New clubhouse for maids opens in Tanjong Pagar

SINGAPORE – A clubhouse has been set up for foreign domestic workers, with facilities including meeting rooms, a multi-purpose lounge for gatherings and a computer lab.

Run by the Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training, the 2,800 sq ft clubhouse is located within a commercial building at Raeburn Park in the Tanjong Pagar district.

It cost some S$60,000 to renovate and furnish. Annual membership at the clubhouse is S$4.

The association said that some 600 foreign domestic workers have signed up so far.

Mr Seah Seng Choon, president of Foreign Domestic Worker Association for Social Support and Training, said: “We want to create a conducive place for the FDWs (foreign domestic workers) to gather and enjoy themselves.

“More are getting their days off... four weekends of the month. Therefore they need a place to gather.”

Indonesian domestic worker Sari said: “Maybe I can join some classes, or maybe meet a new friend because here, there will be so many (foreign domestic workers) from different countries working.”Ms Farizah Irfan, also an Indonesian domestic worker, said: “There’s a library...can use computer and it’s free. Good for us...Better than I hang (out) outside.”

The association also plans to bring in remittance, telco and postal services at the clubhouse from mid-June, as well as work with the Singapore Law Society to provide free legal counselling there from August.

Shuttle services from Outram MRT to the clubhouse are provided by the landlord, while shuttle services on Sundays are provided by the association. CHANNEL NEWSASIA