ISCOS, T-Touch Organise Family Day for Ex-Offenders

24 June 2011

Singapore - Around 200 ISCOS members (ex-offenders) and their families who are mostly from the low-income group celebrated ISCOS Family Day at Sarimbun Scout Camp today.

Organised by ISCOS and T-Touch, a staff volunteer initiative of Temasek Holdings, the event coincided with Temasek's Community Day where around 200 management and staff of the firm participated in the community outreach.

The theme of this year's Family Day was "Strengthening Family Bonds" where it aimed to bring families closer through fun activities.

As the families navigated the outdoor games like obstacle courses, rope wall climbing, tyre tunnel and web challenge, they learned teamwork and communication and demonstrated care and concern for the well-being of others. The families also soaked in the fun and joviality of the carnival stalls and stage games.

Ms Freda Tham, ISCOS executive director said that stronger family ties are a powerful motivation for ISCOS members to stay on the right path.

"We have seen many members change for the better because of the support and encouragement they received from loved ones. We hope that through this event, the parents will be able to communicate and understand their spouses and children better, thus building a stronger family unit," Ms Tham said.

Mdm Norayati Bakar, an ISCOS member, brought her son, daughter and two nieces. She was in tears when she shared her gratefulness to ISCOS for the event.

"I'm glad that my family can enjoy fun activities together as I didn't get to have this experience with my own parents," Norayati said. "As I had been in prison before, I don't want to miss my times with my children again and I'm glad that I can see my youngest daughter grow up now," Norayati added.

Another ISCOS member, Siti, brought her six children to the event. The children were thrilled to win prizes as they participated in several game stations.

The ISCOS Family Day is the biggest annual gathering of ISCOS members, their spouses and children and is now on its 2nd year.