Celebrating 56th Singapore National Day with Migrant Workers
The Ministry of Manpower, JTC Corporation and six local welfare groups and NGOs jointly organised a carnival to celebrate the 56th National Day of Singapore with migrant workers. It was a rare offline activity since the outbreak of COVID-19. The event was attended by approximately 250 migrant workers at different periods of the day. Strict safety measures were complied with at the site of the event. As one of the event partners, Tzu Chi Singapore volunteers and Tzu Chi youth volunteers put on the same event shirt to enjoy the day with the migrant workers.
The bus arrived at the Kranji Recreation Centre. Migrant workers lined up orderly to register themselves and wait for their turn to do the rapid antigen test. On this day, they were finally able to stop going for online activities and step out of their dormitories to attend the 56th National Day Celebration carnival jointly organised by six welfare groups, MOM and JTC Corporation.
Welcome In My Backyard (WIMBY) project leader, Nicole Ooi：I think is important to include them in our celebrations so that they feel a sense of belonging, a sense of ownership in Singapore. We just want to remind them that they are wanted and they are needed here. We really appreciate them.
Co-founder of Homeforall Migrants, Abhishek Bajaj：The feelings of mental health are being recognised. The thing that they miss the most is to actually mix with their own friends, physically meet their friends from other dormitories, which they haven’t done for more than a year. So, this event actually gives them an opportunity and space to do it safely. To make the activities happen like the Pilates by Tzu Chi is very excellent, and the painting by numbers, and different celebrations is very important to give them a space to come together and enjoy themselves.
There were ten booths at the venue. Tzu Chi volunteers, Tzu Chi youth volunteers and partner organisations wore the same event shirt to have fun with the migrant workers.
Migrant worker Sarowar ：I enjoy making flower here. Very nice. And they have games.
Migrant worker K. Vazhumuni：Now I come, very happy, my mind also relaxed already.
Migrant worker Ileus MD Sumshuddin：Pandemic time, (we follow) government rules. (We) only (go to) work place. Finished work, (we return to our) room. Today I see many people, I feel very good.
The bento was packed using Jing Si eco lunch boxes, a gift from Tzu Chi Singapore. The foundation seized the opportunity to urge migrant workers to reduce the use of disposable lunch boxes and contribute to environmental protection.
