CDE Strengthens Commitment to be NGO-of-choice for foreign domestic workers

2. At the event, CDE have also signed several Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with four partners who are passionate about improving the welfare of FDW in Singapore. This is in line with CDE’s mission to Do Good, Do Well, Do Together and Do More to further enhance the rights and welfare of FDWs.

3. During the event, CDE’s Executive Director, Mr Shamsul Kamar also shared insights and updates on CDE’s Fourth Social Report Card. The sporting event also kickstarted a month-long birthday celebration for CDE whereby mini celebrations will take place across the island, tapping on CDE’s mobilisation network.

 

4. Mr Shamsul shared that in 2019, CDE developed a Four Flow Framework, as seen below, to better align their strategies and strengthen CDE’s position as the go-to Non-Governmental Organisation of choice for FDWS. With this framework as a guiding principle, CDE has converged their programmes and initiatives to cater to the needs of the FDWs. (See Annex A for examples of the below)

i. Flow-in: Support first-time FDWs who are new to working and living in Singapore by equipping them with necessary skills for easier integrations into the community.

ii. Flow-up: Strengthen competencies of existing FDWs and build a cohesive and supportive environment.

iii. Flow-on: Support FDWs who are returning to their home countries with last mile services and equip them with competencies to be able to find better jobs back home.

iv. Flow-back: Provide support in the resolution of claims and assist FDWs back to work in Singapore.

 

5. Underlying the Four Flow Framework is the push to do more for our FDWs and how CDE is through focusing on forging and extending their network of partnerships – bringing on new partners whom they can collaborate with and work out initiatives to enable CDE to better serve the community (More info can be found in Annex A, point 3)

For example:

i. DBS – Cementing Commitment to Support FDWs

CDE reached out to DBS in 2019 to explore avenues to help CDE’s shelter residences as many of the FDWs staying there have expressed their interest in growing fruits and vegetables to spend their time in a meaningful way. Not only did DBS gifted a sum of $35,000 to support the building of a ‘Fruit & Vegetable Garden’ and a ‘Herb and Spice Garden’ in CDE’s shelter, DBS’ People of Purpose are also involved in this project as consultant and volunteers.

 

ii. Expanding Mediation Partners’ Network

a. International Institute of Mediators (Singapore) (iiM)

Provide mediation services for contractual disputes at a small token fee.

b. Lutheran Community Care Services (LCSS)

Unlike usual mediation service, LCSS provides ‘restorative practice’ to help resolve difference and bridge relationships between employment agencies, employers and FDWs. This is to help de-escalate and resolve conflicts to restore the relationships between the disputants by enabling open conversations in a neutral and safe environment.
 

iii. Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)

AGWO partners with various social services, organisations and corporations to better support and appreciate our FDWs. Out of these, eight of them will be partnering with CDE, providing services ranging from legal counselling to life skills-equipping programmes targeting all religious and racial groups in the FDW community.
 

6. With the growing network of partners, CDE will be able to offer a holistic suite of services to ensure that the rights and welfare of FDWs will be better taken care of.

 

7. In 2019, CDE handled a total of 1,951 cases, up from 1,358 in 2018, and CDE’s shelter also housed 556 FDWs, up from 373 FDWs. The increase in the number of cases could be attributed to the rise in the number of CDE volunteers, who helped to be the mouthpiece of CDE and spread awareness of CDE’s services through their network.
 

8. To date, CDE has more than 800 volunteers, both FDWs and non-FDWs, up from 376 in 2018, who function as the eyes and ears on the ground, helping to reach out to a larger community of FDWs to create awareness of CDE and the work that they do. For those trained to identify issues such as salary/employment disputes, illegal employment and have shown leadership abilities, they will be accorded the status of ‘Ambassadors’. CDE now have 276 ambassadors across the island, up from 151 in 2018. This allows CDE to increase its presence on the ground and reach out to more FDWs in need.
 

9. Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Chairman of CDE said, “CDE’s vision is to be the go-to NGO of choice for the FDWs who work in Singapore. In our journey towards actualising this vision, we wish to be the NGO that can effectively assist FDWs when they face employment-related issues, while also looking after their welfare in the areas of live and play while they are in Singapore. We are cognizant to the fact that they are individuals who have personal aspirations and life goals, and therefore we aim to upskill them in relevant skills during their work stint here. We are grateful that many partners have pledged to support us in this long-term journey, because all of us share that same passion in Caring for, Developing and Engaging our FDWs.”