IWCS Celebrating partnerships to support children

Marymount Centre Singapore, houses three separate residences for children aged 4 to 18. There was an event organised on 29th Nov evening for the children and partners to celebrate the partnerships in the care of these children and to show gratitude to volunteers. The children had an exhausting treasure hunt ‘amazing race’ prior to the show and dinner. They stole the show while the sad reality is that in the last ten years the number of children being referred by the Family Court and Ministry for Social and Family affairs has been steadily increasing. As we raise awareness in the Orange the World Campaign, we bear in mind that when there is family violence the children suffer grievously too. There are nearly 200 girls currently in the three homes which are - for those who have experienced a very challenging family life including abuse aged 4 – 18 and they stay as long as needed. Secondly, there is IPAC which is the Interim placement assessment Centre, and they generally stay for around 48 days while the third group called the “Small Group Care” residence is for those children who need close monitoring and care due to abuse experienced. The average length of stay is 18 months.  It breaks your heart to know this, but it is also heartening to know that they are in very good, professional hands and being supported to heal and grow. The song the children performed and that was profoundly meaningful was one they were taught in order to help control their emotions: the words… I can PAUSE, BREATHE, THINK and I can make good choices. The song is called COOL FEELINGS and the girls were on a video dancing their way to managing their feelings. Another very impressive moment was when many children from each of the three residences received awards for improvements in their ability to control their language, share and assist others and learn with small steps how to interact safely with others.

Maria Hassanbhai and Wendy Louis represented the Inner Wheel Club of Singapore at this event as we have been partnering with Marymount Center for many years. Currently the club is supporting the After School Care Group which is connected to Marymount primary school. The club donated funds for the purchase of garden supplies for the vegetable garden the children tend, and some members even went down to help with harvesting. This year we also provided two book barrels (library on wheels) for the After School Care children.

Let us continue to work to support children and women who suffer abuse and do whatever is needed to prevent these occurrences.

By Wendy Louis

IWCS Nov 2025 Report