Auntie Pui Ling: The Beloved Grandma of the Centre

If you have ever visited the P. C. Lee OneSky Global Centre, you have likely met Auntie Pui Ling. Many of our children might have even attended her craft and snack classes. Auntie Pui Ling’s journey with us began when she witnessed her granddaughter, who has special educational needs, thrived at our centre. This inspired her to become a dedicated community helper, working alongside our teachers to support the children and their caregivers.

Her motivation stems from her own childhood experiences, which left her believing, “If someone had helped us back then, my fate might have been different.”

Known as the “Grandma of the Centre,” Auntie Pui Ling grew up with her two sisters under the care of their grandmother. After their grandmother passed away, the sisters lived with their mother and stepfather. Auntie Pui Ling recalls, “We were raised under our mother’s strict upbringing. I vividly remember fresh food being reserved for our stepfather and brother, while we three sisters had to eat leftovers and canned luncheon meat. If we ate too slowly, we would get beaten. I still fear luncheon meat up till now!”

Those were the days, and Auntie Pui Ling focuses on ensuring that children today can grow up happily. After working in various industries, she retired and pondered how to continue living a fulfilling life. By chance, both her elder and younger sisters were involved in volunteer work, so Auntie Pui Ling joined them, becoming a foster parent and dedicating herself to changing others’ lives.

Auntie Pui Ling shares, “My foster son is from an ethnic minority community, and we have been a family for over ten years now. When he first came to us, he didn’t speak Cantonese, so I taught him words like ‘har gow’ (shrimp dumplings) and ‘siu mai’ (steamed pork wrap). I took him around to attend classes at different centers. I didn’t want to just receive services; I wanted to give back. So I became a volunteer at various community centers, teaching children to make decorations from red packets and preparing snacks, and helping minority groups integrate into Hong Kong life.”

Through a friend’s introduction, Auntie Pui Ling and her granddaughter found their way to OneSky and brought her spirit of giving back to the community. Her granddaughter, who has multiple special educational needs, has had a challenging journey. Auntie Pui Ling recalls, “She used to play alone with her head down. I tried taking her to the park, but she wouldn’t interact with others and sometimes acted rude. People would say, ‘Your granddaughter has problems; don’t bring her here.’ Hearing that was very painful.”

“She needed different social support, so I took her here and there, attending classes seven days a week, from baby massage to storytelling, and learning how to raise a child with special educational needs.”

When Auntie Pui Ling and her granddaughter joined OneSky, they found a community filled with love and acceptance, which enabled her granddaughter to thrive. Auntie Pui Ling shares, “At OneSky she slowly learned to share and interact with others. Her progress is the best report card I could ask for.”

Seeing her granddaughter’s happiness, Auntie Pui Ling decided join courses at OneSky, including our signature caregiver training. After completing her training and assessments, she stayed on as a Community Helper at OneSky, helping to care for the children. She transitioned from a service user to a service provider.

Auntie Pui Ling also put her skills in crafts and cooking to good use. Encouraged by OneSky teachers, she started classes for other caregivers, such as making snowy mooncakes, knitting bags, and more. “OneSky gave me the opportunity to lead classes. The Community Helpers all have fun and chat while working together. I’ve made many good friends here, and many people know my granddaughter and have seen her grow and change.”

Working at OneSky, Auntie Pui Ling observed the challenges faced by caregivers. “It is really tough to take care of children and manage household chores alone. At OneSky, caregivers can find someone to talk to and share the joys and frustrations of caring for children.”

She shared her positive outlook on life: “Every family has different challenges, but don’t lose hope. Come to OneSky to talk to someone, seize the opportunities to learn, and improve yourself. I often tell mothers, ‘I know it’s hard because I’ve been through it too.'”

“Whether you have a child with special needs or are a mother caring for young children 24/7, take some time to rest and learn at the center. Meeting others in similar situations and sharing experiences can make you feel much better.”

Auntie Pui Ling hopes to help more caregivers discover their strengths at the center. “Some moms are skilled in skincare, crafts, and cooking and can share their knowledge. Others are good with computers and can help with administrative tasks. I hope more women can use their strengths to serve the center, allowing children and families to participate in various activities and try new things.”

“Before retiring, my daily work life was monotonous. Now, helping to care for children, I feel more fulfilled. As I learn and grow, it’s like starting a new chapter in my life!”