Masjid Al-Istighfar‘s “Water for All” programme – a brilliant community initiative

Tue, 9 Feb 2021
2 min read
1 Comment

I’m surprised this community initiative isn’t more well-publicised, even though it’s been running for close to 1½ years.

So I thought I’d spread the word about Masjid Al-Istighfar‘s “Water for All” programme.

The mosque on Pasir Ris Walk has two water dispensers installed outside its premises to provide water to all passers-by.

I love the idea for two reasons: First, it’s the epitome of what it means to be human – unconditionally providing sustenance to all in need.

Second, it’s one of those concepts that people will knock down a peg at first blush – then stare, slack-jawed in awe, when they realise how ingenious it is.

This project is a simple yet brilliant way of generating goodwill in the community and beyond.

For context, the dispensers are conveniently located along a park connector frequented by joggers and cyclists.

All the mosque has to do: Be there to quench parched throats and effectively meet needs.

The returns from the compassion it invests in people for the cost of a sip of water? Priceless.

Now, imagine if all places of worship across Singapore did the same.

My hope is for a non-denominational group to take up the reins and coordinate it such that the nationwide project could be sponsored by businesses, as part of corporate social responsibility efforts.

This way, companies would be more willing to donate to such a cause; it wouldn’t be tagged to a single religious organisation, which might create perceptions of preferential treatment.

If you’re interested in paying Masjid Al-Istighfar a visit, make it a fun fitness activity – it’s part of the National Heritage Board‘s Pasir Ris Heritage Trail.

Technology done right

Fri, 11 Sep 2020
1 min read
Add Comment
No fault to report; I just want to say good job! Thanks for introducing this innovation

I saw this fault-reporting QR code on the train the other day, and I simply couldn’t resist!

The “fault” I reported was as follows:

No fault to report; I just want to say good job! Thanks for introducing this innovation.

I hope SBS Transit has looked into it 😂

Three Ps to solve problem of weekend caregivers

Sat, 29 Dec 2012
2 min read
Add Comment

Dear Madam/Sir,

I refer to the letter “Rest day exception for caregiver domestic workers?” (Dec 20).

All employees – domestic workers or otherwise – deserve a weekly day off (or more) to recharge and recuperate.

However, this creates a conundrum: when caregiving domestic workers are given a day off, no one else will tend to their care-receiving charges, such as wheelchair users or frail seniors.

Instead of doggedly demanding that caregiving domestic workers carry on working on their off days, let’s tackle this problem creatively.

I propose a solution with these three Ps:

  1. Part-time employment.
    A job market is created for part-time skilled caregivers who are willing and able to tend to care-receivers on weekends – so long as the remuneration is commensurate with market wages.

    So as not to penalise families with the increased financial burden, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Social and Family Development can look into increasing the size and the scope of the monthly Foreign Domestic Worker Grant to cover this additional cost.

    Alternatively, affected families can be allowed to claim a Caregivers’ Relief.

    2.  

  2. Peer support.
    If there is a shortage of skilled care-givers, the Council for the Third Age can facilitate the provision of caregiver training to retirees.

    This allows actively aging seniors to be involved in taking care of their lesser-abled peers.

    3.  

  3. Pop-up weekend daycare centres for care-receivers.
    Temporary centralised facilities are set up in convenient locales around Singapore on weekends.

    Economies of scale will allow, say, three part-time caregivers to tend to about eight care-receivers. This also allows families to pay a lower caregiving fee since more families share the cost of paying for caregivers’ wages.

    The facilities can be located in void decks, for example, and be removed at the end of the day so that the spaces can be utilised for other purposes on weekdays.

Thank you.

Yours sincerely,
Laremy LEE (Mr)

(Published as “Three-part solution for weekend caregiver issue” on 29 Dec 2012 in TODAY.)