ComLink+ scheme to encourage pre-school enrolment launched

For 20 years, Mr Mohamad Ali A. Wahab was a manufacturing engineer who would spend his work day on standby to fix technical issues and ensure machines run smoothly.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

From August, the 56-year-old will be one of around 200 family coaches supporting lower-income families that are working towards achieving stability in their lives.

"Switching from engineering to social service allowed me to align my career with my passion for making a positive impact on people's lives," he said. "I find greater fulfilment in helping people and using my problem-solving skills to address social issues. It is much more human."

On Aug 8, he was among 30 family coaches who graduated from a six-week foundation training programme under the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

The family coaches will approach eligible families to invite them to sign up for the ComLink+ Progress Package for Pre-school.

Under the ComLink+ scheme, lower-income families will be given financial incentives and other support if they work towards improving their lives.

Last November, MSF announced four ComLink+ Progress packages, which focus on early education, home ownership, employment and debt clearance.