Serving through the seasons
It takes a team
As one of the longest-serving staff at MINDS Idea Employment Development Centre (IEDC), Tan Sew Lee, 71, or more affectionately known as Aunty Sew Lee, has seen the centre, its staff and clients through various seasons across three decades.
Joining the centre happened by chance.
Back then, she was a housewife who was busy raising her two sons. She had stayed near IEDC at Rosyth Road and frequently walked by the centre. Looking for a way to pass the time, she decided to join IEDC in 1992.
She took on a role as a general worker, preparing simple breakfasts and undertaking general cleaning duties. Back then, the centre had about 40 to 50 clients. Some of her first co-workers in 1992 are still present in MINDS today, such as Ms Prema Thevarajah, Ms Madeline Ho and Ms Kamla.
It was her first time interacting with Persons with Intellectual Disability, and she had to overcome some of her initial apprehension and fear.
Over time, she grew to understand the clients better and realised that they were very endearing in their own way. “They love to say hello, tell me what’s going on at home and in their life… We’re very close,” she said in Mandarin.
The staff shared that Aunty Sew Lee is always very “nice and caring to clients.”
She would also greet them cheerfully, ask about their day, and buy snacks for them.
Having worked at IEDC for some 30 years, she has seen the centre transform and grow. From a Day Activity Centre, it has evolved to become a Sheltered Workshop which now serves some 300 clients.
A very hard worker, Aunty Sew Lee also faced her own set of challenges. In 2007, she suffered from a persistent pain in her wrist from cutting and preparing food. She subsequently switched from preparing meals for clients to cleaning tasks.
Reimagining A Better,
Kinder World
When asked about why she has stayed on in IEDC for so long despite her injury, she brings up how it has allowed her to spend her time meaningfully instead of staying at home all day. The nature of work suits her as it pushes her to keep moving instead of being sedentary. Things are more “vibrant and active here”, instead of facing the four walls when she’s at home, Aunty Sew Lee said jokingly.
In her spare time in IEDC, Aunty Sew Lee likes to go around the various workstations to guide clients with their work, helping them with their tasks like packing and counting items. Interacting with the clients brings joy and happiness to her, she shared. “They make me smile,” she added.
She also appreciates how her co-workers are always caring and respectful to her.
Guided by her personal philosophy to enjoy each day and maintain positive working relationships with people, she hopes to continue with MINDS till she is no longer able to work. “Don’t be hard (on yourself) and take it easy. Treasure each day,” she concludes.
We celebrate the dedicated and passionate staff in our MINDS community who have contributed to the lives of Persons with Intellectual Disability (PWIDs)! Your journey with PWIDs through the years has had a lasting impact on their well-being and growth.
Interested in making a difference in the lives of PWIDs? Explore meaningful career opportunities with MINDS here.
Be a friend of our MINDS community! Explore volunteering opportunities or consider donating to our cause.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories and updates from the MINDS Community!
