test
“The theme today is “Uplift Caregivers, Uplift Community,” because we don’t just want caregivers to do well
Featured photo: Karen Kwa in pink with husband, and their three daughters
My name is Karen Kwa, I have 3 girls.
My elder girl was slow in learning, she caught up only in Primary 6 when she was transferred to EM3, when on to NT (Normal Tech), to ITE then to Polytechnic. She’s working already.
My second girl was diagnosed with dyslexia at Primary 6. As hers is mild, she managed to keep up with the help of the DAS (Dyslexia Association of Singapore) centre at Bishan. She went on to Express stream in Secondary, then to poly, and currently she’s working.
My youngest was the one that needed more attention. She was slow in catching up with her peers in kindergarten. She was under SPD for OT (occupational therapy) and speech. She was transferred to APSN Katong in 2008 and went on to DSS (Delta Senior School) and since then she has progressed well. She’s working at Uniqlo and plays the Guzheng with the Purple Symphony Orchestra.
Because of my youngest girl, I have seen how our family has supported her and how she has progressed. I wanted to help other parents who have special needs children, to support them.
When I saw on Facebook that CaringSG has this CAREbuddy program that can help parents that need support and help, I jumped into it. In the CAREbuddy training, we learn how to communicate and role play on how to connect and help the caregiver.
What I like most about this program that we learn how to give support and encouragement to caregivers who need the most help in emotional support and guidance.
As caregivers we have learnt to support our child in many different ways and they have progressed. Let’s come and support CaringSG to sign up for CAREbuddy training and support other caregivers who need our encouragement.
About CAREbuddy
CAREbuddy is one of CaringSG’s Project 3i programmes where trained special needs caregivers (CAREbuddies) provide emotional support to fellow special needs caregivers.
Karen Kwa graduated from our second batch of CAREbuddy trainees and is now a CAREbuddy intern.
Trainees go through a total of 24 hours of training, followed by 6 months of internship upon graduation. During internship, CAREbuddy interns begin to support fellow caregivers, and our trainers will mentor them as well.
Special needs caregivers who are interested to volunteer as a CAREbuddy can sign up for our information session (tentatively 6 June 2022, Mon, 8-9.30pm). Please join our FB page to receive more updates on how to sign up, and read more about CAREbuddy at https://caring.sg/carebuddy/
“The theme today is “Uplift Caregivers, Uplift Community,” because we don’t just want caregivers to do well
“The theme today is “Uplift Caregivers, Uplift Community,” because we don’t just want caregivers to do well; we also want the community to be strong. The reason why caregivers chip in is that we are building the community, not just for ourselves, but for our children and future generations.”
CaringSG’s inaugural Family Day took place on 7th September 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Enabling Village. This special event, in partnership with Enabling Village, Singapore’s first inclusive community space, brings together the public, caregivers, persons with disabilities and their supporters for a day filled with learning, connection, and memorable experiences.
“We are stronger together. Whether it’s joining a support group, marching side by side in the Purple Parade, sharing the healing power of a journal, or simply being there for each other, every action we take, no matter how small, contributes to a more compassionate and resilient community.”
“CaringSG be focusing on providing you more support for mental health and financial resilience—whether it’s self-care, planning for the future, exploring career options, or simply ensuring you have someone to talk to when things get tough.”
In 2024-2025, with support from SG Enable, and in collaboration with the Enabling Services Hubs by SG Enable and partners that aim to bring disability support closer to home, CaringSG will be setting up 10 CAREkaki chapters in 10 constituencies in Singapore.
© 2024 CaringSG Limited. 202034409E. | Personal Data Clause | Terms Of Service