On 17 December 2020, the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—kicked off more than a week of International Migrants Day and Christmas celebrations for about 10,000 guest workers from 75 factory-converted dormitories (FCDs) nationwide. As the year draws to a close, HIA has partnered with the Assurance, Care and Engagement (ACE) Group of the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), and other core partners such as JTC Corporation (JTC), Inter-Religious Organisation, Singapore (IRO), and Inter-Racial and Religious Confidence Circle (IRCC) to bring festive joy to our guest-worker brothers and honour their contributions to society. The celebrations will span about nine days starting from the eve of International Migrants Day, on 17 December 2020, to just after Christmas Day, on 26 December 2020.
To mark the start and end of the celebrations, a special meal will be distributed to selected FCDs on 17 and 26 December. Over 1,000 guest workers will be receiving a hearty meal along with goodie bags on these two days. On 17 December 2020—the eve of International Migrants Day—AGWO launched the nine-day long celebration with an event at one of the FCDs. We distributed meals and goodie bags to over 600 guest workers residing there. Mr Tung Yui Fai, Chief of ACE Group, attended the event representing ACE Group as one of our key partners.
From 17 to 26 December 2020, our volunteers and partners will be distributing festive snacks and gifts, such as cupcakes, fruits, and customised water bottles to 75 FCDs. Small-scale Christmas celebrations will also be held in some of the FCDs and other locations to spread the festive cheer. Volunteers will be decorating 14 FCDs with Christmas ornaments to bring out the joy of Christmas. During the week, our partners will also be bringing some guest workers out to the parks for a meal and some games as part of the celebrations. This falls under the Project Sunshine initiative, which is a series of organised outings in partnership with MOM and NParks, for guest workers to enjoy some leisure time outdoors and improve their mental well-being.
On 19 and 20 December 2020, in celebration of International Migrants Day, AGWO is also working closely with MOM and JTC to set up booths at the Tuas South Recreation Centre for the guest workers when they visit. These booths include one that features a professional photographer who will be taking free profile pictures that guest workers can use for their social media networks, and a thrift stall selling electronics, clothing and footwear at highly discounted rates. There will also be activities such as cricket bowling and carrom competitions.
All guest workers participating in the slate of activities during the nine-day period can enter a nationwide lucky draw, which will feature prizes worth $3,000 in total.
President of HIA, Rev Ezekiel Tan said, “We have planned these events to honour the contributions of our guest workers and bring them some cheer in the midst of a rather gloomy time with the COVID-19 pandemic still looming large. Guest workers have played a key role in building our nation so it is only right that we take the opportunity to celebrate them and all the hard work they have put in every single day.”
We would like to thank our donors, partners and volunteers for giving their time and resources to make these celebrations with the guest workers possible. We wish that our guest workers will have a meaningful time of celebrations, and be able to feel appreciated and welcome in Singapore.
For enquiries, please email info@hia.sg. If you wish to support future projects under AGWO-HIA, kindly contact Mr Aaron Fun at aaron.fun@hia.sg.