Solemnisers double as marriage mentors to newlyweds
The Straits Times|January 24, 2022
They offer couples advice and listening ear in first year of marriage under pilot programme
Theresa Tan
Solemnisers double as marriage mentors to newlyweds

Solemniser Thirunal Karasu Palaniappan, 60, makes it a point to get to know the couples he is marrying and let them know they can turn to him if they need someone to talk to after their wedding.

And some do – sharing with him the woes and issues they face.

Mr Palaniappan, who has been married for 33 years and has two grown-up children, said: “Building the relationship with couples is critical... They will open up if they trust you and are comfortable with you.”

Now, under the new Journey With You (Joy) programme, the solemniser of 16 years continues to offer couples a listening ear, advice and guidance.

The Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) launched the pilot programme last month, with 20 solemnisers roped in to mentor about 40 couples in their first year of marriage.

The solemnisers will invite couples whose marriages they solemnise to be part of the programme and encourage them to attend marriage preparation courses.

Minister of State for Social and Family Development Sun Xueling said on Jan 10 in Parliament: “Many licensed solemnisers develop good relationships with the couples and have a wealth of helpful tips.”

This story is from the January 24, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

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This story is from the January 24, 2022 edition of The Straits Times.

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