Grassroots leaders receive training to help explain Pioneer Generation Package

Dr Amy Khor speaking during the first outreach training course on government assistance schemes (in this case, the Pioneer Generation Package). Training is underway for 500 women grassroots leaders to help them better reach out to heartlanders a
Dr Amy Khor speaking during the first outreach training course on government assistance schemes (in this case, the Pioneer Generation Package). Training is underway for 500 women grassroots leaders to help them better reach out to heartlanders and explain national policies like the Pioneer Generation Package. So far, 170 of the volunteers have been trained. -- ST PHOTO: ZAOBAO

SINGAPORE - Training is underway for 500 women grassroots leaders to help them better reach out to heartlanders and explain national policies like the Pioneer Generation Package. So far, 170 of the volunteers have been trained.

At the second session on Sunday for members of the People's Association Women's Executive Committee (WEC) Befrienders from the Central Singapore District, Senior Minister of State for Health and Manpower Amy Khor briefed them on the key messages and intent of the Pioneer Generation Package which benefits older Singaporeans, and national health insurance scheme, Medishield Life.

The volunteers were then given tips on how to communicate effectively with residents, especially the elderly. This was done through role play.

"For the Pioneers it's particularly challenging, because this generation of Singaporeans tends to be less connected to developments around them" said Dr Khor on the sidelines of the event at The Grassroots Club in Yio Chu Kang.

She added that it was useful to work with grassroots volunteers "because they are familiar with the residents so we hope they can reach out to the Pioneers and no one will be left out."

The Befriender programme was launched in March with the aim of training at least 1,000 members of the People's Association WEC to help explain government assistance schemes to residents.

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