Caring Curiosities is a three-hour interactive workshop utilizing applied drama techniques to enhance the confidence and skills of volunteers working in community settings. Participants will gain more awareness of their non-verbal communication habits, practise empathetic listening, and learn to build rapport, trust, and connection.
About t
Objectives:
- Develop awareness of non-verbal communication habits of beneficiaries
- Develop empathetic listening
- Develop skills and strategies to enhance rapport building in working with beneficiaries
Suitable For:
- Community Volunteers
- Volunteer Managers
The Facilitator:
Michael Cheng is an applied drama practitioner and educator from Singapore. Over the years, he has initiated and facilitated socially engaged applied arts projects with a wide range of communities, including children and youth with disabilities, seniors, and at-risk groups. In addition, Michael teaches applied drama methods as both a freelance trainer and adjunct lecturer. As an accredited Playback Theatre trainer (APTT), he has taught internationally across all levels and is currently a faculty member of the Centre for Playback Theatre’s Leadership course. He is also an accredited trainer and guide of The Listening Hour. Michael holds a Master’s in Arts Pedagogy and Practice from Goldsmiths, University of London, supported by the National Arts Council (Singapore)’s Arts Scholarship.
Discounts, Funding & Subsidies
PWD Discount
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and their caregivers are eligible for a concessionary rate of 20% discount off.
SkillsFuture Credit | Apply by 07 November 2025
Singaporeans aged 25 and above who are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit can apply for a claim.
Please inform SDEA upon course registration your intent to utilise your SkillsFuture Credit in part or in full for the qualifying course fee to obtain the necessary supporting documents for the claim.
Visit MySkillsFuture to check your credit balance* and for more information on the claims process.
*Only the SkillsFuture Credit from the Opening Credit and One-off Credit Top-Up are claimable for this course. The Mid-Career Credit is not applicable.
Applicants sponsored by an organisation or request for school e-billing will not be eligible for a SkillsFuture Credit claim.
National Silver Academy (NSA) Subsidy | Apply by 07 November 2025
Singaporeans aged 50 and above are eligible to a nett fee of S$14.40 after government subsidy.
Click to submit application
NOTE:
- Seniors may utilized their credits from SkillsFuture Credits to offset the unfunded fee, where applicable.
Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) [NEW!]
NTUC Union members enjoy up to 50% unfunded course fee support, capped at $250 or $500 (aged 40 years old and above).
UTAP application must be submitted within 6 months after course completion via the NTUC UPortal. T&Cs can be found here.
NOTE: This funding is in the form of a reimbursement. Registrants will have to make full payment to SDEA first.
If you require any support, please contact projects@sdea.org.sg.
Enabling Village
This event is organised by SDEA, in partnership with the Enabling Village.
Enabling Village is the first inclusive community space in Singapore dedicated to integrating persons with disabilities in society. Located in Redhill and managed by SG Enable, it brings together community amenities, lifestyle retail services and inclusive programming for all with a special focus on disability-inclusive training and employment for persons with disabilities.
