In a digital world, Metta Welfare Association's INdependence project empowers individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, equipping them with vital digital skills.
Empowering Individuals with Special Needs
In a world where technology connects us all, Metta Welfare Association has created opportunities for the Metta School alumni aged between 19 and 36 who have been diagnosed with mild intellectual disability. Through hands-on workshops, participants gained essential digital skills: transforming what once felt overwhelming, such as cashless payments, GPS navigation, and online safety, into empowering tools for everyday living. These workshops are not just about learning; but also about breaking barriers and opening doors to a brighter, more inclusive digital future.
Participants and trainers celebrate the completion of a workshop focused on building digital skills for greater independence.
Bridging the Gap through the INdependence Project
The INdependence Project consists of a series of digital literacy workshops designed to provide participants with essential skills including an introduction to using smartphones, making cashless transactions, and online navigation using Google Maps. In addition to crucial digital skills, the youths were taught the essentials of cyber safety, how to identify online risks, avoid scams, and even social media etiquette and how to maintain appropriate boundaries.
Felicia Wee, Deputy Executive Director of Metta Welfare Association, shares the importance of this initiative: “These are essential skills for all Singaporeans as we move towards IOT and digital payments and are especially important for our youths as they will need a longer time to learn these skills. With the acquired skills, they will be able to make cashless payments for their purchases such as meals and transport, thus being able to lead an independent life.”
For many participants, this was an opportunity to step out of the shadow of dependence and into a world where they could make their own decisions, manage their finances, and enjoy the freedom that technology can provide.
Learning in a Safe and Encouraging Environment
Metta Welfare Association understands that traditional methods of teaching may not be suitable for everyone. That’s why the workshops incorporate a hands-on, simulation-based approach to learning, allowing participants to engage with technology in a way that is both practical and accessible. The workshops focus on real-world applications, such as practising shopping in a simulated environment, scanning QR codes, making cashless payments, and using Google Maps to plan transport routes and locate destinations.
For many participants, this method of learning helped them to acquire and make use of their new skills in a safe workshop environment before venturing out to use them in the real world. Through the simulated shopping experience, they get a chance to take ownership of their own decisions, whether that’s choosing what to buy or finding ways to get to a destination.
The participants shopped for items during a hands-on session to learn how to use e-payments.
Kristy Low, one of the participants, shared how the workshops had helped her feel more empowered: “I like this course because I learnt how to protect myself from being scammed.” For Kristy, the workshop provided more than just digital knowledge—it has given her the tools to stay safe in an increasingly digital world. Another participant, Elizabeth Lam, spoke about the excitement of learning new skills: “I can buy the things that I like, and I’ve learnt how to scan QR codes and make cashless payments.” This kind of newfound independence is life-changing, offering participants the freedom to choose their purchases, plan their day, and navigate the world on their terms.
Making Learning Fun with the Budding Life App
A key feature of the workshops was the integration of the Budding Life app, a unique digital tool designed specifically to address the challenges faced by individuals with diverse abilities. Many individuals with special needs do not have access to traditional banking systems, either due to concerns about security or their inability to manage finances effectively. Budding Life was designed to provide an accessible and secure platform that allows participants to learn essential money management skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Zoe Poh, Business Lead at Budding Life, explained the inspiration behind the app: “We realised that many individuals with special needs lack access to bank accounts because caregivers worry about scams or the inability to manage money. That’s why we created Budding Life—a system that allows individuals to earn tokens, budget them, and even play simple games to learn money management skills in today’s digital world.” The app’s user-friendly interface and gamified features make learning about money management enjoyable and accessible, creating a safe space for participants to experiment with budgeting and financial decision-making without the fear of making mistakes.
A participant scanned a QR code during a simulation, practising cashless payment skills using the Budding Life app.
The Budding Life app has proven to be an invaluable tool in these workshops, offering participants the opportunity to practise managing money in a way that feels natural and fun. Through the app, they can learn how to budget, save, and make informed financial decisions—skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Building Confidence and Independence
The workshops have had a profound impact on participants, not only in terms of the skills they’ve learnt but also fostered a sense of self-worth in the way they view their abilities. As participants learnt to navigate the digital world, they also built confidence in their ability to handle the challenges that life throws their way.
Trainer, Yvette Tan, guided participants on using Google Maps for navigation.
The trainers at Metta Welfare Association played an essential role in this transformation. Many of them were former teachers at Metta School, which meant they had an in-depth understanding of the unique needs and learning styles of the participants. Their compassionate, patient approach ensured that every participant felt supported and encouraged throughout their learning journey. Whether it’s taking the time to explain a concept multiple times or providing one-on-one guidance, the trainers were dedicated to helping every individual succeed.
“Every youth has different maturity towards technology and thus not all can learn at the same pace,” shared Felicia. “More time may be needed, for example after the workshop, for participants to practise.” Some participants may need more time to grasp certain concepts, while others may require additional support in applying what they had learnt in real-world situations.
This flexibility was the key to the success of the workshops, as it ensured that every participant was able to learn in a way that suited their needs and abilities.
A trainer provides guidance to a participant, ensuring they gain confidence and understand how to use digital tools effectively.
However, these challenges only made the successes even sweeter. The moments of achievement, whether it’s mastering a new skill or gaining the confidence to use technology independently, are extremely powerful.
A Shared Vision for the Digital Future
These workshops represent a turning point, where participants moved from dependence to independence, from uncertainty to confidence. “I think the most rewarding part for us is to be able to see them doing it by themselves and having the confidence to even teach their fellow friends, so I think that is a very powerful success key measure.” shared Felicia.
For participants like Kristy and Elizabeth, these workshops have opened doors to new possibilities. They are now equipped with the skills to make online purchases, apply technology to find information, and make informed decisions in their daily lives while navigating the online space safely.
The Digital for Life (DfL) Fund has played a vital role in enabling Metta Welfare Association to offer these workshops and provide the resources necessary to create lasting change. “The fund supported us in acquiring the mobile devices necessary for participants to practise their skills,” shared Felicia. This made it possible for Metta Welfare Association to continue offering these transformative workshops and expand their reach to more individuals in need.
Looking ahead, Metta Welfare Association is committed to continuing its work in digital literacy, adapting and enhancing its offerings to meet the needs of the participants. As technology evolves, the organisation plans to introduce new initiatives that will empower individuals with diverse abilities to thrive in a fast-changing digital world.
Join the Digital for Life Movement and Contribute to Building a Digitally Inclusive Society
Metta Welfare Association is dedicated to delivering social service programmes for individuals and families regardless of race or religion by collaborating with donors, partners, vendors, and community organisations.
Visit METTA Welfare Association's website to learn more about how you can get involved and volunteer!
Join the Digital for Life movement by starting a project and find out how the Digital for Life Fund can support you at Digital for Life.