Designer Eileen Yap has been given $10,000 to mentor those who also aspire to work in the fashion industry. Her project is among the first four applications given seed funding this month under the North East Social Innovation Fund, which hopes to reach out to the less-privileged. Ms Yap, 39, who founded local women's wear label Noel Caleb three years ago, said the money will pay for at least three people or groups to attend a 12-week programme to learn about fashion. They can pick up skills in sewing, product development and sales, and will produce their own mini collection. Said Ms Yap: "There are people who maybe harbour dreams of going into fashion but face obstacles, such as the costs of such courses. "I am hoping to help create a livelihood for the people who sign up." The fund, which has $100,000 to give out, is run by the North East Community Development Council (CDC) with the support of non-profit social enterprise incubator Social Innovation Park. The goal is to encourage individuals and social enterprises to develop programmes that help the less-privileged. Those who are interested to join the programmes should have a household income of $3,000 and below, or earn $800 or less each. They can sign up through the CDC. Other projects which were funded are a jewellery design vocational training initiative by social enterprise Anchora Collective and an effort by another social enterprise - Alice in Dot's World - that gives women work and income through the design and production of handmade creations such as accessories and clothes. There is also a pilot programme by the Kampung Senang Charity and Education Foundation to provide subsidised therapy for children with learning disorders. Those who have project proposals or who would like to sign up can send an e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it -

See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/news/singapore/more-singapore-stories/story/four-projects-get-funds-help-less-privileged-20140703#sthash.4MOisvZg.dpuf