On 3 May 2022, the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO)—a movement of Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA)—partnered with the Ministry of Manpower to organise Eid prayers led by Imams, carnival games, sports, live performances, lucky draws, and free lunch and snacks to celebrate Hari Raya Puasa with guest workers.
Dr Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower, and Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Manpower, attended the event as Guests of Honour. They joined in the celebrations and also showed appreciation to partnering organisations.
“With the patience, cooperation and support of migrant workers, we have reached another milestone in our transition towards living with COVID-19, and we could resume mass events like the one we had together,” commented Minister Tan See Leng.
In light of the further easing of safe management measures, the guest workers were able to celebrate this significant festive occasion by gathering with their friends on a larger scale. Finally being able to enjoy the festive season with fewer restrictions is good news for the guest workers in our midst, especially for those who have not been able to visit their families back in their home countries in a while.
More than 7,000 guest workers joined the celebrations that started at 8am and lasted till 5.30pm. To bring a taste of home to the guest workers, Sakthi Fine Arts did a live performance of Bharatanatyam—an Indian classical dance. Certificates were also presented to guest workers and teachers who had completed the various courses of the Makers of Singapore SSEP Literacy Programme to award them for their hard work.
With the activities that had been organised, AGWO is grateful to have been able to bring joy and encouragement to our brothers as we journey with them. It was indeed heartening to see different faiths standing as one people, especially during this festive season, where we remain committed to providing love and care for the guest workers.
