Jamiyah Halfway House (Darul Islah) officially opened a newly
refurbished computer classroom at the halfway house. The
refurbished computer classroom is part of the IT Skills Programme,
an initiative between Darul Islah, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) and
Acronis.
Acronis had sponsored $100,000 through the Yellow Ribbon Fund to
the project -$50,000 for the renovation and upgrading of the
computer classroom, including 15 new laptops and other equipment.
Another $50,000 will be used for IT training courses in 2022.
YRF and Acronis have a shared vision of developing a computer
classroom that can support regular IT training for the residents of
Darul Islah. Both stakeholders saw the value in equipping the
residents with IT skills as it will open more opportunities for
them and allow them to secure better jobs as well.
Addressing the guests invited at the opening event, Dr Isa
Hassan, Senior Vice President III of Jamiyah Singapore and Chairman
of Darul Islah said: "At Jamiyah Halfway House, we equip
offenders with relevant training to enhance their employability in
a digitalized world to prepare them for successful reintegration
and instil a culture of lifelong learning in our residents and
facilitate their skills deepening in the community, even after
release.
"Most individuals finish their stay at the halfway house
hoping to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Not being able
to find employment and lacking necessary workplace skills can put a
damper on that expectation. Facing daunting employment and career
development issues can also interfere with an individual's sense of
self-worth.
"At Jamiyah Halfway House, we offer job readiness training to
help newly recovered individuals learn valuable skills and ways to
solve problems, communicate effectively, and work as a team.
Finding a job after recovery can help individuals build healthier
relationships, provide for their families, and boost their
self-esteem, which helps prevent relapse and maintain their
long-term recovery."
Mr Faizal Abas, Head of Darul Islah said: "Jamiyah
Halfway House is truly grateful for the newly refurbished computer
classroom. It will surely create a very conducive training
environment for the residents of the halfway house.
"The sponsorship will also be utilised for IT training
and courses to be conducted…for our residents and other Jamiyah
beneficiaries. We believe our residents and other beneficiaries
will gain useful IT training and knowledge to use digital
applications and enhance their employment opportunities with better
salaries and rehabilitate in their rehabilitation process to lead a
crime and drug free lifestyle."
The collaboration between Darul Islah, Acronis & Yellow Ribbon
Fund started in 2018 when they conducted the ICDL Microsoft Skills
Course for the residents. The residents were awarded with the
Microsoft Certified Certificates upon the completion of the
course.
The first IT training for 2022 was conducted by a trainer from
Acronis, for 1 week from 10 February 2022 to 17 February 2022.
Participants learnt the ins and outs of creating and designing
documents on PowerPoint and Word, how to perform spreadsheet
functions on Excel and drafted and sent emails on Outlook. All of
them passed the course.
Alex (not his real name), resident of Darul Islah, who was one
of 16 participants in the first IT training course held at the
newly renovated computer classroom reflected on his experience:
"I feel encouraged to learn new things. Previously I
worked in odd jobs, without requiring any IT skills.
"When I study new IT skills with the help of the Darul Islah
staff and the trainers, it makes me motivated to change my life for
the better. I think this course will help me in the future. The
trainer who taught us has a lot of experience. He was patient and
calm when teaching us, which makes it easier to
understand."
The Computer Classroom and its programmes are offered in
addition to other rehabilitation and community-focused enrichment
programmes offered by Darul Islah, such as the Art Therapy
Programme and the Project Happiness Programme.
The Art Therapy Programme uses art to encourage free
self-expression among the residents through painting and drawing.
On the other hand, Project Happiness is part of Darul Islah's
community outreach engagement programme, where residents clean,
decorate, and paint the houses of needy Singaporeans to bring joy
during the festive seasons.
The opening of the newly refurbished computer classroom was
graced by Guest of Honour Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal
Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of
National Development.
In his closing remarks, Assoc Prof Faishal said:
"Employability has always been a huge hurdle for
ex-offenders. Jobs that provide financial stability will help
ex-offenders rebuild their lives. Given how technology has become
part of our daily lives, being computer literate will open doors of
opportunities for both our offenders and ex-offenders.
"I'm glad that the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Acronis, and Jamiyah
Halfway House have realised their shared vision to develop a
classroom lab that can support regular IT training for residents of
the Halfway House. The Computer Classroom will enable the residents
to upgrade their IT knowledge and skills, build their confidence in
this field, and consequently improve their employability upon their
release."
About Jamiyah Singapore
Muslim Missionary Society Singapore, also known as Jamiyah
Singapore, was established in 1932. Its mission is to work and
contribute towards the welfare and overall development of the
community regardless of race or faith. Its services are focused on
education, welfare and community outreach programmes, and
inter-faith harmony.
Jamiyah now manages 3 Welfare Homes - the needy & destitute
elderly (Jamiyah Home for the Aged - Darul Takrim), those needing
intermediate & long-term healthcare (Jamiyah Nursing Home - Darul
Syifaa), and also for rehabilitating ex-drug offenders (Jamiyah
Halfway House - Darul Islah).
It also has 8 Education Centres, Community Outreach Services
such as Family-Centric Services; Counselling; Free Medical & Legal
Clinics; Food Ration Distributions, FoodBank and other related
community welfare and development services.
As one of the founding members of the Inter-Religious
Organisation (IRO), Jamiyah has always emphasized interfaith
harmony. Together with the various faith leaders, Jamiyah is at the
forefront of fostering religious harmony for the community through
its various creative and pragmatic programmes.
About Jamiyah Halfway House (Darul Islah)
Jamiyah Halfway House, or Darul Islah, was established in 1996
to serve as a centre for rehabilitating drug offenders to lead a
new life before they are released and reintegrated into
society.
Jamiyah Halfway House provides a conducive rehabilitative
environment with varied programmes and services to prepare the
residents in their journey to return to society.
Jamiyah Halfway House is a partner of Singapore Prison Service
(SPS), and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG).
About the Yellow Ribbon Fund
The Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) was launched in 2004 and is the
first national charitable fund devoted entirely towards the
development and implementation of rehabilitation and reintegration
programmes for inmates and ex-offenders, as well as family support
programmes to strengthen their family ties.
Proceeds from the various fund-raising activities will go
towards funding a variety of rehabilitation and family programmes,
as well as aftercare services. The main areas of support are in
Education and Training, Reconnecting Families, Residential Support,
Financial Assistance and Aftercare Support, including New
Innovative Programmes. About $17 million was disbursed to fund
programmes and services, helping more than 54,000
beneficiaries.
YRF is registered under Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) and is a
member of the CARE Network, an alliance of public and
non-government agencies that aims to promote supportive aftercare
for ex-offenders.
In 2019, YRF achieved the Transparency Award from the Charity
Council, signifying exemplary disclosure and good transparency
practices by Commissioner of Charities (COC).
For more information on YRF, please visit https://www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/yellow-ribbon-fund
About Acronis:
Acronis is a leader in AI-native cyber protection, unifying data protection, cybersecurity, IT operations and hybrid infrastructure to deliver business continuity, security and compliance with less cost and complexity. More than 21,000 service providers trust Acronis to protect over 750,000 businesses in 150 countries. Acronis is headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. For more information, visit www.acronis.com.