Caritas Singapore was honoured to receive Mdm Halimah Yacob, President of Singapore, at Agape Village on the morning of 22 September 2017.

During her two-hour visit, President Halimah interacted with over 100 committee members, staff and volunteers from Caritas Singapore’s 25 member organisations and other partner organisations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Halimah engaged in conversation and activities with staff and clients from Archdiocesan Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants & Itinerant People (ACMI), Mamre Oaks, Mount Alvernia Hospital Outreach Medical and Dental Clinics, Abilities Beyond Limitations and Expectations (ABLE), and ABLE Social Enterprise Accounting Services Limited (ABLE SEAS LTD), and Montfort Care. These member organisations offer various programmes and services at Agape Village.

As Mdm Halimah stepped into one of the many training rooms utilised by ACMI for their Skills Development Centre, she was greeted by migrant trainees and friends of ACMI. Over 300 foreign domestic helpers gather at Agape Village for a wide array of certified-courses from cooking, baking, computer, language, music to hairdressing every Sunday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Halimah also visited Mamre Oaks, a Day Activity Centre for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities where she experienced some of the activities that the members are engaged in at the centre.

At ABLE’s Rehabilitation and Training Centre, President Halimah shared precious moments with Jayandi d/o Arumugam (Jaya), a client of ABLE. Jaya demonstrated the pilates therapy exercises which is part of her ongoing rehabilitation. She is currently employed by ABLE SEAS LTD, a social enterprise, as an accounting assistant where she is empowered to be self-sufficient.

The anticipation by the staff of Montfort Care culminated into a roaring applause when they greeted President Halimah at the Montfort Care Centre. The team shared with our President Montfort Care’s strong network of services and programmes committed to improving the lives of individuals, families and the community facing transitional challenges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Halimah also met a group of enthusiastic seniors who were attending an IT course. Held at the Digital Innovation Room and conducted by a senior trainer, seniors empower themselves through active learning by understanding how to use their smartphones and computers to keep in touch with family and society.

At the Agape Village hall, committee members and staff from the other Caritas Singapore member organisations met with President Halimah where they each had an opportunity to share their excellent outreach work in our community.

 

In her closing message, President Halimah shared on the value add of having a one-stop centre such as Agape Village, where persons in need can be supported without having to go to so many places for services – a pleasant affirmation and encouragement to the Caritas family!

Janet Ang, Chair of Caritas Singapore shared, “President Halimah, in her signature humble elegant self, interacted with clients and staff as she toured the Agape Village facilities where 14 of our Catholic charities work together to partner the poor. President Halimah is sensitive and empathetic to the needs of the different groups of people she met at Agape Village, and brought joy and encouragement to all present.”

Our best wishes and sincere blessings to you President Halimah on your Presidency!

Media coverage:
Catholic News — 15 October 2017
The Straits Times — 22 September 2017
Berita — 23 September 2017
Berita Harian — 23 September 2017
Zaobao — 23 September 2017
Channel 5 News (via Toggle) — 22 September 2017
Channel 8 News Archive — 22 September 2017
Channel 8 News (via Toggle) — 22 September 2017
Channel News Asia – Singapore Tonight — 22 September 2017
Facebook (Halimah Yacob) — 22 September 2017
Istana Website — 22 September 2017