PPIS Newsletter April ’23

March is an important month for the #OnePPIS family. We celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on the 8th March for the entire month, Social Work Day on 21st March, and of course, welcomed Ramadan on 23rd March.

This year, I kicked off IWD on a high note by representing all of you at the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, participating in the 67th Session on the Commision on the Status of Women. No matter where we are, it reaffirms that we need to do our part to build a strong ecosystem of support to #EmbraceEquity (this year’s IWD theme) and close digital gaps.

But the highlight was flying back on the red-eye and straight to PPIS’ own IWD celebrations on 12th of March, where we heard from inspiring female role models Dr Shilla Mariah Yusof, Ustazah Nurhannah Irwan, and Madam Kat Aziz. We also partnered the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) to organize a bazaar featuring female businesses. Read more on Berita Harian and BERITA Mediacorp.

The double bill celebration continued as we also celebrated our social service colleagues, the heartbeat of PPIS, on Social Work Day. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our social service professionals served at the frontlines, braving the unknown for our beneficiaries. It was heartwarming to hear the team exchanging words of affirmation and supporting each other to continue improving the lives of vulnerable people.

In Ramadan however, was when I found my wind, and I hope you did too. I managed to spend time with our Risers from the Halfway House over a meaningful buka puasa, our wonderful students and their families at the Student Care Centres for a heartwarming buka puasa, as well as Oaks Plus Limited educators who donated and collated contributions from our parents to share the blessings of Ramadan with the residents of Jalan Minyak, in partnership with Pekik Community Services.

I hope you continue to support our PPIS Ihsan Ramadan so PPIS can continue her legacy of inspiring women and strengthening families.

This Ramadan brought out so much good in our community, and I hope all the good we cultivated is here to stay and for our Syawal to be filled with the husnuzon spirit.

Here’s wishing you and yours a meaningful and blessed lebaran. Selamat Hari Raya Aidilftiri. Eid Mubarak, mohon maaf zahir dan batin.

– Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim, President

As we enter Q2 of 2023 and the last 10 days of Ramadan, it was humbling to be a part of the many giving back and iftar events within PPIS. I see the whole of PPIS coming together to contribute in one way or another towards making this Ramadan a meaningful one for our beneficiaries and partners.

Our work serving the community extends beyond Ramadan and our funded programmes. We take opportunities of extending our beneficiaries to those in need, and wherever they may be. In February, we headed to the office of The Black Hole Group to render our help to sort and pack winter wear and other needs, to be delivered to the victims of earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

In March, we celebrated both International Women’s Day (IWD) and Social Work Day. I am filled with pride how PPIS has gone this far. These celebrations serve as a time for us to not only commemorate, but to reflect on how we can play our part to promote social justice and change, and uplift each other.

At our organisation, we believe in the importance of working together to build stronger, more resilient communities that benefit everyone. With 2023 dedicated as the Year of Celebrating Social Service Partners (YCPartners), PPIS will remain committed to ensuring that we create an inclusive workplace culture – one that values diversity and promotes equitable opportunities. As #OnePPIS, we have the power to make a difference and build a better future for all.

As we strive to fill hearts and homes with endless joy and happiness, we pray that the magic of Eid does the same for you and MORE.

Selamat Hari Raya.

– Mdm Tuminah Sapawi, CEO

As we welcome the month of Syawal,

PPIS wishes our members, funders and volunteers,

Eid Mubarak and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri!

During the month of Ramadhan, it is said that providing for those in need is one of the most highly recommended virtues of worship for a Muslim. In its very first give-back initiative, on Saturday, 8 April, PPIS Oasis had gathered 7 foster families and 38 PPIS staff and volunteers for its Oasis Gives Back initiative. Over 1,980 food and household items contributed by Oasis foster families and PPIS staff, as well as two ready-to-eat meals from Free Food For All were packed into Ramadhan hampers.

These hampers were delivered to 95 natural families of foster children and kinship children from PPIS Oasis and three other fostering agencies and families of youths living in a residential home. Ustaz Yusri Yusoff, started the mornin on an inspiring talk on Ramadan as a month full of mercy and its significance in human relations, particularly family relationships.

It was heartening to have the support of 34 delivery riders and drivers consisting of 4 PPIS Oasis Volunteer Transport Minders (VTM), 16 Grabfood (GF) Rempit riders, and 14 PPIS volunteers. They travelled across all of Singapore to deliver 110 of the Ramadhan hampers. PPIS Oasis is grateful for the support that the wider community continues to give, towards raising awareness and visibility for the fostering community.

For many of us, buka puasa (breaking fast) marks the end of fasting for the day and a time where all or most family members re-connect, thankful that we are able to share another meal together. Ramadan, the month of reflection and gratitude is also one where we are reminded to share our blessings with those who are less unfortunate or are away from their family.

On 30 March, PPIS President and CEO along with board members and staff joined 25 Muslim and non-Muslim residents at Rise Above Halfway House for their very first Ramadan at the halfway house. The event was graced by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State (MOS), Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development. Residents played host in the cosy and interactive gathering.

During the session, five of our residents had the opportunity to shine! A video that documented their experience and journey of growth in Rise Above was showcased to guests in attendance. Many shared similar sentiments that the programmes have aided them to be more independent and self-aware in their routines, work and interaction with others. Indeed, the best memories are made over good food and good company.

Happy Social Work Day! With the global theme of “Respecting Diversity Through Joint Social Action,” this year’s celebrations had placed emphasis on how much social service organisations can achieve for its beneficiaries, by harnessing and embedding diversity, equality, and inclusion in the profession. It is opportune that this year, we celebrate our Social Service Professionals (SSPs), the hidden heroes of the pandemic and the heartbeat of PPIS.

Needless to say, after three years, our social workers had a blast reconnecting in person over games and a scrumptious array of lunch options during the afternoon at 21 on Rajah on 20 March. The celebrations had kicked off with our centres nominating their fellow colleagues as ambassadors for their advocacy towards mental and emotional well-being and for their sheer determination to achieve their goals. Afterwards, thrilling sights and exciting voices filled the room as centres engaged with each other in a series of games like Human Bingo and Pictionary.

The session also saw Social Services Senior Director Mdm Azita Abdul Aziz share on the research study that PPIS had commissioned between the year 2021 to 2022 to investigate the self-care practices of our SSPs, borne out of concern for the overall well-being of our SSPs during the pandemic. The celebrations ended on a high note, with an appreciation video montage for all 8 of PPIS’ Centre Managers and SD Azita.

On 12 March, PPIS held its first physical International Women’s Day (IWD) celebrations after three years. Themed on “Embrace Equity: Forging Positive Change”, this year’s celebration was graced by Minister Indranee Rajah, Minister Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and Second Minister for National Development.

This year’s celebration was significant as it followed the release of PPIS’ landmark research on the Aspirations of Singapore Muslim Women (AMWR) at last year’s IWD. The top three personal aspirations of Muslim Women (MW) were to be financially independent, to be fit and healthy, and to a better MW. Following up on these findings, the Research Engagement Division (RED) featured three speakers to share on the three areas of personal aspirations.

Dr Shilla Maria Yusof shared on how healthier living directly co-relates to a woman’s quality of life. Ustazah Nurhannah Irwan elaborated on how MW can integrate the Muslim worldview into their daily routines and practices to navigate modern-day complexities. Modest fashion entrepreneur, Mdm Kat Aziz shared on her unconventional journey to achieving financial independence and striking a balance between her personal and business aspirations.

PPIS annual fundraising campaign – PPIS Ihsan Ramadan – returned with the theme of Kembalikan Sinar (Lighting Lives). The two-month campaign hopes to raise $350,000 to fund programmes and services at PPIS Rise Above Halfway House as well as the two Student Care Centres. Beneficiaries like Lisa (not her real name), is a resident at PPIS Rise Above Halfway House who is a mother of four school-going children. Lisa was sentenced to a year in prison for drug-related offences. At PPIS Rise Above Halfway House, Lisa is able to undergo a full-time course for a supporting role in the healthcare industry. She is currently working and hopes to return to her family once the programme at halfway house is over.

Share your blessings and help more families like Lisa’s by donating now at www.ppis.sg/pir. Your general donation will be eligible for a 2.5 times tax deduction.

To receive tax deduction for your PayNow donations, email donations@ppis.sg a screenshot of your donation with your Name and NRIC No.

Thank You to Our Fundraising Partner!

Our Fundraising Partner, Natasha Salleh has contributed generously via #LinkedInGives and here is what she has to say:

“I supported PPIS in fundraising efforts as part of #GivingTuesday campaign organized by my organization, LinkedIn. Between 28 Nov & 2 Dec, I wanted to create awareness for PPIS because it’s an important cause that I recently gotten to know better as an advisory committee member and found that there was a host of services provided towards the betterment of women and their families.

Through this short fundraising event, I’ve managed to raise $5,218 for PPIS ($2,000 from my personal and professional networks, $1,551 from my personal matching, $1,667 from LinkedIn’s employee matching programme). It was incredibly heartwarming to see my professional and personal networks supporting through monetary donations and driving greater impact for PPIS!”

Thank You to Our Sponsor!

We have formed meaningful partnership with our Sponsor, Edible Garden City and here is what they have to say:

Community engagement is one of the key tenets of Edible Garden City’s urban farming mission. As a social enterprise that champions the “Grow Your Own Food” movement, we believe that growing our own food connects us with nature and tightens our social fabric. Edible Garden City’s meaningful partnership with Rise Above is incredibly exciting for our farmers. We are inspired by the organisation’s commitment to supporting ex-offenders, as we are aligned in our vision to empower marginalised communities. The partnership will manifest with a beautiful edible garden, engaging hands-on educational programmes and a reliable garden maintenance programme. We hope that the edible garden will become a tranquil safe haven for Rise Above’s farmers, where they can not only train their green thumbs, but where they can also find solace and self-love within nature.”

On 10 February, PPIS staff together with CEO, Mdm Tuminah Sapawi joined other volunteers at the sorting, packing and delivering of winter wear, shoes and daily needs in support of the humanitarian efforts for those affected by the Turkey and Syria earthquake. Organised by The Black Hole Group, PPIS staff lived up to the value of volunteerism and giving to those in need.

The men in PPIS are our important male allies.

They work hand-in-hand and heart-to-heart to create a difference in those they serve.

This year, Naseef celebrates 10 years with PPIS! For Naseef, he believes that being equitable means that every individual can perform to the best of their abilities in their daily roles and responsibilities, when empowered with the right support and resources.

As a Senior Social Worker with INSPIRASI, his decade-long employment with PPIS has been nothing short of satisfying, meaningful and inspiring. He credits his ability to overcome and better navigate challenges at work to the strong support system that he has at INSPIRASI.

In his line of work supporting clients on their mental health journey, Systemic Therapist Zaki believes that to be equitable, providing and linking individuals, couples and families to support, knowledge and resources are important. This enables them to have a functional and meaningful relationship with themselves and their loved ones; regardless of their social standing and means. Hence, encouragement and support to fellow colleagues also goes a long way for them to collectively give and showcase their best work.

For Adrian, he describes his journey as a Counsellor at Family Service Centre (East) as filled with responsibilities, yet calming and peaceful all at the same time. His personal philosophy of equity is that it comes from fairness and impartiality, and that one should practice good values and ethics that they would for themselves, towards others.

Turning 4 this quarter with PPIS, Adrian has also found that the work culture and team spirit at FSCE has also enabled and positively impacted his choices on how he can #EmbraceEquity, both in his professional and personal life.

40 keluarga penerima bantuan diberi baucar beli pakaian sempena Syawal

PPIS Ihsan Ramadan campaign encourages giving during the blessed month with donations directed towards supporting women and their families. The total goal is to raise $350,000 through general donations and zakat contributions by 31 May 2023. With the theme ‘Kembalikan Sinar,’ 40 beneficiaries and their families received vouchers to purchase new Hari Raya clothing. PPIS CEO (Chief Executive Officer) Mdm Tuminah Sapawi hopes to assist beneficiaries with Hari Raya preparations and enable them to experience the festive season with joy. PPIS looks forward to run more meaningful campaigns to benefit and reach out to more donors and beneficiaries alike.

Read more here.

Pastikan pembangunan wanita terus bertakhta di minda

PPIS President Mdm Hazlina Abdul Halim shared how discussions on women, raising awareness of their challenges, aspirations, and the increased provision of support for women to engage in women’s development or to celebrate their achievements are important in paving ways for them. Through interactions with women, children and families who seek PPIS’ services, it is clear that the starting line is different for every individual. Each person has a set of different experiences, unequal networks, opportunities and resources, all of which can be a catalyst to help them become the best version of themselves and achieve their highest aspirations. PPIS’ research on the Aspirations of Muslim Women in Singapore and the Singapore Women’s Development White Paper were quoted as a reference to draw up a plan for women’s progress.

Read more here.

Badan Melayu/Islam pertingkat bantuan bagi penerima sempena Ramadan

Several Malay/Muslim Organisations (MMO) noted an increased number of applications for assistance in the past three years since the start of the pandemic. MMOs are expecting the numbers to rise, especially with the upcoming Ramadan. PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi said the organisation received up to 610 applications for Ramadan assistance in 2019. As compared to previous years, more members of the community are willing to contribute their time and efforts this year since the relaxation of the Covid-19 protocols, adding that there is “a surge in the number of private companies who give their employees time to do volunteer work with us”.

Read more here.

6 pesakit ginjal baru dikesan setiap hari: Rahayu

According to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NKF Mr Tim Oei, Singapore is the country with the most patients with renal diseases. Each day, around six new patients in Singapore are diagnosed with kidney failure. From 2017 to 2021, the number of kidney patients undergoing dialysis increased from around 7,000 to over 8,600. PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi acknowledges that women play an important role in the family. PPIS will continue its pursuit of empowering women and their families by encouraging dialogue, recreational activities at the family centres, and promoting healthy lifestyles at the student care centres.

Read more here.

Usaha bina keluarga perlukan sokongan menyeluruh

Financial incentives alone may not be enough to encourage couples to have more children. According to PPIS Senior Director of Social Services Division Azita Abdul Aziz, the announcement of increased Baby Bonus, increased Government contributions to the Child Development Account (CDA), and doubled paternity leave is most welcome especially for parents and couples who have planned to have children. It incentivise them to start building families especially with more support in the early years, promoting access to education. However, financial support is only one aspect that will influence their decision. Other aspects such as caregiving support, health considerations and stage of life play an equally important role.

Read more here.

Aturan fleksibel bantu tarik wanita dalam tenaga kerja

Wider and more available flexible work opportunities, including part-time jobs can contribute to increasing the participation rate of women in Singapore’s workforce. Such arrangements open up opportunities for workers to balance their roles at home, while actively contributing to the family and national economy. Moreover, the availability of flexible work arrangements can create a foundation for workplace inclusivity to attract more women to the workforce. However, while women may choose such working arrangements, PPIS CEO Mdm Tuminah Sapawi cautioned that efforts need to be increased to ensure that they are still given the opportunity to advance their careers, and are also offered a balanced salary.

Read more here.