SIBU: The Methodist Care Centre (MCC) Cafe has become a hub for heartwarming inspiration where patrons experience the joy of being served by adults with special needs.
This initiative, which began in July 2022, has transformed the cafe into a symbol of inclusivity and support for those often marginalised in the job market.
Behind the scenes, six remarkable individuals, two men and four women aged between 20 and 30, are the culinary maestros who craft the delectable dishes and drinks on the menu.
What makes their journey even more remarkable is that they underwent three months of intensive training to become the talented chefs they are today.
The cafe’s doors are open to everyone, operating from 7am to 3.30pm, Monday through Friday, but is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Among the reasonably-priced delicious food available here are laksa which is priced at RM6, Rojak (RM8), chicken burger (RM5), Mee Hoon, Kueh Tiaw (RM4 each), Nasi Lemak (RM5), salad chicken rice (RM6) and Ayam Penyet rice (RM7).
MCC supervisor, Wong Kee Wei, emphasises that the cafe’s primary goal is not profit-oriented but to create job opportunities for these extraordinary individuals who face limited prospects elsewhere.
“We can’t make a profit here as the sole aim of the cafe is to provide job opportunities for them as there aren’t many jobs out there for them. We pay them a monthly allowance for the job,” she said.
Wong added that after completing their secondary education, the six of them were taken in to undergo three months of training before they could start working at the cafe.
“They all started from scratch. However, most of them had gone through MCC employment training programme at age 19, like doing packaging.
“At the cafe, they were taught how to make toast, drinks, and cook noodles until they are adept in it,” she stressed.
Wong said that each individual at the cafe is assigned specific tasks that align with their interests and abilities.
“Before the training, we need to know their interests. If their preference is for cooking, then we train them for that.
“During the training and also when they are working like now, we continue to motivate them so that they can produce quality work,” she added.
Their performance, according to Wong, is “so far so good,” and they are enjoying their work.
On the response from the public, Wong was quick to say that it has been good.
Prices are lower than elsewhere as the cafe wants to attract customers.
“We even have group bookings. A Methodist Church, for example, is having senior members’ group gathering every Monday at our cafe.
“We do not only have walk-in customers but also those who book via WhatsApp as we do provide delivery for orders costing more than RM50,” she said.
Beyond the cafe, MCC continues to support individuals with special needs through various employment opportunities. There are 92 adults with special needs at MCC, working in roles such as car washing, recycling and as cleaners within the centre.
In addition to adult programmes, the Methodist Care Centre serves 150 young children with special needs at the old Agape building, offering early intervention programmes to prepare children below six years old for primary school education.
