Over six Sunday mornings, something special happened down at Changi Sailing Club. Through a joint effort between CaringSG and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), caregivers and their special needs dependents came together to pick up a new skill—sailing—in a setting that was equal parts fun, inclusive, and empowering.
Leading the workshop was Jovin Tan, four-time Paralympian and Singapore’s first certified sailing coach with a disability. Jovin didn’t just teach participants how to sail—he guided them through everything from getting the boats ready to understanding wind patterns and steering. But more than that, he taught the importance of discipline, communication, and teamwork, ensuring everyone felt confident both out at sea and during the clean-up on shore.
We had 7 pairs of participants, from kids as young as 9 to adults, and it was honestly moving to see how the caregivers supported not just their own children, but each other’s too—helping tie knots, figuring out equipment, and sharing laughs along the way.
Attendance was strong every week, with everyone showing up excited, hoping for good weather, and swapping stories about what they learned. There was a real sense of community and shared purpose—something you don’t always see in more structured programmes.
To wrap things up, our final session on 11 May—which happened to fall on Mother’s Day—ended with a simple but lovely celebration. Each mum received a burgundy rose, and we all sat down to a hearty meal of fried bee hoon, chicken wings, otah and more. It was a small gesture to mark a big achievement.
“Thank you for making this programme so fun and meaningful for our families. It gave our child a chance to mingle and pick up new skills!” – Marie Yeo
“Thanks to Jovin, the volunteers, SDSC team and Diana. This was a great experience. Looking forward to the next round!” – Shankar Parasailing
“We really appreciated the 2-way shuttle and the care everyone took to ensure the boats were safe and ready. The celebratory lunch was a nice touch too!” – Ivy Aw
“Your compassion and commitment truly make a difference. You’re not just teaching sailing—you’re shaping an inclusive community.” – Surya Prakash
“Thank you for your time, heart and care. It gives us strength.” – Tang Jingping
This wasn’t just a sailing class—it was a chance to grow, bond, and support one another. We’re so grateful to everyone who made it possible. Here’s to more waves, more learning, and more moments like these. 🌊
Over six Sunday mornings, something special happened down at Changi Sailing Club. Through a joint effort between CaringSG and the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), caregivers and their special needs dependents came together to pick up a new skill—sailing—in a setting that was equal parts fun, inclusive, and empowering.
On 17 April 2025, CaringSG hosted a deeply meaningful Self-Care Workshop facilitated by Julia Chan—caregiver, certified mental wellness coach, and author of The Healing Journal: A Caregiver’s Path to Self-Care. With a nurturing approach shaped by her own lived experiences, Julia guided participants through practical tools to better care for themselves while supporting their loved ones.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the child’s interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Eliz’s creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the child’s interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Eliz’s creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
A big part of the joy in caregiving for children comes from being made to see things from a fresh child-like perspective. Teaching autistic children requires one to go beyond that. Often, one has to tap on that perspective and the child’s interest to engage them in learning about our neurotypical world. This is the story of Eliz’s creative teaching journey inspired by her fostered child, Eugene.
I am sitting down to write this six days after I met Wendy, Mummy to an autistic daughter, over lunch. Looking at the notes I scribbled from our chat, the few words that popped up in my mind? ‘My learning journey’. This is Wendy’s learning journey as a caregiver.
