UNEMPLOYED COMMUNITY LEADERS (Programmes to facilitate employability)

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UNEMPLOYED COMMUNITY LEADERS:

(Programmes to facilitate employability): The following Question stood in the name of Mdm Ho Geok Choo -

19. To ask the Minister for Community Development and Sports (a) how will community service be affected by the morale of community leaders who are above 40, who have lost their jobs and who have not been able to find employment easily; and (b) what programmes can the People's Association put in place to (i) facilitate the employability of these community leaders; and (ii) help retain their spirit of volunteerism and commitment.

Mr Charles Chong (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Question No. 19, Sir.

The Minister of State for Community Development and Sports (Mr Chan Soo Sen) (for the Minister for Community Development and Sports): Sir, we have not detected any trend of grassroots leaders giving up their grassroots work or community work because they have lost their jobs. In fact, on the contrary, the People's Association is heartened to know of grassroots leaders who, despite having been retrenched, have continued to play an active role in grassroots work. We would like to commend these individuals for their selflessness and dedication towards community service. Therefore, in answer to the first part of the Question,

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community service is not affected by the morale of community leaders who are above 40 and have been retrenched.

Having said that, the People's Association would be understanding if any retrenched grassroots leader wants to spend more time looking for a new job. He or she could have the choice of either continuing to serve, but assume a less demanding role, or if he so desires, he can be given temporary leave of absence.

Just like any other Singaporean, any retrenched grassroots leader who has difficulty finding a job can approach the Community Development Councils for skills training and job search assistance.

Although the People's Association (PA) has no specific programme to maintain the employability of grassroots leaders on their jobs, any training the grassroots leaders may have received from the People Association's training arm, that is, the National Community Leadership Institute, as well as the experience and skills they have acquired through their grassroots work, would be useful to them in looking for a new job. Where appropriate, the respective grassroots advisers may also give testimonials to their grassroots leaders who have served well, based on their personal knowledge in their grassroots leaders.