On 12 Sept 2007, 20 SP Library staff spent a meaningful afternoon at the MINDS Clementi Training & Development Centre (TDC). This community service visit was arranged as part of our annual staff welfare activities.

When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by all at the Centre – the Head of the Centre, Mdm Shafiyah, her staff and volunteers, and most importantly, the clients. The fun-filled programme for the afternoon kicked off with a song and dance performance by Joe’s Performing Group made up of 4 of the Centre’s clients. The entertaining medley of songs which included You Are My Sunshine and Sha-La-La-La-La had everyone singing, humming and clapping along.

Joe’s Performing Group

Singing and clapping along to the song

Next up, we had a chance to interact directly with the clients by playing a game called Pass The Goodies! There was great excitement as 4 of my colleagues paired off with a client each and tried their best to complete the race.

Following that, we were serenaded by one of the clients, Ms Joanna Welikande. Her rendition of Pretty Woman sure got everyone grooving to the beat! The dining room turned into a mini disco and clients enjoyed themselves dancing away to the songs, accompanied by the volunteers and my colleagues.

Ms Joanna Welikande

Disco Time!

It was game time again. This time, in the Mr & Miss Universe Pageant, we played dressing-up the 4 candidates using materials like newspapers, plastic bags and coloured paper.

To round up the programme, a lucky draw was conducted. After announcing the 2nd winner, Mdm Samsiah, the Centre’s supervisor, mentioned aside that she was glad this client won the prize as he came from an underprivileged family and the $10 NTUC voucher would come in handy. Prizes were also presented to the winners of the games as well as specially prepared gift packs for all the clients.

Finally, the highlight of the afternoon – tea time! We had the opportunity to help serve the clients their food and drinks, kindly sponsored by Pines Food Services.

At the end of the visit, we left the Centre feeling it was definitely a rewarding and enriching experience. We were able to gain an insight into the plight of the intellectually-disabled clients. Despite their limitations, we saw that they were happy and fun-loving folks who enjoyed interacting with us. Our presence somewhat broke their daily routine and gave them an interlude to show off their talents to us.

These are some thoughts shared by my colleagues:

“I really enjoyed the get-together, the sing-a-long and the tea session. The clients are very warm and responsive and I could sense they really welcomed us. Indeed they are blessed with high emotional intelligence. If time permits, we could visit them again.”
– Mrs Tham Mei Choo, Acquisitions Librarian.

“I’m glad to have the chance to help organise this meaningful activity. I think the clients may not understand but hopefully their families will appreciate the gift pack of biscuits, face towel and toothbrush packed in a reusable bag for each of them.”
– Ms Patricia Ow, Co-ordinator of Staff Welfare Activities, Reference & Information Services.

Contributed by:
Khoo Ai Ling, Reference Librarian, Singapore Polytechnic Library (October 2007)