In 1979, Mrs Leaena Tambyah led a group of benevolent volunteers to initiate a playgroup for children with multiple disabilities: The Handicapped Children’s Playgroup, which began with seven children in the Church of St. Ignatius. In 1983, the playgroup received the UN Community Excellence Award. It has since grown into AWWA School benefitting 280 children (from 7 to 18 years old) today.

She also introduced a mobile therapy service for students with physical disabilities in mainstream schools. This is one of the services of AWWA Community Integration Service, formerly known as TEACH ME (Therapy and Education for Children in Mainstream Education). She believes that these children will be empowered to do even better when they receive the therapy and transport assistance they need, but may not necessarily have access to due to financial issues.

Mrs Tambyah feels the most fulfilling part of her work is witnessing the children’s progression. She feels blessed to see the dedication and compassion of other like-minded people whose paths she has crossed on her journey as a volunteer. Among them are professionals as well as home makers.

On nurturing the spirit of giving, Mrs Tambyah affirms: “Emulate other people who are helping those in need. Not all of us have got millions of dollars to give away but we have time and if we manage our time well, we can do something for somebody else in need”. Mrs Tambyah hopes AWWA will continue to serve people in need.

For over 40 years, Mrs Leaena Tambyah has been actively involved in AWWA at Board level and is a representative to the public, funders and government agencies.