TWC2 running out of funds
It has become a familiar voice championing the rights of migrant workers here. Now, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) is issuing its own call for help.
From TODAY Online
Workers rights NGO could shut down
Friday • April 25, 2008
Leong Wee Keat
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It has become a familiar voice championing the rights of migrant workers here. Now, Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) is issuing its own call for help.
The non-governmental organisation's president John Gee told Today it could shut down by October if it does not receive financial help. It is currently dipping into its surplus — which totalled about $57,000 as of end-December — and has raised just $4,000 in private donations this year. This means, with a monthly expenditure of between $6,000 to $7,000, the coffers may run empty come October.
Its closure would be a blow in the fight for better working conditions for migrant workers here, said observers.
"Every constituency needs to have a voice, and for that voice to be heard," said women migrant workers rights group aidha's president, Sarah Mavrinac. "And TWC2 is an important group in promoting that."
Launched in March 2003, TWC2 won the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre's New Non-profit Initiative Award in 2005.
Executive director Jolovan Wham of the Humanitarian Organisation of Migration Economics (Home) said: "We complement each other quite well in fighting for the rights of migrant workers here."
Home, besides providing legal advice, runs a shelter for migrant workers. TWC2 focuses on advocacy, research and runs a hotline for migrant workers in distress or in need of information. Since the hotline's launch in December 2006, the number of calls has shot up from one a day, to about five calls daily now.
Still, according to Mr Gee, when either NGO approaches foundations or donors for funds, they are told that their work "falls between the cracks" — they do not help Singaporeans and they do not directly help alleviate poverty in neighbouring countries.
TWC2 had previously accumulated surpluses through sales of books and t-shirts, donations and grants. But last year, donations were halved while it received no grants.
Mr Gee said his NGO has tried to be frugal and is looking to move its office — currently at Golden Mile Complex — to somewhere cheaper. Rental expenses increased by about 24 per cent between 2006 and last year.
A number of appeal letters have been sent to corporate organisations, he added. "We want to carry on our work but the lack of funds is like a dark cloud hanging over us."
Its closure would be a blow in the fight for better working conditions for migrant workers here, said observers.
"Every constituency needs to have a voice, and for that voice to be heard," said women migrant workers rights group aidha's president, Sarah Mavrinac. "And TWC2 is an important group in promoting that."
Launched in March 2003, TWC2 won the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre's New Non-profit Initiative Award in 2005.
Executive director Jolovan Wham of the Humanitarian Organisation of Migration Economics (Home) said: "We complement each other quite well in fighting for the rights of migrant workers here."
Home, besides providing legal advice, runs a shelter for migrant workers. TWC2 focuses on advocacy, research and runs a hotline for migrant workers in distress or in need of information. Since the hotline's launch in December 2006, the number of calls has shot up from one a day, to about five calls daily now.
Still, according to Mr Gee, when either NGO approaches foundations or donors for funds, they are told that their work "falls between the cracks" — they do not help Singaporeans and they do not directly help alleviate poverty in neighbouring countries.
TWC2 had previously accumulated surpluses through sales of books and t-shirts, donations and grants. But last year, donations were halved while it received no grants.
Mr Gee said his NGO has tried to be frugal and is looking to move its office — currently at Golden Mile Complex — to somewhere cheaper. Rental expenses increased by about 24 per cent between 2006 and last year.
A number of appeal letters have been sent to corporate organisations, he added. "We want to carry on our work but the lack of funds is like a dark cloud hanging over us."