Member of Audit & Risk Committee
Volunteer art teacher (Pencil Sketching) since 2024
After my retirement, I was looking for a volunteering opportunity, preferably art related. Through a friend’s recommendation I got to know about Singapore Cheshire Home. Although I am not a professional artist, I am grateful to the Home for the opportunity to conduct art classes for the residents.
The interactions with the residents have given me an opportunity to understand their daily challenges and the importance of compassionate care. Volunteering in the Home has broadened my perspective on inclusivity and humanity. My students have different levels of art skill, and I try to modify the class materials to focus on the individual’s ability. “ I feel immense joy when I see small improvements in hand-eye coordination of some residents through drawing and pencil shading. Seeing the students putting in their best efforts to complete each artwork makes me feel so proud of them”, beamed Siew Yong.
I used to think caregiving for disabled persons is just about meeting their basic needs of providing lodging, food and physical assistance. Since volunteering, I have learnt that people with disabilities can show resilience and they can become more independent and confident in their own abilities. Siew Yong observed, “I am impressed that some residents can live, work, and participate meaningfully in society with the support from the Home. The SCH community has a strong sense of belonging and purpose. The residents, though disabled physically or intellectually, are positive, cheerful and are very neat in appearance.”
