MINDS Bakers embodies inclusivity and empowerment, offering delectable pastries crafted by individuals with special needs. Budding baker Crystal Lee and MINDS training officer Ms Nor Dyana Azira share more.
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of recognising and supporting individuals with special needs in our society. Yet, just as we all want our children to thrive and shine in their schools and communities, children and adults with special needs deserve that same chance to sparkle. Singapore has been on an exciting journey toward inclusivity, making incredible strides with growth in special needs education, inclusive spaces, and more, creating a wonderfully supportive environment for special needs education and integration.
MINDS, the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, is a fantastic example of this incredible initiative. At MINDS, creating purpose and joy at work for individuals with special needs is at the heart of everything. By harnessing their interests and capabilities, individuals with special needs find fulfilment and immense joy in their work. Since 2001, through myriad social enterprise programs, MINDS has been helping individuals develop essential skills that propel their careers forward, shaping them into confident and independent individuals.
MINDS Bakers is one of their standout social enterprises. It is known for its delectable, preservative-free baked goods made by individuals with special needs. Every bite of these lovingly crafted baked goods tells a story of empowerment and community.
How does MINDS Bakers showcase excellence and inclusivity one tasty morsel at a time?
A chat with Crystal, passionate trainee baker
We chat with Crystal Lee Hwee Ling, a dedicated MINDS Baker Trainee who’s passionate about baking, who shares her love for baking and how MINDS Bakers has enriched her life. We also heard from Ms Nor Dyana Azira Bte Roselan, a Training Officer at MINDS Bakers, about this initiative’s profound impact.
Responses have been paraphrased slightly for purposes of clarity.
What inspired you to join MINDS Bakers?
Crystal: I enjoy learning new skills and want to broaden my experience. MINDS Bakers presented that opportunity for me.
Do you enjoy baking?
Crystal: Yes, I enjoy baking. I like to bake cookies and cakes here at MINDS. I enjoy putting the ingredients into the mixer for it to become a dough. At home, I like watching my mother cook for us.
What do you enjoy most about being a baker?
Crystal: I love the smell of the cookies. As a baker, I can chat with my friends while scooping the different flavours for packing. It is enjoyable.
What’s been your favourite memory at MINDS Bakers?
Crystal: I am happy to be a part of MINDS Bakers and have no plans to leave anytime soon. I enjoy my time here, where I can make friends and keep learning. I enjoy learning new recipes and skills, such as making cookies and cakes and seasonal bakes like pineapple tarts and mooncakes. I also love attending workshops like breadmaking and helping out during MINDS Bakers Outdoor Sales/Events.
What skills or lessons have you gained from your work at MINDS Bakers?
Crystal: I have acquired a range of skills, such as handling ingredients in the mixer, scraping the dough, scooping, packing baked cookies, placing stickers onto the packaging, and much more.
What’s your favourite cake or kueh at MINDS Bakers?
Crystal: I love the pineapple tart, dark chocolate oatmeal cookie, and lemon chia seed cookie.
Insights from Ms Nor Dyana Azira Bte Roselan, Training Officer at MINDS Bakers
What goes on behind the scenes at MINDS Bakers? How do passionate bakers like Crystal discover their unique potential? Ms Nor Dyana Azira Bte Roslan shares all the details, from daily routines to teamwork to the bakers’ growing independence and skills! Plus, she shares the lowdown on ways you can support MINDS.
Can you share the progress you have observed in the bakers?
Ms Nor: The bakers have shown independence through their routines and training instilled by our training officers over the years. For example, they diligently follow their morning routine, which includes going up to the MINDS Bakers room after teatime, changing into their uniform, wearing their mask, hairnet, and apron, and washing their hands while adhering to the standard hand washing procedure.
Moreover, the bakers have learned to work together as a team and to be involved in every process of production after the cookies are baked, such as pasting the label and ingredient stickers, packing the baked cookies into the respective bags or bottles, tying customised tags onto petite jars and packing the goods into boxes for delivery. Therefore, seeing the continuous efforts and contributions of the bakers brings us joy and happiness.
What are some standout moments or success stories from MINDS Bakers?
Ms Nor: There are plenty of memorable and fun moments with the bakers, but Crystal is definitely a standout individual. She’s a baker trainee with Down’s Syndrome who has been with us since the inception of MINDS Bakers. Crystal’s infectious enthusiasm and warmth shines through her interactions with customers during MINDS Bakers bazaars and events. Notably, during The Purple Parade 2022, Crystal was dressed in purple, promoting our baked goods while smiling and not missing the opportunity to greet potential customers.
Beyond her interpersonal skills, Crystal is one of many bakers who play a crucial role in production. She is the only one who can seal the stand-up pouches using the sealing machine and the caps of petite jars using the heat gun, which requires higher concentration.
Besides baking, she loves singing and dancing. Her favourite song to karaoke is ‘Westlife—My Love,’ she can freestyle dance to any song and memorise popular choreography such as ‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Barbie Girl’!
We hope she continuously shows her authentic self and does not lose her sparkle.
How can people get more involved in MINDS Bakers?
Ms Nor: Individuals interested in supporting MINDS Bakers can greatly contribute by purchasing our festive bakes or placing advance orders at www.eshop.minds.org.sg for special occasions, such as weddings and baby showers. Our e-shop offers a range of baked goods and craft items handmade by MINDS Craft. MINDS Bakers offers five signature cookie flavours: dark chocolate oatmeal, cranberry sweetheart, Earl Grey sunflower seeds, lemon chia seeds, and cherry chocolate glacier.
If you have tried and enjoyed our bakes, helping us spread the word is an invaluable way to support our mission. Volunteering opportunities are also available for those looking to get even more involved. You can directly participate in and learn about our various initiatives at our website.
MINDS Bakers might have an upcoming Outdoor Bazaar and other events, so do keep a lookout for updates on our social media platforms.
Supporting a sweet cause
Reflecting on MINDS’s journey and the stories of stars like Crystal, we see the magic of inclusivity and community. MINDS Bakers isn’t just about yummy treats; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering independence, and celebrating unique talents. Every cookie tells a story of hard work and dedication!
MINDS leads the way to a more inclusive society where everyone can shine. By supporting MINDS Bakers, we help build a community that values and uplifts everyone. So, let’s savour this sweet mission and keep championing inclusivity. Together, we can ensure everyone finds joy, purpose, and fulfilment in their work and lives.
Thank you, Crystal and Ms Nor! Show your support for MINDS and its social enterprises via its e-shop. Plus, stay up-to-date on their events and more via @sgminds.
