Digital skills programme helps low-income families manage cyber wellness

SINGAPORE - With two teenaged daughters who were always glued to their digital devices, Mr Mohamad Roslan Palil, 54, struggled daily to ensure they did their homework on time and got enough sleep. When he took part in a pilot programme by Touch Community Services, Mr Roslan learnt how to use digital platforms and cyber wellness tips and was able to better understand and communicate with his daughters - and ultimately get them to adopt better habits when using their devices. As part of the Digitally Ready Families programme - aimed at teaching digital skills to low-income families - Mr Roslan and his wife learnt parenting strategies and how to have honest conversations with their teen daughters - aged 14 and 13 - about their use of electronic devices. They also have a six-year-old son. With the skills they have learnt, the family is now closer, and his daughters have become more disciplined in their device use and lead better and healthier lifestyles, said Mr Roslan, who is looking for a job. He said: "The communication skills I've learnt have helped me to better manage my daughters' device use. I have also learnt how to navigate websites and do some research to get more information...

First non-profit to support men from low-income families unveiled

SINGAPORE - Men from low-income families in Nee Soon South can receive support in finding employment and navigating mental health issues, among other challenges, through a new non-profit dedicated to them. The first organisation to focus on men from low-income backgrounds, Rise Community is the brainchild of Ms Carrie Tan, an MP for Nee Soon GRC. The non-profit was unveiled on Saturday (March 20) at the PAP Nee Soon South branch in Yishun. Its name - Rise - stands for resilience, integrity, strength, and energy. The organisation will work on improving the men's socio-emotional, physical, and financial well-being through peer support groups and by creating employment opportunities. For a start, in a two-year pilot, Rise Community aims to reach out to 500 men between the ages of 20 and 59 who live in Nee Soon South. These will include men who are the sole breadwinners of their family and live in rental flats, those who have lost their jobs, or have always been in low-wage, unstable employment and are looking to gain social mobility. The non-profit, which started work a few months ago, has about 50 members for now. Employees and members of Rise Community will work with community partn...