THE FIRST THING that greeted me was silence.
Not the uncomfortable kind; instead, it settled gently over the basketry workshop. There were no machines humming in the background, only the soft sound of rattan being shaped by experienced hands. The scent of natural plant fibre lingered around unfinished baskets, weaving tools and bundles of rattan waiting to be transformed. St. Nicholas’ Home has long supported the blind and visually impaired, and the art of basketry continues there not only as a traditional craft, but also as a way of building independence, confidence and connections across generations. Of the completed works displayed around the workshop, a woven table lamp cover caught my attention. It was not what I expected to see there, reminding me that this craft continues evolving to suit new needs.
WORKING WITH ONE’S HANDS
I was welcomed by Tang Wei Chong, a fundraiser who has been working at St. Nicholas’ for five years. “Come, I’ll show you around,” he said with a smile. As we walked through the compound, Tang introduced me to teachers, students and the different vocational programmes available. Almost everyone we passed by greeted him warmly. Some stopped for short conversations; others exchanged jokes.
Despite having low vision, Tang moved through space easily, familiar with every corner of the place he had grown to know. Watching his interactions, I realised that St. Nicholas’ is more than just a training centre; it is also a community, built through years of trust and shared experiences.
Later, over coffee at its café, our conversation turned to basketry. For Tang, the craft is not only about creating something with his hands. It has also changed the way he approaches life. “Before this, I always did things quickly. I didn’t have much patience. But basketry taught me to calm down and be more patient,” he said.
The repetitive process of weaving encouraged him to slow down, focus on each movement and appreciate the process, instead of only looking towards the final outcome. This simple reflection stayed with me throughout my visit.
