“My children had all grown up and were leading their own lives. I did not know what to do at home all day, so I spent the whole day sleeping and watching television. For three years I suffered from depression,” said Mdm Seah. Seeing her mother so listless, Mdm Seah's daughters advised her to look for a job to break out of the cycle of inertia and depression.
Mdm Seah eventually found a job as a cleaning lady at a NTU hostel, but found that she had difficulties communicating in English with the multi-national students and staff residing there. When they ask her for directions, she could only shake her head in incomprehension.
Her daughters learnt about her difficulties and recommended that she register for the Workplace Literacy (Conversational) Course under the Workfare-Skill Up programme offered by WDA.
Overcoming the initial difficulties
Mdm Seah was hesitant at first as she had not been in a classroom environment since childhood - she did not know if she could cope. But with her daughters' constant encouragement, she decided to give it a try.
At the first course held at Jurong East, she had tremendous difficulties understanding the teacher, even though some explanations were given in Mandarin. She also struggled to remember the new words and expressions taught, but her daughters encouraged her to persevere and even spoke English to her at home.
Her course supervisor was also very supportive, and referred her to a centre in Bukit Gombak to try out another basic course. There, she found the teacher's explanation clearer. Gradually she began to emerge from her shell and interact with her classmates.
She was fortunate to become acquainted with a Malay colleague at work who would patiently explain to her English terms and phrases she did not understand. Today, Mdm Seah does not hesitate to greet the hostelites in English and ask them, “How are you?”
Making Up For Lost Time
Mdm Seah said, “I'm glad I didn't give up. Sometimes I tell my colleagues to attend the WDA-subsidised course too, but they say they are too old to study. I tell them we are never too old to learn!”
She is most inspired by her course mates, some of whom are retirees in their 70s. Seeing their thirst for knowledge has spurred her on to pass her basic course and progress to the intermediate level. Mdm Seah said, “My attitude towards learning is very different from before. I feel that since I'm already that 'old', I don't have many more years to waste! All the more I should seize the opportunity to upgrade myself.” In fact, Mdm Seah recently received a $200 Training Commitment Award in recognition of her efforts to upgrade herself.
The Workplace Literacy (Conversational) Course has made a real difference in Mdm Seah's life, not just in terms of empowering her with the confidence to communicate in English, but also giving her a positive outlook and sense of purpose in life. Individuals who are keen to pick up basic English literacy can consider this programme.
The Workfare Training Support (WTS) scheme is introduced to complement the Workfare Income Supplement (WIS). While WIS encourages older low-wage workers to work by supplementing their income and retirement savings, WTS encourages them to upgrade their skills through training so that they can improve their employability, upgrade to better jobs and earn more.
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