In the mid-80’s, I used to join short-term mission trips to the Riau Islands. I have this vivid memory of seeing this teenage boy locked up in a cage like an animal. It was a very disturbing sight.
Of course, in developed societies today, we are now a lot more aware of those with special needs like autism. Hence, we will not treat sufferers of this condition in that manner.
Our Diocese is deeply involved with this via the St Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) which operates a special school for children and youths with autism from 7 to 18 years old. It is challenging but rewarding work as we see families being helped. Along with that, SAAC also has facilities for a Day Activity Centre (DAC) for adults aged 19 and beyond.
This work now moves to another level with the completion of St Andrew’s Adult Home (SAAH) at Sengkang at the end of 2018. It is a home specially designed and built to meet the needs of adults with autism. It has the capacity to house 200 residents, and will also have a co-located Day Activity Centre (DAC) with a capacity for 50 adult clients. This is a new phase of ministry.
Each Home or Centre under Singapore Anglican Community Services or St Andrew’s Mission Hospital is supported by an anchor parish. The Cathedral is the anchor parish for this new St Andrew's Adult Home (SAAH). This means that we will be supporting the Chaplaincy work which provides pastoral care for clients and the caregivers. Wilson Sie is the chaplain there. Where possible, members can be encouraged to help and show the love of Christ to both workers and clients in this Home.
Most of the nurses and health-care assistants in homes like these come from surrounding countries. Recently 28 new staff flew in from Mizoram (Northeast India) to begin a 2-year renewable stint. They are mostly in their 20's and early 30's and all are Christians. We hosted a tea for them and introduced them to the Cathedral (see photo). Young and eager, they are a great bunch and beaming with so much potential. We are beginning to connect with them and are seeking ways to help make their stay and work here more comfortable and meaningful. By the way, weekly on our grounds, we have groups of workers from Mizoram who gather for social and worship purposes.
Our senior staff, Mrs Patricia Aw heads our community services ministries and will be the liaison person for this.
Do you think you can help in some way? Do email her at pataw@cathedral.org.sg
