Several initiatives were launched to help the Singapore community cope with and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Home-Based Learning Support for Students To support home-based learning during the circuit breaker period, the Infocomm Media Development Authority, NCS Pte Ltd, Singtel, Temasek and Temasek Foundation came together to provide over 200 laptops and 80 data plans to 12 special education schools, specialised schools and early intervention centres to meet the needs of their students. ‘Learn Together with Me’ Channel 8 Series From 15 April to 28 April, Temasek Foundation supported the airing of “乐学每疫刻” (Learn Together with Me) on MediaCorp Channel 8. The series spanned 10 30-minute episodes, and was targeted at seniors during the circuit breaker period. Besides learning art and crafts, home exercises, cooking, sing-alongs, dances and IT skills, viewers also received public education messages such as how to improve their physical and mental well-being, the importance of social distancing as well as how to do proper handwashing techniques etc. Extension of operating hours for AIC Hotline In recognition that seniors and caregivers may require more assistance during the pandemic, and especially so during the circuit breaker period, Temasek Foundation partnered the Agency for Integrated Care to extend operating hours for the AIC Hotline. Hawker Food Delivery Programme In a partnership with The Food Bank Singapore, Temasek Foundation provided 34,000 meals to vulnerable beneficiaries from May 2020. These meals were purchased from hawkers located in hawker centres across the island, so as to support those whose businesses had been adversely affected by the circuit breaker. The meals were delivered to families in need by unemployed or low-income workers looking to supplement their income, along with volunteers. Meal Support for Students To help students from disadvantaged backgrounds cope with the pandemic, Temasek Foundation provided meal support to identified students from specialised and special education schools who may not have adequate family support and may have had to return to school during the home-based learning period. Food Aid Programme (low-income individuals) In partnership with Free Food For All and Willing Hearts, 270,000 meals were delivered to 1,500 persons from April 2020 for a period of six months. The meals are to support low-income individuals living in rental flats, as well as the non-ambulant and those with pre-existing conditions such as arthritis and dementia. In addition, 60 tonnes of uncooked rice was donated to Willing Hearts by T-Touch, the staff volunteer arm of Temasek. Food Support with Love Programme In a partnership with SATS Ltd and Singapore Airlines, Temasek Foundation provided more than 100,000 free ready-to-eat meals and 11,000 snacks to households in need, benefitting more than 2,800 households with timely food security and relief. My Mental Health Resource Site My Mental Health is a resource hub of mental health information to support persons who may be struggling with mental wellness during COVID-19. In addition to information, tips and other resource articles contributed by mental health professionals, the site contains a comprehensive directory of services, and features online forums and support groups where users can seek support for their mental health needs.
This article was originally published on: https://www.temasekfoundation.org.sg/Programmes/GetProgramme/8797
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