Today is almost the last week of my attachment at Ministry of Social and Family Development(MSF). Before the 1st of Nov, it was still called Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports (MCYS).
I remember when I first knew that I was going to be posted to MCYS's child protection unit, I was excited and really looked forward to it. Of cuz, my worries was that of the clothes I had to buy since I don't really wear formal clothes at ECSS. So I went around shopping a few days before and for 2 jackets, 2 pants and a top. Obviously not enough, I went on gmarket for more. And I think I really overspent and somehow got addicted to gmarket for a while.
It was an exciting first day as not knowing what to expect, Nasim and I went super early. She even started a chat group w me and isma as we were all interns at MCYS! It's like a support group on it's own! Super funny!
First day of work, I meet Nasim to go together and we were all super early as we were wary of strict ministry policies for lateness. Ended up only my sup came in quite early. A pretty lady who was also a graduate from Monash. Isma's sup was also from Monash. Next came Nasim's sup who was totally late. A very funny chubby Malay young man previously from NUS.
First few weeks I had nothing much to do. Isma started on following her sup on exciting MRD cases.. And Nasim too.. Our worst and one of the funniest experience during the first few weeks was when we were asked to do fetching. We were supposed to go to the hospital to get worn school uniform from a girl, then bring the uniform to his father and take washed uniform to the girl at the hospital so that she can go for exams the next day. Honestly, we complained in the cab as we thought there are so many alternatives so why waste good resources doing this? The Lamentations went on and on and it's like we started to boast on our experiences. Then came the funny part:
We went to the father after we took the clothes from the hospital. In the lift we were still complaining on how we could have done it better.. Then we went to knock on the door. Nasim was asking me to double check unit number. I said is correct. But the name of girl was Malay while the house had Indian idols. But we thought maybe Malay hindus? So we knocked and said :MCYS! As If we were the police. Hahah. A lady opened the door an we asked for the clothes. She looked totally perplexed. And shocked. She insisted she dunno what is going on. We double check the unit. Correct unit number. Wrong floor. Wahahah
Seriously, so much for lamenting. God has His humorous way to tell us we r not better even w experience. Hahah.
During these 3 months, I followed five different workers at different times for cases.. Some for only a day.. But I really learnt a lot from them. The word "objectivity" now holds a very different meaning for me. From MRD to neglect to physical abuse to psychological and emotional abuse etc.. From feeling my sup is super expressionless to now feeling that there is so much more to her experience... Forever dealing w my constant struggles of personal values vs professional ethics... Especially on parentified children. From thinking that I escaped the reports until I had to do one suddenly last week and only knowing 5 mins before that I had to do the presentation. It was a really fun learning journey and I appreciate my sup for really letting me follow around and wanting me to learn.
This is nearly my last week here. I am going to miss the place, the people, the beef bee hoon, chicken pau and the bubor Babi! I actually wish I can continue here but I know at least for now, it is not part of God's plan for me. Maybe next time.
Child protection officers, continue the good work that you have begun! :)
