by Amanda Lee
FEWER Singaporean residents are seeking help from grassroots
organisations.
All five Community Development Councils (CDCs), which function
as local administrations of various districts in Singapore, offer
community and social assistance services for residents.
With improving economic conditions and more job opportunities,
the number of residents seeking help at CDCs has dropped
sharply.
Only half as many - or 5,600 - registered for job help for the
quarter ended June, from a year ago, said a joint statement from
the five CDCs on Wednesday.
During that period, the number fell from 2,000 in April to 1,800
in June.
The drop has also led to fewer job seekers being placed - from
5,000 in the same quarter last year to 4,000 this year.
Mr Matthias Yao, Mayor of South East CDC attributed the decline
to the economic recovery. '"As the economy improves, more companies
are hiring. Unemployment remains low, and job seekers find it
easier to get jobs on their own,' he said.
Mayors of the five CDCs are now focusing on skills upgrading for
job seekers.
"Upskilling and employment is the best social safety net for
them (residents)" said Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West CDC.
Mr Zainudin Nordin, Mayor of Central Singapore CDC, encouraged
resident to continue to upgrade themselves to enhance their
employability.
CDCs have started various initiatives. North West CDC has
launched a Workfare Training Support scheme, the South West CDC has
launched an 'Upskill the Unskilled' initiative.
All the CDCs also work closely with ComCare Local Network, a
series of schemes to provide social assistance for needy
residents.
