CDC (Community Development Council) has initiated a new programme for the youth. The programme is named Imagine!. The programme is developed to encourage the youths to contribute to the society. The youths are persuaded to give back to the society by conducting significant community projects. CDC will allot S$500,000 every year to fund the youth’s projects or initiatives.

Youths are thankful for this opportunity. The program has two funding models depending on the experience of the youth. Those who are not that familiar with community issues will be given a total of up to S$2,000 per project. For youths that are familiar with community issues and wish to get on larger initiatives, they will be given a total of up to S$10,000 per project.

Aside from this programme, as a parent, how can you empower or encourage your youth? Here’s a look:

Continuous support

Your youths should know that you are always there to support them no matter what happens. When youths know that they are supported all the time, they will be confident and strong.

Impart wisdom

Whatever you learned in the past can be useful to your youths. You should impart your knowledge and wisdom so they will know what to expect and how to deal with things. You should also teach your youths values that will make a difference.

Join their initiatives

Your youths will be thankful especially if they know you are joining their initiatives. You should do your best to inspire and motivate your youths to contribute to the society. You can for instance you can take part in brainstorming.

Youths are said to be the future leaders. They should be empowered so when it is their time to lead Singapore, they have a strong foundation.

Singaporeans were struck when they discovered that PSI reached 371. All people are hoping and praying that this haze condition will stop. But what if it continues to persist? This will be a big problem for all. If it will continue to persist, many people are worried that basic services will be disrupted.

The government assures the public that basic services will not be disrupted. NEA (National Environment Agency) told the public not to worry because dengue inspections, public cleaning and waste collections will continue. If the haze worsens, they will execute contingency plans. For hospitals or polyclinics, the Health Minister guaranteed that these institutions have contingency plans.

Minister Gan Kim Yong pointed out 3 crucial areas in their contingency plans-minimizing disturbance of daily services, meeting the demands if there is an influx of patients and ensuring the safety of every patient. The Minister revealed some of their contingency plans to include:

• Triage System – This system will allow doctors and other health care professionals to watch out for vulnerable patients. Vulnerable patients include those with chronic heart diseases and respiratory problems.
• Improved Waiting Areas – To provide relief from the haze, air conditioned waiting rooms are provided.
• Tele-Consulting – For follow up checkups, patients can now call for consultations that way they don’t need to travel and stay outdoors just to get through the hospital or clinics.
• More Hospital Beds – Hospitals are planning to provide more beds for patients just in case the haze worsens.
• Subsidy – Subsidy is provided for vulnerable patients (like children and elderly). These patients can get a S$30 subsidy when they see an accredited general practitioner.

The Minister said that for now, hospitals or polyclinics are managing the situation well. Hopefully the next few days will be better.

Exploring Singapore will take you days because the place has a lot to offer. But before anything else, it is important that you make necessary arrangements. You should book your hotel and your airplane ticket prior to your departure to avoid the rush and inconvenience. If you have time, you can plan your trips to local spots.

You can try to make your itinerary so you will know where to go next. Never forget to exchange your local currency to Singapore Dollars so you will have no problems in terms of paying. More importantly, once you get there, enjoy every moment. What to expect in Singapore:

Disembarking

You will disembark at Changi International Airport. This airport has three terminals. The airport is probably one of the most modern airports in the world with amenities like free internet connections and stations, outdoor swimming pool, sunflower garden, massages, span of restaurants, bars, shopping centres, boutiques and free cinemas. If you get stranded in this airport, you will surely enjoy every moment of it instead of getting upset for the delay.

Getting Around

Getting around the island is easy especially if you have a tour guide but if you want to explore and discover the places by yourself, you just need a detailed map of Singapore. There is Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) that you can consider. The good news is that the main tourist attractions are within walking distance from the stations. You can avail of the Singapore Tourist Pass (costs S$8) which is unlimited travel on MRT for one day. You can also try taking a cab.

Surviving Singapore

If you are courteous, don’t expect other people to do the same. Sometimes Singaporeans will just return your greeting with a blank state. Don’t mind them. If you are lost, be prepared to ask for directions. Brace yourself if you meet a crowd because you need to fight your way through it.

Singapore Zoo opened last June 27, 1973. The zoo is now celebrating its 40 years of giving fun and wonderful memories to kids and their parents. The zoo houses about 315 species of animal that dwell in 28 hectares or 69 acres of heavily forested land. The zoo, together with the adjacent Night Safari and Jurong BirdPark are operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Singapore zoo displays the animals in naturalistic open exhibits but with hidden fences, moats, barriers and glass between animals and its spectators. The zoo has a lot to offer. Here’s an idea:

Exhibits

Visitors need not worry about the safety of their kids because animals are safely kept and enclosed. If you don’t see anything that can deter animals from getting near you, don’t worry because there are barriers, moats and glasses hidden from plain sight. This is to maintain that naturalistic “open” idea. Aside from exhibits, you can also enjoy several rides like trams, boats, horse carriage, pony, wagons and many others.

Education and Conservation

The zoo is committed to wildlife conservation with the help of research programs. There is Wildlife Healthcare & Research Centre that is doing its best to protect and conserve the wildlife.

Shows

The zoo offers a lot of shows or activities for the family. There is this “Breakfast with an Orangutan” where a visitor can have a chance to meet, greet and interact with the Orangutans. “Rainforest Fights Back” is another show that showcases animals and performers.

If you want to see the elephants, you can consider the “Elephants at Work and Play” show. There is “Splash Safari” where you can see seals, sea lions and pelicans execute tricks. For kids, there is “Animal Friends” that feature domesticated animals like dogs and parrots executing some tricks.

Friends of the Zoo

Friends of the zoo is a loyalty program where visitors can sign up for a year pass with a lot of privileges.