BY
Mishael Lee   

Lead Designer

Hype Issue #59

Published on

October 13, 2024

Ms Eileen Boey. Photo taken from @eileenboey on Instagram. 

Under the gentle, amber glow of the fluorescent lights that illuminate the cosy nook of Plaza Singapura’s Kopitiam, Ms. Eileen Boey unfurls a big, plastic-bound binder, her eyes sparkling with joy. The weight of the binder, a monument to the breadth of her studies, appears to promise a wealth of information.

Ms. Boey, eager to share her newly acquired knowledge, leans forward, her voice rising as she eagerly reveals the secrets she has learned during her recent module at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The binder contains a blueprint for reshaping her into a professional trainer capable of guiding children through the tumultuous waters of crisis and trauma.

“Today was the assessment day,” she confides, her voice filled with a mix of anticipation and relief. “It’s quite stressful because it’s not like early childhood in terms of theory. Yeah, so I really had to read up.”

The newly acquired knowledge supplements her existing toolkit, allowing Ms. Boey to efficiently handle any situation. Her 14 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education sector, which include serving as Principal for preschools such as Anglican Preschool Services, heading Quality Assurance and Centre Programs at Presbyterian Preschool Services, and consulting on educational leadership and early childhood education, have provided her with a solid foundation of early childhood skills.

“I would say that it helps me love the kids better,” she affirms even as she continues to nurture The Elpis Centre, a project dedicated to educating and caring for children, where Ms. Boey is poised to make a more meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable children, particularly in Cambodia.

“Yeah, I feel like I want to learn as many things as I can, so I can contribute back to Elpis,” she stresses.  

Presentation by Ms. Boey on the Value of Love in the Early Childhood Curriculum. Photo courtesy of  Ms. Eileen Boey.

Her zeal for educating and caring for children, not just in Singapore, is not a recent development, though. The Elpis Centre project itself came to her 19 years ago, when a powerful dream illuminated her way one night, shaping her career and defining her mission.

“I saw a little building, like a container building, at the foot of a mountain area,” Ms. Boey recounts. “Then I saw many tan-skinned children running around.”

An artistic representation of Ms. Boey’s Dream. Photo taken from @theelpiscentre on Instagram.

This dream, though vivid, remained dormant until 2022. It was then that Ms. Boey decided to act on her vision, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead her to the heart of Cambodia.

“I spoke to my boss, and I told him that I wanted to take sabbatical leave,” she reveals, outlining the process step-by-step. “He asked what I wanted to do, and I said I wanted to focus on The Elpis Centre project or perhaps volunteer somewhere and explore the possibility of starting a school.”

Her boss, aware of her potential, proposed Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A pastor he knew ran a school there, offering education to impoverished children, and even offered to provide free housing for her, allowing her to focus on what she loved.

During her time in Cambodia, Ms. Boey developed close relationships with the local teachers. However, one Sunday, while attending church, a serendipitous encounter occurred. Recognising her training experience, the pastor approached her and asked if she would be willing to visit a school in the remote mountain town of Kampong Speu.

Exhausted from her previous endeavours, Ms. Boey initially hesitated. “I was so tired,” she recalls with a guilty chuckle. “I said, ‘Pastor, no lah. Maybe the next round when I come back, then I’ll go and take a look.’”

However, that evening, a deep sense of unease settled upon her, her mind racing with thoughts of the children she had met. The images of their innocent faces, their bright eyes filled with hope, haunted her. A weight seemed to settle on her chest, a burden she could no’t shake.

“I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t eat,” she recalled, realising that the decision to visit Kampong Speu was more than just a choice; it was a calling. A silent voice within her whispered, “Just go.” The words were undeniably clear.

She knew that she had to go, no matter the challenges that lay ahead.

Ms. Eileen Boey visiting the school at Kampong Speu where she now volunteers at. Photo courtesy of Ms. Eileen Boey.

A short time later, she embarked on a journey to the Cambodian school. As she wandered the grounds, her initial obliviousness gave way to a profound realisation.

There was no data, no WiFi. Still, she persisted, talking to the kids in an attempt to establish a more intimate bond. Despite her outward display of fortitude, she was nonetheless overcome with fatigue. She doubted her own capacity to change things.

Still, she persisted. Upon leaving the school, a startling recollection came to her. It was the dream from 19 years ago, a vision that seemed uncannily prescient in retrospect. As she recognized how important this moment was, she recounts tears falling down her cheeks.

“It’s not the end, but the beginning of something new,” Ms. Boey recalls thinking. “I knew that I had to do something. So hence, Elpis started.”

Cambodian children holding up their books, eager to learn. Photo courtesy of Ms. Eileen Boey.

Ms. Boey’s unwavering commitment to Cambodia remains undeterred by the challenges she faces. Despite her deep desire to help, geographical distance, cultural differences, and language barriers pose significant obstacles. Just four days ago, a harrowing incident occurred at one of the schools that is supported by the project.

“We found out that one of the children was repeatedly hit at home. Yeah, it took a toll on me,” she shares, her voice filled with concern. “I want to do more, but I am limited by distance and uncertainty. I need to know how to help.”

“I don’t know the culture enough,” she also admits with a hint of regret. “And I’m not there all the time.” Language barriers further complicate her efforts. “I always have to rely on someone to translate for me,” she continues.

Undeterred by the challenges she faces, the incident galvanised Ms. Boey into action.

Ms. Eileen Boey delivers candies to the children of Cambodia at the school where she volunteers. Photo taken from @theelpiscentre on Instagram.

Ms. Boey connects her personal philosophy to The Elpis Centre’s core mission. “I just want the kids to eat well, sleep well, and to learn well,” she asserts. “As long as [the children] can cover these three areas, I’m happy.”

But why these values? After 14 years of working in early childhood education, she understands that a child’s basic needs must be satisfied before they can fully engage in learning. She explains, referring to Maslow’s hierarchy of wants, “If your basic needs are not met, you don’t talk about education.”

Ms. Boey recalls a poignant incident that highlighted the urgency of addressing these needs. A young boy at the school she supported had injured his eye while playing soccer. Despite the pain, the local clinic refused to treat him, citing the late hour.

Determined to help, Ms. Boey insisted on taking the boy to a proper eye clinic. After a long journey that saw her and her teachers driving out into the main city, they finally found a doctor who diagnosed the infection and prescribed antibiotics. “If we hadn’t pushed for treatment,” Ms. Boey reflected, “I don’t even want to imagine what could have happened.”

The Elpis Centre’s Give Milk Program is another initiative aimed at addressing basic needs. Now in its second year, the program provides milk three times a week to 80 children, ensuring they receive essential calcium and nutrition. “The most rewarding aspect of this is seeing the children drinking the milk,” Ms. Boey shares. “It’s a simple thing, but it’s so meaningful. It directly impacts them, and I know it’s doing them good.”

By addressing these fundamental needs, Ms. Boey is not only providing essential care but also building a bond with the children: “It’s where they realise that, ‘hey, actually someone cares for me,'” she expressed. 

The Cambodian children holding up cartons of milk provided by the Give Milk Program. Photo courtesy of Ms. Eileen Boey.

Ms. Boey’s unwavering commitment to The Elpis Centre has inspired a wave of support from colleagues and friends. Through dedicated fundraising efforts, they are making a substantial impact on the lives of Cambodian children.

Driven by a deep understanding of early childhood development, Ms. Boey recognizes the critical importance of the “window period.” Between the ages of 0 and 8, children are most receptive to learning. “Missing this window can significantly hinder their ability to acquire new knowledge,” she emphasises.

Fueled by a sense of urgency, Ms. Boey is determined to provide these children with the necessary support. Time is of the essence, and she is committed to making the most of this crucial window of opportunity. However, she also acknowledges the importance of managing her expectations.

“I hope to avoid missing that critical period,” she says, “but I must also be mindful of my own capabilities.”

One of The Elpis Centre’s supported schools. Photo taken from @theelpiscentre on Instagram.

It’s clear that every word she speaks, she speaks with passion for wanting to care for the kids and in a sense hoping to be able to inspire those who are looking to do the same, locally and overseas. “To truly say you want to help right, I first have to manage my own expectations,” she explains. “Like how much can I help? And how much do I want them to be responsible?”

“But, take a chance with yourself, and learn to recognise the ugly side of you, like when I saw the ugly side of Eileen, I had to learn to embrace this part of me,” she encourages before we part ways. “Even in your work, your studies and relationships as well, learn to embrace vulnerability, don’t be too afraid to show your weaknesses, because there is strength in that.”