SINGAPORE — It is important for the government to present the Pioneer Generation Package in simple terms for the elderly, to get them to understand how it will benefit them, and how to access it, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Grace Fu.

Ms Fu said reaching out has to take on a multi-level approach by spreading the message not just to grassroots advisors for them to explain, but also to middle-aged Singaporeans, as the idea is for them to then relay the package’s information to their elderly parents.

Ms Fu said: “So for example in Yuhua, what we’re doing is arranging a special dialogue session in the vernacular languages. We’re doing one in Mandarin and one in dialect.

“And we will try to bring some simple illustrations of the package and do the dialogue with them. We’ll try different formats including acting, skits to get them to understand some complicated terms like Medisave and MediShield Life.

“By putting it in terms that are easy to understand, I’m sure we can address some of their concerns and explain the package better.”

Ms Fu said this at the 10th anniversary of the People’s Association’s (PA) PAssion Children’s Football programme today (Feb 23) at the PA’s headquarters in King George’s Avenue. She was the guest of honour at the PAssion Children’s Football programme’s 10th anniversary, where about 1,000 parents and children came together to celebrate the occasion.

The programme organises regular football training for children between the ages of 5 and 12, and has reached out to some 6,000 children at 22 centres over 10 years.

PA said the programme will be expanded to include 50 centres by next year, and reach out to children who come from low-income backgrounds.

The expansion is expected to benefit some 1,500 families. CHANNEL NEWSASIA