Successful ageing, student care on CDAC’s agenda for next five years
SINGAPORE: As part of a strategic review to strengthen its programmes over the next five years, the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) said it plans to develop more programmes to support successful ageing in the community, and emphasise the values of self-reliance and mutual help in their programmes.
The council embarked on the strategic review, which it said will ensure its programmes remain relevant and effective, in April this year and a report on the review is expected to be out by the end of the year. Its last major review was conducted in 2008.
At CDAC’s 24th Annual General Meeting on Monday (Jun 20), Health Minister and CDAC chairman Gan Kim Yong said it was an “opportune time” to relook the direction of the council and to consider the views of stakeholders “to see where the needs are and whether there is a need for us to reorientate our focus in our various programmes”.
Another priority for CDAC under the strategic review is to collaborate with other self-help groups to develop and operate more student care centre in primary schools. In November last year, it formed the Self-Help Groups Student Care Limited with the Singapore Indian Development Association, Yayasan MENDAKI and the Eurasian Association.
The company aims to operate 30 student care centres by 2020, which would enable them to serve some 6,000 students, CDAC said.
There are currently six centres, but four more will open next Monday at Yumin Primary School, Fuchun Primary School, Greenwood Primary School and Teck Whye Primary School.
CDAC board member Low Yen Ling said a child at one of the council’s student care centres would be there from 1.30pm to about 7pm on weekdays, and during the holidays.
“We think this is a golden period to help them to form very sound and strong character and values as well as develop healthy study and work habits,” said Ms Low, who is also mayor of the South West District.
In 2015, CDAC spent S$26.5m on its programmes. Their core programmes served about 20,000 low-income households, 13.5 per cent more than the year before.
The council also said it saw a 20 per cent increase in the number of people seeking financial assistance for the first five months of 2016, compared to the same period last year, and will ramp up assistance efforts if needed.
– CNA/mz