SINGAPORE – Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in the migrant worker community, local creative collective BLKJ has launched an initiative to share messages of love with Singapore’s migrant workers in their own native languages.
Called ‘Love Translated.’, the movement calls for Singaporeans to WhatsApp their messages of encouragement for migrant workers to 81105683 (8110-LOVE). The messages are translated into Bengali, Tamil, Hindi, Burmese and Mandarin, before they are forwarded daily to the workers via their WhatsApp groups and targeted promoted posts on Facebook. The messages are also uploaded onto lovetranslated.org.
“We want our migrant workers to know that while they may be in isolation, they are not alone. Many Singaporeans are thinking of them, praying for them and wishing them well”, says Rowena Bhagchandani, one of the founders of BLKJ.
According to Bhagchandani, the initiative is inspired by the outpouring of support for migrant workers on social media.
“Many Singaporeans have offered kind words of encouragement for the workers online. But in most cases, they do not actually reach the workers, who frequent different social media pages and don’t speak English as a first language. With ‘Love, Translated.’, we hope to provide a channel where Singaporeans can provide encouragement directly to the workers, and in a way that’s easily understandable for them”, explains Bhagchandani.
‘Love, Translated.’ is supported by a range of brands. We think projects like these demonstrate what it truly means to be Singaporean. It’s about showing empathy, caring for others, connecting with others, and ultimately, having hearts full of love.
