The Day I Walked Through the Door
Jumat is now in his early forties, but he had already spent more than 24 years behind bars for multiple offences.
He signed up as a member on one occasion after release but never approached ISCOS for help. His views and perceptions were then clouded by his drug habit.
In his last community-based programme at Jamiyah halfway house in July 2008, he was given an opportunity to go on a job search. But he was soon discouraged as he could not see himself coming out of the rut as he only knew he had a secondary level education, and multiple criminal records.
Jumat then decided to knock on the doors of ISCOS for the first time, in the hope that this would turn it all around. He was clear about what he wanted this time but needed some affirmation.
His very first impression… “It felt like home. Mr Michael Kwok from the ISCOS member services team was there to greet me and sat down and spoke about my strengths. For a moment I felt my worth again. For once, no one bothered about what I did wrong but what mattered was what I was going to do right.”
ISCOS matched Jumat with TCC Hospitality Resources Pte Ltd, a valued employment partner of ISCOS. That was where he met the TCCHR Director, Mr Ken Woo, who made sure Jumat would set off on a guided route to reintegration.
Mr Woo tailored training programmes for his senior staff and sent them to a career counselling course so that they can assist Jumat at work. He gave Jumat all the knowledge and skills he needed to regain his self esteem and re-skilled him for bigger tasks.
Soon, Jumat was given the opportunity to assist the operations department in a recruitment drive for the Singapore F1 project. Naturally, he was delighted. Today, he constantly attends ISCOS activities as he believes that ISCOS has helped him build a bridge over his troubles and led him to his new found career. Jumat also empowers himself by imparting his experience and knowledge to the students at Jamiyah Business School.
“Ultimately, it is Jumat’s will to change and make a better life for himself. At ISCOS, we provide you that help and support when you walk through our doors. Nevertheless, you have to make it happen for yourself”, advised Michael Kwok, Member Services Executive, ISCOS.
