Singapore is bridging cultural gaps with a fresh initiative: free Hokkien and Cantonese classes for migrant domestic workers! Announced by Minister of State Gan Siow Huang, the program aims to help workers communicate better with employers—especially older residents who rely on Chinese dialects as their primary language. 🗨️👵
Data shows 21.9% of Singaporeans aged 55+ speak dialects like Hokkien daily, and many struggle with English or Mandarin. 'Dialect lessons foster trust and lasting relationships,' Gan emphasized at an International Migrants Day event.
Beyond Language: Skills & Support
The Center for Domestic Employees (CDE) will also partner with the Healthcare Academy to provide advanced caregiving courses like dementia care 👵🧠 and infant care 👶. Mental health workshops and counseling services—in collaboration with Silver Ribbon Singapore—will further support the 294,900 migrant domestic workers who make up 19% of Singapore’s foreign workforce.
Why Dialects Matter
With 8.7% of residents using dialects at home, the move addresses a critical need. Employers will access free workshops too, creating a two-way cultural exchange. 🌟 As one local put it: 'It’s not just about words—it’s about understanding.'
