CDAC Honours 264 Individuals and Organisations and Plans to Double Volunteerism and Partnership by 2030
The Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC) celebrated the contributions of its dedicated volunteers and partners at its inaugural Volunteers’ and Partners Appreciation Day on 5 July, held under the theme “Knots of Friendship, Ties that Bind”.
This year, 264 individuals and organisations were recognised, comprising 239 Long Service Award recipients, 15 Commendation Award winners, nine donors and sponsors, and one Special Award recipient. The event paid special tribute to the latter, Dr Chang Shin Yi, CDAC’s longest-serving volunteer since 1992, who was honoured for over three decades of unwavering service with CDAC.
Looking ahead, CDAC has announced plans to double the number of academic, enrichment, and learning support places by 2030 from 15,000, with a strong emphasis on working together with our volunteers and partners in four key areas:
Training 600 New Volunteers
CDAC will equip 600 new volunteers with essential mentoring and befriending skills over the next three years. Currently, we have about 1,600 volunteers. Building on the foundation of programmes like the Supervised Homework Group, Project YOUth Can Shine and GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme, CDAC aims to expand a network of trained volunteers who can serve as trusted mentors and role models for children from low-income families.
Expanding the GEM (Go the Extra Mile) Mentoring Programme
Launched in 2023, the GEM programme will be scaled up from the current nine partner schools to about 30 schools by 2030. The programme brings CDAC mentors directly into schools, enabling closer collaboration with the schools and families to provide holistic support to students.
Expanding Volunteer Deployment to 1,000
By 2030, CDAC plans to deploy up to 1,000 volunteers across its 12 centres and Vibrance @ Yishun¹ activities such as art and craft, music, and coding, helping children discover new interests and develop life skills.
Expanding Reach Through Partner Networks
CDAC will work with partners to bring its academic and mentoring programmes to more beneficiaries. CDAC will share its curriculum, provide training, and ensure quality assurance, while partners will help expand outreach by leveraging their networks to reach more low-income children.
The event also featured a community challenge in celebration of SG60—an attempt to set a Singapore Record for the most beaded bracelets made in four hours, symbolising unity and friendship across all walks of life.
¹ The ‘Vibrance @ Yishun’ Self-Help Groups Centre is a collaboration of the four Self-Help Groups: the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), The Eurasian Association, Singapore (EA), the Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) and Yayasan MENDAKI (MENDAKI).
