Galilee Centre

In 1982, a request was made to the IJ Sisters to respond to the needs of the poor in the Jalan Kayu area by the Parish Priest of the Church of St Vincent de Paul (SVDP). The Sisters responded and started a community in a shop house and Galilee Centre opened its doors in July that year. In collaboration with the members of SVDP, children from the kampong were referred to the Centre for educational support. These were the ones who either did not have the chance to go to school or had dropped out of school or were barely scrapping through.

As Galilee Centre became more organized, more programmes were offered and they included Electrical Certificate Course for those who had dropped out of school, Montessori Programme for the pre-schoolers and Learning Support Programme for those in school. Mothers were also supported through Literacy Programmes and Cooking Classes.

By 1996, several housing projects were carried out in the area and the kampong no longer existed. With more of the low income families moving into HDB estates, Galilee Centre was relocated to its present location in Ang Mo Kio Ave 4.

Today, Galilee Centre serves the children and families in and around Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 and continues to provide the essential services and programmes catering to children and youth (between 2 years and 14 years of age) from financially challenged background.

It provides a safe environment where children and youth can learn and play despite coming from disadvantaged family environment. Issues which they commonly face in their daily lives include family violence, disputes, alcoholism, drug abuse, gambling and poverty. These needy families are helped through the counselling service and/or financial assistance provided.