WAO ANNUAL REPORT 2009 - Women's Aid Organisation

This year, in conjunction with Malakoff Corporation Berhad’s sponsorship we employed an
officer for the women’s programme. With the new officer, WAO was able to conduct English
classes and computer classes. Besides that, Malakoff donated several computers to our refuge.
With the new facilities in place, we are now carrying out computer classes for more women.
With Malakoff’s contribution, WAO has now started up a fund for five single pregnant women
who wish to start a new life after they give birth. Furthermore, the women’ programme officer
also researched and wrote a booklet on being single and pregnant that was launched on 20 April
2010.
Medical Health Camp
A group of 4 medical students from the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Monash
University, volunteered with us to conduct health-related programmes and to raise awareness
on breast and cervical cancer. Together with Quota Club, the students also conducted a halfday
health camp in June 2009 at the refuge. During the camp, the women were informed about
the importance of taking care of themselves, to get check-ups on their health, the importance of
good nutrition, etc. Around 35 residents and ex-residents attended the health camp.
Home-Based Child Care Training Camp
We conducted a half-day training programme in collaboration with Quota Club at the
Singgahsana Hotel. The training not only exposed the women to an opportunity to set-up a
home based childcare under the guidance and financial assistant from the Jabatan
Pembangunan Wanita (JPW). At present, 3 women are awaiting results from the Secretariat of
the Projek Asuhan Prihatin on whether or not they will be able to participate in that programme.
GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd
While the main focus of most of our women’s programmes have been to provide the women
with skills, some of our programmes this year focused on employment. A notable program is
the single-parents employment program with GCH Retail (M) Sdn Bhd, where the women were
offered flexible working hours and conditions for job opportunities within Giant, Cold Storage
and Guardian Pharmacies.
Thank you to other sponsors
WAO must put on record our thanks to donors who have been supporting us for over 10 years.
Gardenia Confectionary for donating bread and kaya to both the CCC and the Shelter every
week. Malayan Flour Mills gives flour, cooking oil and sugar every month. Brian Lariche
manages to collect groceries, toiletries and detergents for our Refuge every month. A very
special thanks to all donors and sponsors who donated groceries and to all those who sponsored
food and door gifts and presents for our year end gathering.
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