Congratulations to our graduates from IT Skills Programme for ex-offenders with Jamiyah Halfway House

A graduation ceremony was held at Jamiyah Halfway House on 27 August 2022 to mark the completion of training for 30 ex-offenders and witnessed by representatives from media Jamiyah Singapore, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF), Acronis and other supporting agencies. The certificates were presented by Mr Vladimir Zatsepin, Acronis Vice President, Head of Singapore R&D. The graduation was made possible through a collaboration between YRF and Acronis Cyber Foundation. This initiative combines both’s expertise to uplift ex-offenders through IT skills and career development, co-creating new opportunities for their successful reintegration and contribution back to society.

The training was conducted in the newly refurbished computer classroom at the halfway house. The first training batch in the new classroom was conducted from 10 February to 17 February 2022. 15 residents participated in the course with a 100% pass. All secured employment after the course. The second training batch was conducted from 26 May to 3 June 2022, another 15 residents took part with a 100% pass. All of them are working full-time with salaries ranging from $1,450 to $2,600.

Mr Stas Protassov, Acronis Co-Founder & President of Technology said:

Education, upskilling and lifelong learning are part of our DNA at Acronis. Our core belief is that knowledge should be available to all, and we are glad to resume the provision of IT skills training to ex-offenders, since the disruption caused by the pandemic. The YRF-Acronis IT Skills Programme, which has been launched 4 years ago, is also aligned with the government’s push to upskill citizens. For a country like Singapore, every citizen matters and we’re confident that given the opportunity to obtain new knowledge and skills, ex-offenders can contribute and reintegrate back into society

Dr Isa Hassan, 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 instill a culture of lifelong learning in our residents and facilitate their skills deepening in the community, even after release. 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 R, a Forklift Driver, completed his rehabilitation programme on 29 May 2022. He was from the first training batch held this year. After his release, he continued taking courses, upgraded himself, and managed to obtain a forklift license. The programme helped him to improve his self-esteem and be more confident.

He shared:

The course motivated me, and I learnt to apply the skill at my workplace as a forklift driver where I need to key in all the items into the computer. This knowledge encourages me to keep upgrading my skills in computer usage.

Mr F attended and completed the training in June 2019. He currently works for Domino’s Pizza and has received a good review from his supervisor. He also received the Best Employee Award in Feb 2020 from his employer. The course helped him in his job advancement.

He said:

The programme has given me better knowledge and skills for my work. I started as a part-time pizza maker and was promoted to store supervisor and now assistant restaurant manager. Of course, I feel happy and excited as this is a lifetime experience.

Mr Rosezeli Omar, a Jamiyah Halfway House Alumni, actively volunteers his time to support the aftercare programme for the beneficiaries upon completing his programme. The aftercare programme had helped him greatly, especially through optimistic thinking and reasoning, engaging himself in contributing back to society.

His advice to the graduating students:

“Set a goal in life on the things you want to achieve. Create a positive mindset, and don’t stop whenever you are facing challenges in something you want to achieve. Always have the ‘Don’t give up’ motto in life as the struggles you are in today are developing the strength you need for tomorrow.”

Acronis Cyber Foundation congratulates each of them as we celebrate their achievements at the graduation ceremony. We wish all our graduates success in their future endeavours as they embark on new careers and professions.

Acronis Cyber Foundation welcomes individuals, groups, and companies to partner with us to work side-by-side with underserved communities to bring them hope through education.