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Media coverage

Home learning kits and books for Covid-19 make local news

The Straits Times reported on efforts by pre-schools and ECF to encourage learning from home during the pandemic.

EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) developed Home learning kits to serve a great purpose during this period. It is fundamental in bridging the learning gap between school and home. The Straits Times has shared an article on how attendance across pre-schools has been affected by the virus with self-imposed quarantines and leave of absence. As such, ECF has developed at-home kits for children across our E-Bridge pre-schools, EtonHouse schools and even NTUC First Campus’ pre-schools.

 

These sets that were delivered to the children’s homes included materials that provide integrated learning experiences in literacy, arts, numeracy etc. We are glad that ECF is able to give these children a meaningful learning experience to continue their learning at home.

 

ECF was also featured in Channel News Asia 'Stronger-The Battle Against Covid-19' which captures the story of how we are fighting the virus with resilience and kindness.

 

Watch the CNA documentary film here.

 

Access the full ST news article here.

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Press release Programmes

ECF partners with KKH Health Fund to support children with diabetes

Learn about children with diabetes and how Glucose Monitoring Systems can make their lives easier in our press release.

The EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) has partnered with the KKH Health Fund (KKHHF) to improve the care of less privileged children with diabetes through the use of technology such as a Glucose Monitoring System (GMS) and educational and outreach initiatives such as diabetes camps for patients and their caregivers.

 

Over 400 active paediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes are seen at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) each year. Blood glucose monitoring is a critical need for these patients living with this chronic condition, as glucose levels that are too low can result in the loss of the ability of the nervous system to function normally and levels that are too high can result in long term health complications.

 

Traditionally, glucose levels can be monitored by administering a finger-prick test at least four times a day. For young children, this can cause disruption to their school life, as they would have to pause their day-to-day activities to administer the test. With the GMS, children with diabetes can monitor their glucose levels more conveniently and less painfully.

How the GMS works

The GMS comprises a small, circular sensor discreetly inserted in the upper arm.

The patient and caregivers can wave a reader over the sensor at any time to obtain a reading of the glucose level.

This greatly reduces the frequency of finger-prick tests and keeps children from experiencing unnecessary anxiety in the classroom, in turn allowing for better concentration and learning outcomes.

It also enables the child to better monitor glucose levels through the night without needing to be woken up for regular finger-prick testing, thereby improving sleep quality.

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Says a parent with a type one diabetic child, “When my child was about two years old and newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, I was administering the finger-prick test for my child more than 10 times a day. I had to prick him in his fingers and toes. I couldn't tell whether his blood sugar is high or low just by looking at him physically. He could run into the risk of hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia anytime. The multiple finger pricks were then the only way to check his blood sugar and making sure that he is safe. With the GMS sensor, I can check his glucose levels regularly without causing pain or interrupting his sleep.”

 

However, children from less privileged families may not have ready access to the GMS, especially since treatment for diabetes may already be a strain on their families’ finances.

 

With a sponsorship sum of more than S$200,000, the ECF will be able to support about 60 children with diabetes from less privileged families with the use of GMS which will empower these children and adults to follow established care plans for the child. The use of the GMS also provides rapid response to the fluctuations in glucose levels in the event of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) and comes in handy in the treatment or prevention of hypoglycaemia. Additionally, by using the GMS, parents will have a greater sense of relief and peace of mind enabling them to focus on their work and in turn support their family.

Through this partnership with KKHHF, we hope that children living with this chronic disease will be more empowered and confident in school. By being able to actively participate in all aspects of learning, they will experience a more joyful and fulfilling childhood.

Mrs. Ng Gim Choo, Founder and Director of EtonHouse Community Fund

Professor Alex Sia, Chief Executive Officer, KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital said, “We would like to thank EtonHouse Community Fund for their generous support, which will allow us to continue to provide holistic care for our paediatric and adolescent patients with diabetes.” The ECF, an independent IPC charity focuses on improving the lives of less privileged children and youth through education.

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Events Media coverage

ECF partners with MSF to sponsor Fostering Family Day

ECF is one of the 11 partners recognised for contributions to the fostering community.

Eleven corporate and community partners were recognised for their support and contributions at the Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) Foster Family Day 2019. This annual event is held to appreciate foster parents and to celebrate the achievements of foster children. Over 270 foster children and their foster families were part of MSF Foster Family Day 2019 held at The Chevrons.

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This year, for the first time, valued community partners who have contributed towards supporting foster children and their development joined the celebration, and were acknowledged for their contributions. EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF), one of the 11 partners, has shown its support through the years by providing resources for children and families under the KidSTART programme. More recently, ECF provided internships and mindfulness programmes for youths and individuals under the care of MSF. ECF also generously sponsored the awards and gifts for the foster families at Foster Family Day 2019.

Event details

Event:

Ministry of Social and Family Development’s (MSF) Foster Family Day 2019

Venue:

The Chevrons

Thanks to partners:

MSF

Participating beneficiaries:
  • MSF Foster families

The Foster Family Day is an incredibly meaningful event to appreciate foster parents, as well as to celebrate the achievements of foster children. We strongly believe that a good foundation in children can make a difference in their future. Through the right support, the EtonHouse Community Fund hopes to reach more families and benefit them in meaningful ways.

Mrs. Ng Gim Choo, Founder and Director of EtonHouse Community Fund

 

Similarly, other corporate and community partners have stepped forward to support in their own unique ways. Some have been journeying alongside foster children, to enrich their learning and provide socio-emotional learning support. Others have been providing opportunities for foster children to enjoy arts events and programmes. To promote family bonding, partners have also invited foster children, together with their foster families, to enjoy some family time at carnivals and parties organised by them.

 

These partners have contributed in many different ways, helping our foster children bond with our foster families, build their capabilities and explore new opportunities to develop their interests. My colleagues and I are thankful to them for making a positive impact on our foster children.

Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development

Foster Family Day 2019 also included an awards ceremony where 20 foster children were presented with Commendation Awards for their achievements in the areas of academics, sports, arts and character development. An Outstanding Achievement Award was also presented to a foster youth who has excelled academically and displayed strong leadership qualities. She led her school’s dance team to clinch a Certificate of Distinction in the Singapore Youth Festival 2019.

 

From 30 Oct to 14 Dec 2019, MSF and its five Fostering Agencies will organise a series of roadshows and outreach events to raise awareness of fostering and to encourage families to be part of the fostering movement in Singapore. Please visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering to find out more.

 

Access the full ST news article here. 

 

Access the full BH news article here.

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Accolades

ECF wins MSF Singapore Community Cares Award 2019

In recognition of our efforts caring for the community, we received the MSF Singapore Community Cares Award 2019.

EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) received the Community Cares Award at the Volunteer & Partner Awards 2019 held by MSF Singapore. ECF has developed and implemented mindfulness programmes for youth in Singapore reaching out to 135 beneficiaries across 9 homes. These along with the internship programmes help vulnerable youth in Singapore to access a better and brighter future. Hosted by Minister Desmond Lee, the award recognized partners and volunteers behind countless inspiring stories of hope and restoration as well as the good work of individuals, community and corporate partners through the Community Cares Awards.

 

Minister Desmond Lee mentioned that building a caring and inclusive society is a continuous journey. While each serves in different capacities, what binds us together is a heart of service and a shared purpose of wanting to make a positive difference to our community.

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Media coverage Programmes

ECF starts outreach to help youth manage their emotions news report

The Straits Times reported on the launch of our Mindfulness programme and its first run at Singapore Girls’ Home.
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Organised by the Etonhouse Community Fund (ECF), this Mindfulness program helps students realign their thoughts and improve their emotional well-being through movement. The sessions held at the Girls’ Home was inspired by our executive director Ng Yi-Xian and we aim to reach out to other children’s homes in Singapore.

 

Access the full ST news article here.

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Events

ECF Charity Walk 2019 is a success

EtonHouse Community Fund’s Charity Walk attracted 2,000 participants and raised more than S$300,000.
The EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) Charity Walk and FunFair was held on the 13th of April at Angsana Green. The event has attracted more than 2,000 people participating in the 3.5 KM walk along the East Coast Park followed by a funfair at Angsana Green.
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The event has raised in excess of S$300,000 through individual and corporate donations to ECF. The family-friendly walk encompassed routes along the scenic East Coast Park shoreline. After the walk, participants as well as members of the public participated in a funfair held on the sprawling Angsana Green lawn. Activities included a bungee trampoline by Mega Zip from Sentosa, archery tryouts by Salt and Light archery, pet adoption drive by Oasis Second Chance Animal shelter (OSCAS), carnival games, F&B options and more. Fun fair activity providers volunteered their time and products and services to contribute to the fundraising efforts.

 

ECF is an independent IPC charity that started in 2015. Parents, staff and children of all EtonHouse, E-Bridge and Middleton schools, part of the EtonHouse Education Group enthusiastically came together to raise funds to benefit underprivileged children and youth through education. Through this fund, the EtonHouse Group is able to consolidate and focus on its CSR initiatives and bring the school communities under one umbrella. The Group currently has 37 campuses and over 6000 students in Singapore alone. EtonHouse has more than 120 campuses in 12 countries.

 

Recently, ECF initiated a pilot project on mindfulness movement at the Singapore Girls Home in collaboration with the Ministry of Social and Family Welfare. The initiative was in alignment with the charity’s initiative to make a positive impact in the lives of children and youth. ECF has also supported the Punggol North Community Development and Welfare Fund with a disbursement of S$100,000. This amount was used to benefit underprivileged children in their education by donating to their child development account. ECF has also disbursed S$150,000 to the ECDA KidSTART project.

Event details

Event:

EtonHouse Community Fund Charity Walk and FunFair

Venue:

Angsana Green

Thanks to partners:
  • Four Points by Sheraton Singapore, Riverview
  • Ricoh Singapore
  • Cycle & Carriage
  • ADDP Architects
  • Bibi & Baba
  • B+W Builders Pte Ltd
  • MegaAdventure
  • Wanhe International

 

and more supporting partners.

Categories
Media coverage Programmes

Launch of Play Library media coverage

We’re honored to have Ms. Tin Pei Ling grace this occasion. Zao Bao and Wan Bao reported on how this programme helps vulnerable children.
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EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) today launched a play library and creative languages programme for vulnerable children. This play library at Circuit Road offers a wide range of educational toys for children from 18 months to 6 years of age. There will also be a creative language enrichment programme to develop the children’s English language, problem-solving skills, and critical thinking through play-based experiences. We were honored to have Ms. Tin Pei Ling 陈佩玲, MP for MacPherson SMC, grace the play library’s official launch. We hope to reach out to more children in need and benefit them in meaningful ways.

View the full ZB media coverage here:

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View the full WB media coverage here:

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Categories
Media coverage Programmes

The Straits Times covers Box of Joy

To celebrate with children in need, we delivered “boxes of joy” to them. See what the Straits Times had to say.
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In the month of December, we embarked on a project titled EtonHouse Box of Joy to usher in the festive season of Christmas. Working towards making a meaningful contribution to children from underprivileged backgrounds, to create ‘boxes of joy’ for them. We encouraged parents to pack useful items, necessities and educational toys in these boxes for children of all ages from newborn babies to 13-year-olds. The response was overwhelming, and we are thankful for the warm support from our parents, students, and staff, who have supported this charity initiative generously, contributing hundreds of gifts. The Boxes of Joy were given to children at Singapore Children’s Society as well as children from Henderson-Dawson Citizens’ Consultative Committee’s We Love Learning programme.

150 beneficiaries of the Henderson-Dawson Citizens’ Consultative Committees’ We Love Learning programme received the Christmas gifts delightedly. The annual community party was also attended by Tanjong Pagar GRC MP Joan Pereira, who conducted a storytelling session for the children.

 

Access the full ST news article here.

Categories
Media coverage

ZaoBao covers EtonHouse 20th anniversary: Launch of ECF

A commitment to making pre-school education accessible to vulnerable children.
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EtonHouse International Education Group is celebrated its 20th anniversary with a series of initiatives and activities throughout 2015. To commemorate its 20th anniversary, the Group has launched the EtonHouse Community Fund (ECF) at a charity dinner on the 22nd of October 2015. ECF is a Registered Charity committed to advancing the cause of education amongst children from underprivileged backgrounds in Singapore.

 

View the full ZB media coverage here:

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