Launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs

Today marked the launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs in Singapore. The initiative is supported by various government agencies and is part of the government's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle and bonding among Singaporeans.

The national effort was launched on Sunday by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Lim Boon Heng, together with the mayors of the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) at the Singapore Turf Club. Thousands participated in the launch and brisk walking trek around the Turf Club.

The five CDCs have helped form 391 brisk walking clubs with close to 80,000 brisk walkers as at the end of August this year. They hope to increase the number of clubs to 620 with some 100,000 members in the next three years.

Other initiatives include :

• Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)to provide the People's Association with a grant of up to $1.9 million from 1 April this year till 31 March 2012 to implement the National Brisk Walking Clubs initiative.
• Health Promotion Board (HPB) will enhance the capability of the exercise leaders and develop resource materials to educate the residents and oversee the evaluation of the programme in terms of the effectiveness in improving the fitness level and health behaviours of participants.

F1 Singapore 2009

This year's Grand Prix was held over 3 days, 25-27 September. Being the only F1 night race in the world has put Singapore at the centre of attention, at least for the 2 hours when millions of F1 fans all over the world tune in to catch the action amidst the well-lit skyline of our little country.

The view is simply spectacular, with a blend of colonial buildings in the foreground against the backdrop of modern buildings. Guess what? Next year's skyline will be different with the completion of our Marina integrated resort.

This year there were also a series of mega star performances at Fort Canning by Jacky Cheung, A-mei, Beyonce etc Definitely party time for our little island as we welcome international guests to join in the fun!

For results of the 2009 Grand Prix in Singapore, click here...

Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri

This year, Muslims celebrate it on 20 Sep 09. The celebration signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. Muslims starts the day by congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visits to the graves of the departed. To find out more, click here...

We wish all our Muslim friends a Selamat Hari Raya!!!

Photos contributed by Ms Angela Goh

More Childcare Centres by PCF

The number of childcare centres run by the PAP Community Foundation(PCF) is set to more than double in the next two years to meet demand.

The PCF, which runs 33 Sparkle*Tots childcare centres, is looking to add at least 40 more in the next two years. This is in line with a plan announced earlier by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, to add some 200 childcare centres industry-wide in the next five years.

Efforts are also being made to improve the quality of education in both childcare centres and kindergartens. This can only be achieved with the help of qualified PCF teachers. PCF wants its teachers to continue learning by making scholarships and subsidies available to them to encourage them to upgrade their skills.

By 2013, PCF aims to equip 95% of its teachers with a professional diploma and at least 25% of them with a degree. The PCF also wants to encourage its principals to upgrade themselves, and in the long term, have all of them possess a degree.

"Going Solo"

An initiative by the labour movement - NTUC Women's Development Secretariat : a guidebook aimed at single mothers titled, Going Solo. NTUC said that the growing number of single moms is a concern.

The book includes information on help schemes, with a section devoted to explaining their legal rights. NTUC said many single mothers often do not know who to approach for help. Issues like the custody of the children, access to children, distribution of the matrimonial assets etc are some of the areas where the women are lacking in information and when they are not aware of their rights, it is difficult for them to enforce these rights.

NTUC hopes that its efforts will help raise awareness of the difficulties they face, and go some way in removing the stigma of single parenthood.

About 2,000 copies of Going Solo will be distributed free to single mothers.

Visit to fire victim's house

Mr Hawazi visited the fire victim's family in Marsiling on Wednesday,2 September 2009 and presented a cheque as an immediate relief to the family.

Also present was the Civil Defence officer explaining and showing Mr Hawazi the extent of the damages to the flat. The officer also took time to explain to the resident on the use of the fire extinguisher.

The HDB and Town Council also extended their assistance to the fire victim's family during this time.

Hari Raya Hongbao - 29 August 09

Distribution of Hari Raya Hongbao to the Malay and Muslim needy families at Marsiling Community Club on a Saturday afternoon by Mr Hawazi. He also took the opportunity to give away bursaries to 15 needy students sponsored by SembCorp Marine.