We used to resolve conflict by letting the matter rest, or having one party give in. After attending Connect2, we learnt a variety of communication techniques to aid us in conflict resolution and the importance of addressing issues as quickly as possible. I also appreciated the facilitators' honest sharing of their own experiences; it gave us great insight as to what to expect in our marriage.

- Workshop Participant

We enjoyed the seminar thoroughly! The seminar gave us good topics and questions for discussion, especially concerning our family of origin and how we want our new family to function in the future. It also gave us deeper insights behind the different perspective and needs of men and women, which helped us better troubleshoot problem areas.

- Sam and Eveline

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About

Connect2 Marriage Preparation Workshop aims to help couples address issues that they may face as newlyweds, build a solid foundation in the early years and learn how to really love each other — for life!

What to expect?

  • Understand what love, marriage and your vows symbolise
  • Identify each other's differences and love languages — how to engage in effective communication
  • Manage healthy conflict and have a good grasp on your family finances
  • Understand sexual intimacy, the importance of romance and family planning
  • Learn how to manage expectations from your spouse, children, in-laws while balancing work-life



Who Should Attend

  • Couples who are considering marriage
  • Couples who are engaged
  • Couples in their first year of marriage



Details

Duration for hybrid workshop (3 sessions):
Sessions 1 & 2: Online Via Zoom, 2.5h each
Session 3: Onsite In-person at the Focus Singapore office, 3h

Format:

  • Facilitated by a trained husband-wife couple
  • Insightful & practical tips
  • Group discussions (6-10 couples)
  • Activities for individual couples

Fee: $380 per couple

The fee is inclusive of:

  • $70 rebate* upon completion of the workshop
  • Marriage resources
  • Participants’ workbooks
  • Couple Checkup™ - An online relationship assessment (find out more)
  • An English-speaking licensed solemniser (if required)

Please note that the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) requires the following for the $70 rebate:

  • Full attendance at the workshop
  • Both parties must be above 21 years old
  • One or both parties must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident

*Please note that the rebate may take an estimated 2 to 3 months to be processed.

For more information on the mandatory Early Marriage Support Programme for minor couples, please refer to the MSF website.



Frequently Asked Questions


Content-related questions

  1. What are some of the topics that will be covered over the course of the workshop?

    SESSION 1: FROM THIS DAY FORTH
    Laying the foundations for a strong marriage
    • Meaning of love and marriage
    • Impact of our family of origin
    • Effective communication skills

    SESSION 2: FOR BETTER OR WORSE
    Working through differences to become one
    • Reframing and understanding differences
    • Conflict resolution skills
    • Managing finances

    SESSION 3: TILL DEATH DO US PART
    Ensuring love for a lifetime
    • Sexual intimacy & family planning
    • Roles and expectations
    • Planning for the future (Children, in-laws & work-life)
  2. Do you have Christian content in your curriculum?
    Our curriculum is based on universal values that are applicable and essential to helping marriages thrive, regardless of participants’ religious background.
  3. What are the strengths of your marriage preparation programme?
    Our participants have shared that they particularly enjoy the interactive and experiential style of learning we offer at our sessions. They also value the practical tips shared which they feel can be readily and easily implemented. Participants also appreciate the opportunities given to them during the sessions to have deep and honest discussions about topics that are not usually raised in usual conversations that couples have prior to marriage.
  4. Will there be a discussion/elaboration on specifically the shift from patriarchal gender roles to today's shared responsibility of a couple (e.g. both working full-time)?
    The shifting of roles in marriage will be addressed in the group marriage preparation programme through activities and discussions. Each couple will be given opportunities to discuss and align expectations that they have towards each other regarding parenting responsibilities, distribution of household chores, management of the household budget and a myriad of other issues that will help them establish a firm foundation in order for their marriage and family to thrive.

Programme-related questions

  1. How many couples will there be in the workshop?
    To ensure positive workshop dynamics especially during the group discussions and activities, there will be a minimum of 6 couples each workshop, and a maximum of 10.
  2. What are the differences between Marriage Builders and Connect2?
    Marriage Builders is a personalised coaching programme designed for couples, whether they are engaged or married. Couples will be guided through the programme with a trained counsellor.

    Connect2 is a group workshop that aims to help couples address issues that they may face as newlyweds. Connect2 workshops are conducted by accredited husband and wife facilitators.

    Connect2 is conducted online for 2 weeknight sessions lasting 2.5h each, and a 3h in-person session at the Focus on the Family Singapore office in a group workshop format, while Marriage Builders is conducted over 3 x 2hrs sessions, in a one-to-one format.

Couple Checkup Assessment-related questions

  1. What is the Couple Checkup Assessment?
    The Couple Checkup is an online relationship assessment that automatically tailors the content of the inventory to match the stage (dating, engaged, married) and structure (cohabiting, children, blended family, etc.) of a couple’s relationship. The Couple Checkup is based on content from the widely used PREPARE/ENRICH programme developed from 30 years of research at the University of Minnesota.

    Couples can create an account, complete the inventory, and print their own results. The results provide a snapshot of how both partners felt about their relationship as they completed their inventory. This assessment can also help couples identify their strengths and growth areas, increase discussions, and motivate lasting behaviour change.
  2. How can I access the Couple Checkup?
    Nearing the workshop date, you will receive an email which will provide you the voucher code required for creating an account. Step-by-step instructions will also be included in the email to assist you.
  3. I’m facing difficulties accessing the Couple Checkup. Kindly assist please.
    You may direct all technical assistance to Catherine at [email protected]

Attendance-related questions

  1. Can my fiancé/fianceé come on his/her own if I can’t make it?
    We do not advise this. The programme is effective only if a couple attends the session together.
  2. Due to last minute commitments, I’m unable to attend the workshop. Can I get a refund?
    There will be no refunds for cancellations or no-shows upon confirmation of registration. Request for transfer of registration to another workshop/date must be communicated via email at least 5 working days before workshop start date.

Payment-related questions

  1. I am unable to make payment online. What should I do?
     You can make payment at our office in person. Alternatively, you may write a cheque to us and address it to Focus on the Family Singapore Ltd. We will process a backend registration for you in cases of cheque payments.
  2. Must I have an account with PayPal in order to make payment?
    No, a PayPal account is not required to make payment. Upon selecting the PayPal option at the Checkout page, you will be directed to the PayPal page where you are given 2 options to choose from – “Make payment with your PayPal account” & “Proceed to make payment without a PayPal account”. Select the latter option and you will be able to proceed with the transaction.
  3. Are all Connect2 couples eligible for the rebate?
    In order to be eligible for the rebate, Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) requires the following:
    • Full attendance at the workshop
    • Couple must either be planning for marriage or have been married for less than 1 year
    • One or both parties must be a Singapore Citizen or Singapore Permanent Resident

Other questions

  1. Will Focus on the Family Singapore be able to provide solemnisers for workshop attendees?
    Yes, we are able to provide wedding solemnisers for our Connect2 couples upon request. Simply provide us with the following details:

    • Wedding date, time and venue
    • Any personal preferences i.e. English speaking, bilingual, Christian solemnisation

    Once we have confirmed the availability of our solemnisers, we will link you up with the confirmed solemniser.
  2. How early in advance should I send in a request for a wedding solemniser?
    According to ROM’s guidelines, wedding solemnisers can only confirm their allocation 3 months in advance. For example, if your wedding is in July, we can only begin sourcing for a solemniser starting April.

Withdrawal Policy

There will be no refunds for cancellations or no-shows upon confirmation of registration. Request for transfer of registration to another workshop/date must be communicated via email at least 5 working days before workshop start date.