able to serve others and give back to the community. Serving God is not limited to serving in your
home church, but wherever God places you, and where you can contribute with the gifts and talents you have been blessed with.
What are you passionate about? What would you consider your personal vision and mission?
I am undeniably passionate about women and what we can contribute to society and the community around us.
The roles of women in society have changed over the years and our opportunities and capabilities for contributing positively to
society have broadened considerably too.
I hope to create an environment in which the fullest potential of women can be achieved regardless of their roles, instead of being
stifled. Furthermore, women should be able to contribute and positively impact society.
The ways in which other women can help are simple – by providing support to others in the same way they support their own
family, children, and friends. This builds confidence and independence and stimulates each other to pursue their dreams and
ambitions. We should be building each other up and helping women to grow holistically.
Being empathetic and compassionate toward others creates an environment in which others can achieve whatever they set out
to do. This is the reason why the YWCA is so important in this regard – as both an empowering platform and as a forum in which
ideas can be exchanged and discussed, to further enhance and develop the position of woman. These goals, while seemingly
ambitious, are not necessarily so if we all play our part in creating this change.
What are your hopes and plans for YWCA in the year ahead?
In the years of 2021/2022, the YWCA of Singapore will keep helping women and children improve themselves through
programmes and activities, with an emphasis on reaching out to those who fall through the gaps.
Do you have any words of wisdom you would like to share with our readers?
Let us submit ourselves to God for His Lordship. Bearing Proverbs 19:21 in mind, “Many plans are in the man’s heart. But the
counsel of the Lord stands.”.
He will lead us to work together to bring glory and honour to Him through the works of our hands, that those around us will be
witnesses of the love that flows from God to them through us. Everyone will know it is by love that we serve one another.
I look forward to working alongside with each one of you to bring YWCA through this pandemic. We will do this together!
8 April - June 2021 • ywLink Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those
who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
C H I L D C A R E
A Fun Nature Walk
Written by: YWCA Bishan Child Development Centre
The N1 children of YWCA Bishan Child Development
Centre took a little walk around the neighbourhood park
in mid-March. Our preschools believe it is incredibly
important for children to be exposed to nature more
often in order to encourage a love for the environment
and the world we live in. The short exploration also
enabled them to indulge their curiosity about the
trees, plants, and flowers.
As they basked in the sun, they were given a few
moments to appreciate their tranquil surroundings.
As part of the multi-sensory learning process, the
children had to describe their observations and the
objects they picked up. While collecting leaves and
twigs for their nature-inspired art pieces, the pre-
schoolers also had a fantastic time playing with fallen
leaves by throwing them up in the air.
When they returned to the centre, our little budding
artists made pretty collages using the natural
decorations they picked up and proudly presented
them to their classmates. This activity enhanced the
connection they have with nature, while boosting both
their creativity and self-esteem as they learnt some
key presentation skills.
Nehemiah 8:10 “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
ywLink • April - June 2021 9
C H I L D C A R E Experiential Primary School Learning Written by: YWCA Bukit Gombak Child Development Centre On 25 March, the K2 students and teachers of YWCA Bukit Gombak Child Development Centre were invited for the Experiential Primary School Learning at Lian Hua Primary School. Led by the Year Head, Ms Wang, they toured various parts of the school such as the school hall, music room, garden, and computer lab. Part of their tour took them to the school canteen, where they got their first experience in buying their own food from the various stalls. It was an exciting opportunity for the students and they enjoyed their lunch. The children were also given an opportunity to experience an art lesson in a primary school. The class, which involved making “doughtnuts” out of modelling clay, provided them with insight into how lessons are conducted in primary schools. The session ended with the students presenting a token of appreciation to Ms Wang, to thank her for the time she spent with them. Our Centre’s teachers were very pleased with the children for being on their best behaviour during the visit and the confidence exhibited showed their readiness for formal schooling. Our Child Development Centres strive to build partnerships with neighbouring primary schools so as to allow the children to experience the transition to formal schooling, in which the environment, space, and activities are different from what they are used to. Giving the students a sneak peek into the changes expected better prepares them mentally and emotionally, and empowers them to embrace the journey. 10 April - June 2021 • ywLink Psalm 34:10 “Those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
COMPLIMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Compliments for YWCA Fort Canning
I had a very pleasant 14 days’ stay in an executive room on the 11th floor. The room was spacious, very clean and comfortable,
overlooking lush greenery. The staff were always courteous and cheerful, and the service was top notch. My special thanks to
the Duty Manager Ms Vicky Yu who went the extra mile to see to every detail pertaining to my stay, including arranging for me to
preview the room before my check-in. My appreciations to the housekeeping staff for doing a great job.
Ms Florence Ng
Was looking for a budget staycation and this hotel really exceeded my expectations. Price point, location, loved everything
about the hotel.
Yuki
Good location. Stayed here again during Christmas. Comfy beds.
Junhao
Nothing but a great stay! I stayed in the YWCA Fort Canning recently and I must say that the services provided blew me away.
Reservation: Unlike some other hotels, I did not experience a single problem making the reservation. The gentleman on the
other line was very patient with me. Fast and hassle-free.
Check-in: Shannen facilitated a very smooth check in and I did not have any problems. Very smiley (which is so important for
this industry especially now) and very thorough. The room she gave me also had a good view and was very clean.
During my stay: I was unsure about a couple of facilities so I called reception. I spoke to the gentleman (Luke) and he
answered all my enquiries patiently. Well, it is difficult to find such a courteous person especially during night shift, but he
went all out to help. Impeccable service!
Check-out: Checked out with Serene and as expected, she was smiley and ready to help with my bags and transport. She
was also fast and I did not feel like she was just going through the process. Genuine and personalised!
My stay had been nothing but great! The staff were all smiley and helpful, which is very rare. Really a great asset to the hotel.
Great job, guys!
Cons
1 Chronicles 16:11 “Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His presence continually!”
ywLink • April - June 2021 11COMPLIMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS Welcome on Board It is always a joy to welcome new members to the YWCA family! We would like to extend a warm welcome to: YWCA Fort Canning: Employee Name Position Foo Chee Khoon Thomas Senior Executive, Procurement Kang Sujin Junior Captain Johnny Jong Boon Choon Senior Sales Manager Serene Lim Li Xuan Guest Relations Assistant Bhuvanesh Kumar A/L Pongavanam Cafe Lodge Manager Lim Tong Boon Stewarding Supervisor Muhammad Shayfiq Haiqal Bin Zaibidin Technician Aquino Erica Garcia Senior F&B Executive Xia Haibo Room Attendant Cheung Teck Yew Leading Cook Crystal Ting Sing Ye F&B Coordinator YWCA Child Development Centres: Employee Name Position Li Li Preschool Teacher Hu Na Beginning Preschool Teacher Lee Miao Pei Learning Support Educator Yang Manyue Preschool Teacher Zhang SiSi Preschool Teacher Fang Yuanyuan Preschool Teacher Guo Lingdi Preschool Teacher Jia Hongwei Educarer Li Fenglian Ella Preschool Teacher Ummi Aishah Shakila Binte Abdul Karim Beginning Preschool Teacher Wu Yanyan Preschool Teacher Soh Lay Choo (Su Lizhu) Centre Leader Tiffany Lim Way Ni Educarer Chen Ying Attendant Wu Xiuhua Preschool Teacher Zhang Min Preschool Teacher YWCA National Office: Employee Name Position Juay Kim Heok Christina Admin Executive Go Song Thai Executive, Internal Audit & Risk Management 12 April - June 2021 • ywLink Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
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