Issue 1 July 2008 MICA (P) 281/06/2008
connections Latest Event
Distinguished Speaker Series
SINDA was honoured to have Mr Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, Managing Director of Mini Environment Service as a guest speaker at SINDA’s very first Distinguished Speaker Series on 3 May 2008. The moderator for the event was Mr Predeep K. Menon, Executive Director & CEO of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) serves to motivate and inspire youths from the Indian community through exposure to the challenges and obstacles faced by successful individuals in society. The two-hour session proved fruitful with the audience gaining insight on what it takes to be successful in a globalised world. Mr Jaleel started fending for himself from the age of eight when he sold sweep tickets to offices. Later during his teenage years, he went on to wash cars, work in coffeeshops and sell cosmetics. He held a strong belief that any form of work, no matter how trivial, was nothing to be ashamed of. This positive attitude led Mr Jaleel to scale greater heights in life. At 18 years of age, Mr Jaleel was spotted by the Managing Director of Sum Cheong Piling Pte Ltd, who sent him for training in the construction field. This served as a stepping stone for him to set up his own sole proprietorship company Mini Environment Service in 1976. The company was incorporated in 1984 and has since grown five fold in business turnover and asset ownership. More than 350 Polytechnic, ITE and Junior College students attended the event. Many were touched by Mr Jaleel’s humility and inspired by his rags-to-riches story.
Mr Predeep K. Menon (right) moderating the Q&A session, seen here with Mr Jaleel
Mr Jaleel answering questions from attendees of the event during a tea reception
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CEO Writes
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Voices from the Community
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Friends of SINDA
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Spotlight on SINDA
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Resources
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Quiz Me!
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STEP to It
contents
Editorial Team Advisor S. Manogaran, CEO, SINDA Contributors Lathika Devi Rajesh William Lakshmi Swarnam Nazeera Begam
team
Designed by Green House Design + Communications Printed by Dominie Press Pte Ltd
jul
Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Awards Ceremony 2008
aug
Volunteers’ Tea 2008
oct
SINDA-Narpani Engagement Forum
nov
Holiday Enrichment Programme
An annual event jointly organised by the four Self-Help Groups, namely Chinese Development Assistance Council, Eurasian Association, SINDA and Yayasan MENDAKI to recognise tuition students who have made significant improvements in their grades.
sep
SINDA Excellence Awards 2008
oct
Project Give 2008
This annual event recognises Indian students who have excelled at Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE), GCE ‘O’ Level, Integrated Programme (IP), GCE ‘A’ Level, ITE, Polytechnic, NIE and University levels.
This annual event to be launched at the Volunteers’ Tea on 23 August 2008 will be held during the Campbell Lane Deepavali Fair. Project Give is a community-wide effort to link those who wish to help with those who need help. Come and do your part for the community.
For more information on these forthcoming events, please call 1800 2954 554.
SINDA’s volunteers make a positive difference in many lives through their selfless contributions. A biennial event held to publicly recognise and thank the Volunteers of SINDA.
A forum to provide an opportunity for members of the People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (PAIAECs) to have a better understanding of SINDA’s goals and objectives and also to collaborate with SINDA on key initiatives.
SINDA Holiday Enrichment Programme (HEP) is organised with the objective of offering affordable enrichment courses to Indian students in our community.
• ceo writes • 03
CEO Writes In 2007, SINDA undertook a strategic review to streamline our programmes and to chart our directions for the next five years. Encouraged by the tagline of ‘Keeping True – Staying Relevant’, we are committed to staying true to our mission while adapting to the evolving environment. We will also introduce programmes that are relevant and necessary for the changing landscape. The three strategic thrusts for the next few years will be strengthening education, enhancing the family unit and actively collaborating with the community.
S. Manogaran, CEO SINDA with students and Mr. Jaleel
I take pleasure in introducing the inaugural issue of SINDA Connections. I hope our readers will enjoy the new 12-page edition which is packed with highlights from the first half of the year. It also features our key programmes, and some of our beneficiaries and partners. The Indian community has come a long way since 1991 when SINDA was formed. SINDA is now a household name and is regarded as a significant and important organisation in Singapore. The overall educational achievements of Indian students have improved and the gap in educational performance of the Indians against the national average has narrowed. The average household income of Indians has also increased.
Education is and will continue to be our major focus. But we also realise that the educational goals can only be achieved by strengthening families and working with our existing and new partners. My team at SINDA strongly believes that the focus on the three strategic thrusts will help the community produce ‘A Graduate in Every Family’. As you flip through the pages of this newsletter, I hope you will be able to sense the energy and dynamism that has infused our team. Do enjoy reading this newsletter as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you. Thank you.
S. Manogaran Chief Executive Officer
04 • sinda spotlight •
1 march 2008
Indian Community Bursary Awards 2008 (ICBA 2008) On 1 March 2008, 40 Indian organisations together with SINDA collaborated to help more than 1,000 needy Indian students from low-income families by disbursing about $550,000 in bursaries. Held at the MDIS Unicampus Hall, the Awards Ceremony was graced by Dr Balaji Sadasivan, Senior Minister of State for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts, who presented these bursaries to selected students. Besides the bursary recipients, students with outstanding results in their examination also received additional book vouchers of $100 each in recognition of their hard work. Bursary Award recipients seen here with Dr Balaji Sadasivan and Mr S. Manogaran, CEO SINDA
8 march 2008
Seminar on Engaged Learning 2008
SINDA, for the first time, organised a seminar to enhance the pedagogical skills of its tutors and to provide a platform for the tutors to come together, network and share best practices. The objective of the Seminar on Engaged Learning was to provide tutors from the SINDA STEP and Project Teach programmes with the opportunity to strengthen their teaching skills. The main highlight during the seminar was a keynote address on the ‘Teach Less, Learn More’ (TLLM) concept by Ms Julie Hoo, principal of Raffles Girls’ School. Her address stressed on how the TLLM concept enabled educators to teach better, to engage students and prepare them for life rather than just examinations.
Group tutorial among tutors
Mr K. Shanmugan, President of SINDA, presenting a token of appreciation to Ms Julie Hoo
• sinda spotlight • 05
14 march 2008
Visit By Commissioner of Charities
From left: Ms Isabella Tan, Charities Executive; Mr Joel Ong, Senior Charities Executive; Mr Benjamin Cher, Assistant Director; Mr Low Puk Yeong, Commissioner of Charities; Mr J.Y. Pillay, Life Trustee, SINDA; Mr K. Shanmugan, President, SINDA; Mr Shabbir Hassanbhai, Treasurer, EXCO, SINDA; Mr S. Manogaran, CEO, SINDA
On 14 March 2008, the Commissioner of Charities, Mr Low Puk Yeong and some members of his team visited SINDA. The dialogue session between the Charities’ Unit and SINDA served as an opportunity for both parties to discuss how good governance and best practices could be achieved.
26 april 2008
SINDA - Schools Engagement Roadshow @ Xishan Primary In line with SINDA’s objective of achieving ‘A Graduate in Every Family’, SINDA held a Schools Engagement Roadshow at Xishan Primary School on 26 April 2008. CEO of SINDA, Mr S. Manogaran gave a motivational talk on the importance of perseverance and hard work, and provided students with tips on preparing for examination.
Parent and child during the motivational talk at Xishan Primary School
Kaushik, winner of Vasantham Central’s Yaar Antha Star performed a song for the audience. The Roadshow which served as an engagement platform for SINDA to communicate with students and parents, also housed Molly the Mobile Library. About 150 people benefitted from this event.
Vasantham Central Yaar Antha Star winner Kaushik performing a song
06 • sinda spotlight •
SINDA’s brand new television programme, Kanavugal Kathavugal was broadcast on Vasantham Central on 27 May with a new look and feel. The programme revolves around individual success stories and seeks to inspire viewers to set and go for their goals.
new!
Launch of Kanavugal Kathavugal
Each episode of Kanavugal Kathavugal highlights the achievements of an ordinary individual, who has persevered against odds. The stories also highlight important values such as family bonding, goal-setting and life-long learning. A total of 20 half-hour episodes are being aired on Vasantham on Tuesdays from 8pm to 8.30pm.
24 may 2008
Fuchun Reading Centre Visit by President, SINDA SINDA’s Reading Centre programme, started in 1998, is a community-based programme conducted for children between 4 and 9 years of age. The Fuchun Reading Centre has been in operation since 2004. Presently, 26 children are benefitting from the programme run by 10 volunteers, made up of students, housewives and professionals. The 1-hour session every Saturday, comprises of reading activities for the first 15 minutes followed by other activities such as word games, story-telling, and outdoor participation in educational visits and enrichment workshops.
Volunteer explaining aspects of the Reading Programme to Mr K. Shanmugan
Mr K. Shanmugam, President of SINDA, visited this centre during which he spoke to some of the volunteers on their work, and to parents on how they felt about their children’s progress.
june 2008
Holiday Preparatory Programme (HPP)
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My son really benefitted from the programme and I could see that he has grasped the concepts very well.
– Parent of a student who attended the HPP, June 2008
SINDA held enrichment programmes during the June holidays for Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE) and GCE ‘O’ Level students to ‘Revise and Be Inspired’. Interactive and motivational 2-day sessions were held for each core subject to hone students’ examination skills in a fun environment. More than 200 participants attended the programme.
• step to it• 07
STEP
Programme
SINDA Tutorials for Enhanced Performance (STEP) is a subsidised tuition programme that provides students with quality tuition at affordable prices. Currently, there are more than 2,600 students enrolled in the 20 STEP Centres located island-wide. What’s New @ STEP?
Why STEP? • Students have shown significant improvement in their academic results, specifically in landmark examinations. For example, 3 in 5 STEP students showed improvement in Maths and Science at GCE ‘O’ Levels. • Students are exposed to motivational talks and enrichment activities to provide them with a holistic learning experience.
Key Features Of STEP • 6 hours of tuition per week from January to October • Classes from Primary 1 – Secondary 5 • Subjects taught: o Primary 1 – 3: English and Maths o Primary 4 – 6: English, Maths and Science o Secondary 1 – 5 (Express and NA): Maths and Science o Secondary 1 – 4 (NT): English and Maths • Small class size of 1:12 • MOE-trained teachers • Affordable fees (Students who face financial difficulties can approach SINDA for subsidy. Up to 100% subsidy is available in special circumstances.)
North: Bowen Sec, First Toa Payoh Pri, Jing Shan Pri, Marsiling Pri, North View Sec, Sembawang Sec, Seng Kang Sec, Yishun Pri Central: Henderson Sec, Queensway Sec, Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Center East: East View Sec, Ping Yi Sec West: Bukit View Pri, Chua Chu Kang Sec, Clementi Pri, Jurong West Sec, Pioneer Sec, Shuqun Pri, Unity Sec
Visit by President of SINDA to Shuqun STEP Centre • Mr K. Shanmugam, President of SINDA, Minister for Law and Second Minister for Home Affairs visited Shuqun STEP Center on Wednesday, 16 April 2008 and interacted with STEP tutors, parents and STEP students. • Parents provided positive feedback on the new STEP initiatives i.e. the Maths Kit and Learning Pack.
16 April
Register Registration is open at any of the 20 STEP Centres, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 23rd June 2008. Register at the centre nearest to you or call 1800 295 4554. Online registrations are also open at www.sinda.org.sg
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With the Maths Kit, I am able to enjoy my tuition classes which are more fun. I look forward to classes now.
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Locations
• All students provided with a target-setting book and education information card to allow them to maximise potential and achieve their aspirations. • Primary students are also given a Student Learning Pack, which consists of a student notebook, stationery pack, bookmark and relevant curriculum material. • Primary students will also be provided with refreshments during break. • A Maths Kit was introduced to Primary 1 and Primary 2 students, to make learning of Maths fun and interesting. • All STEP students provided with STEP t-shirt to create a sense of identity among students. Primary t-shirts are in vibrant orange while Secondary t-shirts are a cool blue.
Kannan, a Primary Two student
08 • voices from the community •
No Tears Ever Again I have learnt to be independent
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Shanthi d/o R. Peerisamy 35 years, Clinical Coordinator Self-motivated, confident and ambitious. It has taken me a long time to get to this point in my life where I can use those words to describe myself today. I’ve faced many obstacles in my life. I lost my father when I was 14 years old. I later quit school to work at 7-Eleven to help my mother support the family. I got married at the age of 21. Married life was good and we were soon blessed with 2 beautiful daughters. Having quit my job to look after my children, I was very dependent on my husband. Last year, my husband was diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer. He passed away soon after. It was a terrible time. My two girls really missed their father. I cried a lot and nearly broke down, worried about the future. But for my children’s sake, I pulled myself together and began looking for a job. A friend of my late husband referred me to SINDA. With the moral support and assistance of a SINDA counsellor, I was able to gradually overcome my grief. He let me talk through
my sadness and worries. Having a sympathetic listener, who provided me with moral support, helped me during that difficult time. I realised that I needed to pull myself together, and began to put a plan in place. First, I took advantage of the opportunity to enroll my daughters for the STEP tuition classes in 2007. My daughters gained from the extra help they received from this programme and were able to concentrate on their studies better. Next, I found a full-time job with Healthway Medical Group. Initially, I was hesitant to take up the offer because I assumed it would be a stressful job having been out of the workforce for so long. I thought I would not be able to do the job also because I had never done this sort of job before. But I got a lot of encouragement from my operations manager. In time, I found myself doing well and true enough, in November last year, I was sent for the General Practitioner (GP) Assistant Course (Basic) and was awarded a Primary Care Academy (PCA) Certificate. Last month, I attended an Intermediate level course. I have learnt to be independent and I’m teaching my daughters just that. I constantly encourage them to study hard. Good grades will lead to good jobs and they’ll be able to support themselves in the future. I believe there’s “no point crying over spilt milk, no point crying over the thing that’s already gone. Think of the future.” Everything I do now, I do for my children. The sacrifices I make are for their sake. I want to be a good example and a good mother to them.
From B’s to A’s with Project TEACH
My teacher, Mdm Jasmine, taught new and easy methods and formulas for Maths. She gave difficult English and Science questions. She also gave PSLE papers to see if I was ready for them. Because of the small class size in the SINDA programme, Mdm Jasmine could concentrate on everyone. She also made the class very enjoyable. I looked forward to every class.
I began to improve and started getting As in my exams. I started to feel more confident. My parents also started to feel confident about me. Once I entered the PSLE room, I did not feel nervous at all. Instead I felt like I could do the exam. I got all As for my PSLE, thanks to SINDA, Mdm Jasmine, my teachers and my family.
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I looked forward to every class
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My name is Neeranjana and I’m in Secondary 1 in Jurong West Secondary School. When I was in Primary 5, I always got Bs and Cs for my exams. When I started Primary 6, I began to worry about my Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). That was when I heard my school was organising a Project TEACH programme in school. As my parents were worried about my PSLE too, they encouraged me to join SINDA’s programme.
Neeranjana 13 years, Student
• resources • 09
SINDA Career and Resource Development Centre The SINDA Career Development and Resource Centre was set up recently to serve as a onestop information service and referral centre for skills upgrading, career advancement for low wage and low skilled adult Indian workers. The centre will offer the following assistance:
Continuing Education & Training (CET)
Objective: ESS targets those without basic literacy and numeracy skills and low wage workers. It helps clients to perform better at their jobs by teaching them these skills.
Objective: CET is a comprehensive plan to train adult workers for the future and place them in a job.
Target Group: - Minimally educated / Low skilled adult workers - Employed & Unemployed
Non-funded Courses for the Unemployed Objective: - To expose adult Indian workers with minimal education / low skills to some of the skills upgrading programmes that are not provided by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA).
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I was retrenched and unable to find a job for a long time. There was no income for me. I took up a Security course through SINDA and got a job as a security officer. Now I have an income for my family and we are all happy.
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Mdm Mani Magalai, aged 48, Security Officer
- SINDA has identified a list of courses based on current market demands and will also provide subsidies on a case-to-case basis. Target Group: - Employed & Unemployed
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Target Group: - Employed & Unemployed
Place & Train Scheme (P&T) Objective: The Place & Train Programme offer a unique arrangement where jobseekers are first selected by potential employers before they undergo training. Target Group: - Employed & Unemployed
Surrogate Employers Scheme (SES) Objective: - To assist working adults tap onto the Skills Development Fund (SDF) through SINDA to upgrade their skills. Target Group: - Employed, Working adults
I have upgraded my skills through the skills upgrading programme provided by SINDA. This has helped me to land a better job as well as helped increase my salary. Mr Suresh Kumar, aged 33, Logistics Officer
Our Partners • Workforce Development Agency (WDA) • People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (PAIAEC) • Community Development Council (CDC), • Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) • Yayasan MENDAKI • National Environment Agency (NEA) • Little India Shopkeepers & Heritage Association (LISHA) • Schools Liaison Officers (SLO) • Supporting Companies
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Mr K Shanmugam highlighting the importance of Skills Upgrading Scheme
Employability Skills System (ESS)
10 • FRIENDS OF SINDA •
The Idea Factory – Friend of SINDA “If you don’t change the way you try, you won’t find the answers.” And answers were what SINDA was looking for when it commissioned Mr Tony Lai and his team at The Idea Factory in July 2007 to conduct a Strategic Review of the organisation. This exhaustive review involved everyone, from our board of trustees and executive committee, right down to the administrative assistants and cleaners. At the end of seven months, The Idea Factory helped SINDA establish greater clarity of every programme and service. It invigorated the entire organisation with new ideas and fresh determination. At the end, The Idea Factory underwrote the cost of the entire project. Now a “Friend of SINDA”, Tony hopes “we’ll progress from being ‘just friends’ to the dating stage and beyond.” He and his team have ‘dated’ many people and companies. He believes it’s all about chemistry and good taste. Taste, as only some companies will like them. And chemistry will decide if a relationship ensues. “We want to do remarkable work so no fun working [sic] with people with the wrong chemistry.”
Highlights
Mr Tony Lai, Managing Director, The Idea Factory
Working with SINDA has also given The Idea factory a better understanding of the word ‘multiracial’. “We often speak of multiracialism as a concept. But we saw it as a dilemma. While the problems may be unique to SINDA, the answers are not necessarily only from within the community. It takes a multiracial approach to solve each other’s problems.” Tony wears many hats: guide, problem-solver, thinker, innovator and even worrier! He reasons, “These roles are necessary, depending on the project. You can’t just have one skill or you’ll die. Life requires all that. And also the collective wisdom of the team.” The interview rounds up with a question that stumps him. What gives you the greatest satisfaction? “I don’t know yet,” Tony pondered. “Satisfaction for me means being part of something larger and more meaningful. And right now, it’s The Idea Factory because we have the opportunity to participate in some amazing journeys. And this is very satisfying. I don’t want to define it more specifically than that, so when new things emerge, it’s unexpected and unexpectedly wonderful.” SINDA sincerely wishes to thank Tony and his team for their generosity and look forward to working with them on future projects.
01. Xishan Road Show 02. Indian Community Bursary Awards 03. Student asking a question during DSS
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• FRIENDS OF SINDA • 11
Volunteer Relations SINDA Star Award 2006 winner Mr Letchumanan is an inspiring individual who turned obstacles into stepping stones. A role model for youths, Mr Letchumanan believes that one has to strive for success and have passion and drive in life. Coming from a poor family, life was no bed of roses for him. From the time he was young, Mr Letchumanan’s father slogged at a construction site to support the family while his mother stayed in India and looked after his two sisters. He was mostly looked after by his neighbours and parents of schoolmates. Mr Letchumanan learnt the meaning of hardship young as he witnessed his father’s struggles to feed the family here and in India. This made him aware of the difficulties faced by the lower income group, and he promised himself to make a difference when he grew up. He strived against being a victim of circumstances, and worked hard to reach his goal. Fresh out of army, he signed up with the Police Force. He pursued his GCE ‘A’ Levels while in service and earned a Singapore Police Force Bursary to pursue his degree. He started his career as a constable and steadily rose to be Inspector of Police. After serving 14 years in the Police Force, he joined the corporate sector and established himself as a successful businessman. However he did not
Mr Letchumanan receiving the Award from Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean
sever his ties with the Force. He continued to serve in the Volunteer Special Constabulary of the Singapore Police Force. Another 14 years later, he was promoted to become the Commander of this division and now holds the rank of Deputy Assistant Commissioner. A well-known and well-liked person within the Indian community, Mr Letchumanan is also a generous individual who gives freely to many in need. Although becoming successful in life was one of his goals, Mr Letchumanan got more personal fulfillment from helping individuals and families come out of the poverty cycle. He sat on the Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple committee for twenty-five years, helping destitute Hindus who needed help. He is also a veteran volunteer with SINDA, chairing the Case Review Panel of the Family and Youth Development Division (FYDD). When asked about his advice for youths, he said that many Indian youths tend to take everything for granted. “This mindset should change. The real world is challenging and fast paced and thus, they have to be adaptable and work hard.’ He also raised the issue that although in most areas, Indians are improving and rising above the national areas, there is a small proportion of Indians not breaking out of the poverty cycle. He hopes to contribute towards helping those in need.
04. SINDA-MOE Seminar For Parents 05. Browsing the books in Molly The Mobile Library at Xishan Primary School 06. Kaki Bukit Town Day
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Quiz Me!
Here’s an easy crossword puzzle to wrap up this issue of SINDA Connections. The answers can be found within the newsletter.
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Good luck!
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ACROSS
DOWN
3. ______ is a subsidised tuition programme that is offered to students who are keen to improve their studies.
1. SINDA’s Holiday ______ Programme ran from 9 to 17 June 2008.
7. Mr. ______ was our first Distinguished Speaker.
2. The Secondary STEP Programme is now being offered for ______ weeks instead of 10 weeks.
8. SINDA’s Career Development Centre will be set up to serve as one-stop service centre for ______ upgrading.
4. Many of SINDA’s programmes are facilitated and run by dedicated ______.
10. In an effort to reach out and engage parents and students, SINDA regularly organises ______.
5. Both the Primary 1 and Primary 2 students were introduced to the ______ this year.
12. Project ______ is a yearly event organised by SINDA during the festive period.
6. The ______ was a new initiative introduced in the STEP programme this year.
13. The visit by the ______ of Charities to SINDA was a good opportunity to discuss good governance and best practices.
9. SINDA Career Development Centre is grateful to the support rendered by other SHGs, NEA and ______.
15. Both parents and students will be able to understand the Singapore school system through the education ______ card.
14. There are ______ STEP centres across the island.
17. Project ______ is a programme targeted at children aged 4-6 years old.
11. SINDA’s current CEO is Mr. S ______. 16. ______ STEP Centre was recently added to the current group of centres.
18. The______collaborates with SINDA on many outreach programmes. 19. SINDA’s newest sponsored TV show is known as ______ Kathavugal. Answers 1. PREPARATORY 2. FIFTEEN 3. STEP 4. VOLUNTEERS 5. MATHSKIT 6. LEARNING PACK 7. MOHAMEDJALEEL 8. SKILLS 9. LISHA 10. ROADSHOWS 11. MANOGARAN 12. GIVE 13. COMMISSIONER 14. TWENTY 15. LANDSCAPE 16. SHUQUN 17. READ 18. PAIAEC 19. KANAVUGAL
We’d love to hear from you. Singapore Indian Development Association No. 1 Beatty Road, Singapore 209943 Tel: 1800 295 4554 Fax: 6392 4300 www.sinda.org.sg ISSN 1793-7663
Email us with your ideas and stories at: connections@sinda.org.sg. If you want to be included in our mailing list, register online at www.sinda.org.sg/online_forms/feedback.php