In this day and age, there are many different types of families. Some consist of two parents and children. Some are extended and have aunties, uncles and grandparents living under one roof. Some families have only one parent looking after children. Others merge together to create a new family unit. There is no right or wrong family structure; as long as the members of that family love and support each other to thrive and to be successful then that should be all that matters.
Building blocks of the community
Care Corner Singapore is a registered charity that believes that strong and stable families are the foundation upon which a community is built, and that a vibrant family life is fundamental to personal growth. They support more than 50,000 people across the country through a network of services, including children and youth, elderly, special needs, counselling and family intervention.
The charity is working with the The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to reach out to transnational couples and spouses, that is to say a relationship or marriage between two people from different countries. The number of transnational marriages between a Singapore citizen and a person from another country (excluding permanent residents) has been growing steadily, from 23 percent of all marriages in 2003 to 30 percent in 2013.
The charity is working with the The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to reach out to transnational couples and spouses, that is to say a relationship or marriage between two people from different countries. The number of transnational marriages between a Singapore citizen and a person from another country (excluding permanent residents) has been growing steadily, from 23 percent of all marriages in 2003 to 30 percent in 2013.
Eight in 10 transnational marriages are between Singaporean grooms and
non-resident brides.
Overcoming cultural barriers
When people from different countries or cultures come together to form a family unit the actual practicalities of daily life can often be somewhat challenging. They may indeed speak the language of love, but face linguistic and cultural hurdles, and see and understand the world in different ways. Once the couple chooses to settle in Singapore then they must face the additional issues of immigration, unemployment and the stress of adapting to a new environment. According to counsellors and divorce lawyers, these cross-country unions are likely to collapse if they do not have a stable foundation.
“What we hope to do is have the people start out on a proper footing to have
as great a chance for success in their marriages, as much as possible.”
Minister for Social and Family Development Chan Chun Sing
This is where Care Corner comes in. The charity helps new couples to open the lines of communication, to manage their expectations of each other and to strengthen their bond through a series of marriage preparation programmes and marriage support programmes. The programmes also help couples to focus on preparing to settle down in Singapore, changing citizenship, negotiating the laws and language of a new country, and on managing finances. Transnational couples are encouraged to attend these programmes, which consist of workshops, activities, group sharing and mini lectures, on a voluntary basis. The programmes are open to all couples, regardless of their financial situation.
Share your language skills
If you are proficient in Tamil, Malay, Bahasa Indonesia, Thai or Tagalog, have empathy towards other cultures and can commit one day a week or when needed, then Care Corner needs you. They are looking for volunteers to translate these marriage programmes. Your translation skills could support spouses who have recently arrived in Singapore and help transnational couples to learn about each other, learn how to live with each other and learn how to live and get involved in Singapore life. Your support could help build families, build communities and build the Singapore of tomorrow.
For more information, click here.
For more information, click here.
Not a translator but still want to help?
No problem. Care Corner Singapore is also looking for volunteers with other skills. Take a look at the links below for more information.
- Want to help Care Corner centres to reach out and help the community? Volunteer as Community Liaisons Office/Receptionist
- Love children and know the current primary school syllabus? Volunteer as Evergreen Bees Mentors - Care Corner Singapore
- Have video production experience and want to inspire others to take action in social good? Volunteer with Filmmakers 4 Good - Care Corner Singapore
Author
Emma Nobes
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