Teacher, 1998-2023, UWCSEA Dover Campus Service Leader, 1999-2023, for UWCSEA Local Service Learners
“For over 20 years now (actually, since 1999!), it has been my wholehearted pleasure to visit Cheshire Home on Thursday afternoons with
student volunteers from United World College of South East Asia.”
During those years, I have experienced countless precious moments and I have been lucky enough to make many friends for life at the Home. I have much to be thankful for. From the moment we arrive, there is a rapport between myself and College students with the residents and I enjoy nothing more than standing back and watching the positive interactions taking place throughout the Home. There is enjoyment, friendship and happiness, as well as mutual respect and understanding. Many times, residents and students are encouraged to go out of their comfort zone.
The personal growth in the students from UWCSEA is wonderful. They arrive on their first visit tentatively approaching residents, not knowing quite what to expect or how to interact. But within a few visits, their confidence and enjoyment has developed to such an extent that it becomes difficult to get them to leave! The joy of giving and receiving, of course, but also the realisation they are finding out more about the Singapore society they are part of, and making their own friends. All done whilst they enjoy their chess game, gardening stint, Uno, Connect 4 and so much more!
As well as the residents, it is also a joy to engage with Cheshire Home’s dedicated staff who work so tirelessly for the benefit and well-being of the residents. At no time was this more obvious than during the recent Covid-19 pandemic when everything possible was done to maintain contact between our two institutions through weekly Google Meet’s. A strong connection was kept and great resilience shown on everybody’s behalf. The positivity shown helped enormously for both institutions to make it through a very difficult time.
One stand out individual at Cheshire Home over the years has been Kenny, but no more so than during Covid when he held the fort at the Home’s end. His energy, communication and innovation were vital as he facilitated our meetings and responded to the residents’ needs. He certainly served the Home very well.
My visits to Cheshire Home have been a truly rewarding experience and a highlight of my time in Singapore. It is difficult to quantify how much I have gained from being welcomed into the residents’ life there. But sadly, it is now time to leave Singapore and return with my family back to the UK. But I will forever cherish our Thursday afternoon’s together and I would not bet on me not coming back to see you all sometime in the future!
