Certis brings back Breaking Barriers programme to support PwDs in Singapore

Some 50 Certis employees are expected to participate in this 3.0 initiative, where they will guide persons with disabilities through a series of day-to-day activities.

Security organisation Certis has reaffirmed its support towards Breaking Barriers - its corporate social responsibility programme developed in partnership with Singapore-based disability-focused charity, SPD - for the third consecutive year, calling the initiative, 'Breaking Barriers 3.0'.

This edition aims to reinforce efforts to include and integrate persons with disabilities (PwDs) into society by creating opportunities for them to learn and practise community living skills. Comprising a series of learning, recreational and engagement activities, the programme also seeks to encourage participation of PwDs in public spaces such as libraries and supermarkets, and raise disability awareness amongst members of the public.

Some 50 Certis employees are expected to participate in this initiative, where they will befriend and guide PwDs through a series of day-to-day activities.

(Pictured above: Certis volunteers helping serve lunch to the SPD beneficiaries)

At the same time Certis will donate S$30,000 to SPD to support this programme, which kicked off on 18 October 2022 at Clementi Library where Certis employees spent the morning borrowing books for, and reading with the SPD beneficiaries, followed by lunch.

(Pictured above: Certis volunteers and SPD beneficiaries choosing books to read together)

Certis’ Chief Corporate and Human Resources Officer, Tan Toi Chia, said: "Breaking Barriers 3.0 reinforces Certis’ efforts in making a positive impact in the lives of persons with disabilities and in building a more inclusive society for everyone.

"We are excited to create opportunities for deeper and more personal interaction between our employees and beneficiaries. We are pleased to continue our partnership with SPD through this programme, so that the community can support more confident and independent living for persons with disabilities."

Chief Executive Officer of SPD, Abhimanyau Pal added: "We are grateful to Certis for its unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive society that supports people with disabilities.

"Through Breaking Barriers 3.0, persons with moderate disabilities would be able to practise community living skills in the natural environment and grow in their awareness of their surroundings and how to move around independently and safely in community spaces. In turn, this will empower persons with disabilities to be self-reliant and live with dignity in the community."

Since 2020, the Breaking Barriers programme has engaged PwDs across multiple activities. In these two years, despite difficulties brought about by COVID-19, Certis has supported employment and upskilling initiatives, as well as organised activities such as virtual fitness workouts for the beneficiaries. A total of 245 PwDs benefited from the past two Breaking Barriers programmes in 2020 and 2021.

(Pictured above: Certis volunteers and SPD beneficiaries and staff)

Lead image / Provided

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