A group of students from AWWA, a Singaporean non-profit organization and model school dedicated to empowering the disadvantaged to maximize their potential to lead a dignified and independent life, arrived at SIP Ren'ai School on Oct 15 together with their teachers and parents, starting their two-day exchange tour in Suzhou.

Established in 1970, AWWA (formerly known as Asian Women's Welfare Association) provides community-based programs and services to people of all ages, from early intervention to special education for children and youth with special needs and multiple disabilities, caregivers support, life-enhancing services for families to senior community home, rehabilitation and outreach programs and services designed to enable ageing-in-place and active ageing.

On the first day, the visitors toured around a number of Ren'ai School's venues specially decorated for the event, enjoying delicate Chinese food, viewing traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy works and partaking in various DIY activities like making desserts and soaps. Additionally, the Chinese and Singaporean families exchanged gifts with each other.

It is reported that the participants also had chances to try horse-riding and join in a series of occupational experience and social practice activities, and also enjoyed a sightseeing tour around Suzhou.