HOME celebrates International Migrants' Day
“Migration is a fact of life and a force for good.” — United Nations
This quote for International Migrants Day shows how migration can promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas, thereby contributing to economic growth.
In December 2023, the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics (HOME) again celebrated the yearly International Migrants Day. This is a time to reflect on, as well as celebrate the contributions of the many migrant workers living in Singapore.
To kick off the celebrations, the dancing talents of HOME Roses, HOME Kartini and HOME Free Stylist rocked the stage. A tribute to Sister Bridget Tan followed, with a moment of silence in her memory. Sister Bridget is the founder of HOME, our beacon of light. Thank you Sister Bridget, for starting up HOME. Your memory, and your love for all migrants is unforgettable.
After this, the new Executive Director of HOME, Stephanie Chok, gave a speech. Thank you for your commitment to migrant workers. Of course the celebration would not be complete without the Happy International Migrants Day toast and the cutting of the cake. May HOME prosper, and may there be strength for migrants!
The team from the HOME campaign #RestDayAllDay joined the stage next to advocate for the 24 Hours Day Off that every migrant domestic worker should be able enjoy every week. Ample rest is a basic human right. Why deprive us?
The HOME shelter residents showed their talent in dancing. They may be facing some difficulties and problems, but still they danced gracefully and had fun on stage. If we hadn’t been told they are our shelter residents, we would never had thought or known that these women are in difficult situations.
The singing by the event’s emcee Poobalan Morgan actively engaged everyone in dancing and singing along, bringing the brothers (male migrants) standing on their feet, hands in the air. The performance was so lively, and full of energy with his Bangladeshi, Tamil and Bollywood songs and of course some English ones too!
And the game Human Jackpot was extremely funny, many of the attendees joined in, even the guests. Everyone had fun and the venue was full of laughter.
The celebration continued with the finals of HOME Got Talent. There had been a first round before the event, and the lucky finalist performed again, including those singing and dancing, both solo and group performances. All winners received prizes and trophies.
As always, there was a lucky draw, with a variety of awesome prizes. Everyone had their numbers in their hands waiting to be called.… But I can say: everyone was a winner because there were door gifts given as well.
The candidates from the Trashion Show graced the event with their presence, wearing their costumes made out of recycled materials, walking confidently on the stage, showing their skills. There were such extravagant and beautiful recycled outfits!
All these amazingly talented migrants were a joy to watch.
You will never go hungry if you are attending any HOME event, that’s for sure, and lunch was provided as well as a photo booth for everyone to make memories to take home.
International Migrants Day 2023 was an enjoyable day of celebration for everyone — migrant workers, invited guests, staff, board members and volunteers!
Poobalan and Ellen, our event emcees, a big thanks to you both!
All the HOME staff, HOME family leaders and volunteers proved again what teamwork, done with love, can achieve. Such devotion and enthusiasm.
Happy International Migrants Day!
We hope to celebrate with you again next time around.
Jo Ann A. Dumlao
