The Empowering Single Parents’ Network (ESPN) conducted three workshops on 21 November 2009 on Saturday at The Riverwalk in 20 Upper Circular Road.
The workshops were designed to equip participants with the right skills and knowledge to enhance three areas of their lives, namely financial management (Money Sense), home care (Ted Your Handyman) and self-esteem building (Image Asset Management).
Speaker for Money Sense was Vincent Chang, Director of Financial Services in Great Eastern Life. With 15 years of finance management experience under his belt, he delivered accurate information and details of the current market situation in a comprehensive manner, aiming to allow participants to better make informed decisions. He touched on major world economic issues that affect volatility; how the nomination of beneficiary rule has changed in Singapore; and the benefits of medical insurance. The theme of his session rang strong as he urged participants to give thought to how they handled their money, protect it, spend it wisely, invest intelligently and have a purpose for their hard earned money. The Question and Answer session proved to be an engaging one as many of the participants had a lot to ask. 36 year old sales executive, Hasan said that he ”learned about nomination rules and how to protect” his money. Another participant, Iris commented “I’m taking home a changed mindset toward my finances.”
Ted Tay, a consultant with Pointstar, who has many years experience as a handy man gave the talk on home care. This session was interactive and lively. The participants were seen actively taking pictures of every little gadget that was introduced. Tay took everyone on a journey through a typical home from the door, to the hall, to the kitchen and the rooms. He advised the crowd on how to make each home appliance function at its best. Tay introduced energy and water saving devices, and even a new technology of lights that is able to remove odors from a room. Participants Veronica Lee and Jennifer Tham who are both in the administrative line said that the class was informative and knowledge-providing. The DIY tips that Tay dished out were very useful.
Hannie Hay, a consultant from Jill Lowe International presented to a jammed packed room of ladies an excellent step by step guide to personal beauty and grooming. Hay, who was a chief air stewardess for 18 years taught that 55% of first impressions is affected by visual presentation, 38% is by verbal words and 7% is by vocal indentation. She encouraged the participants with positive affirmations and used some members of the audience as models to show how hairstyle changes outlook dramatically.
Hay also shared that choosing the right clothes and accessories according our skin tone and color bring power and charisma, stimulating and energizing one’s look. More than just outward appearance, Hay also touched on the fact that a person’s speech needs to be respectful and influential; commanding yet responsive, listening not reactive. She emphasized that anger releases toxins into the body system which can be detrimental to health. Sheryl Kang, one of the participants who is in her 40s said that the workshop “was informative and well presented.”
Following the workshops was lunch where all the participants had a chance to interact with one another.
For further enquiries on Empowering Singles Parents Network, you may email to espn@chc.org.sg or call the ESPN hotline at 65-67376266.
