Fewer seek help from CDCs

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.

Clivebenss

20 Aug 10, 17:58

Election is coming.

likeyou

20 Aug 10, 22:20

1) Pple give up going there for jobs

2) Pple find their own jobs

3) pple really got jobs thru them.

Which one?

Clivebenss

21 Aug 10, 02:22

4) none of the above.

dechang

21 Aug 10, 23:18

People seek help from CDC and this is the response they get.

1. CDC: You should go and work instead of applying for financial assistant

You: I can't work. I have all these medicial and family problems from working.

CDC: Too bad we can't help you than.

You: (Give up)

2. CDC: Sell your house and buy a smaller house and you will get money

Clivebenss

22 Aug 10, 00:53

Originally posted by dechang:

People seek help from CDC and this is the response they get.

1. CDC: You should go and work instead of applying for financial assistant

You: I can't work. I have all these medicial and family problems from working.

CDC: Too bad we can't help you than.

You: (Give up)

2. CDC: Sell your house and buy a smaller house and you will get money

no house to sell how??