The Turning Point (TTP)
This year, we conducted two successive runs of the training program at TTP; the first from 5 April – 21 June and the second from 12 July – 4 October. A total of about 15 residents attended the programs; with some attending both runs. Thus we tailored the second run of the program to build up on the skills that they had acquired in the first run and with focus on building relationships with family and cultivating positive friendships. For example, through the second run of the topic on “Anger”, one resident learnt that beside effective communication, she can manage her anger by learning to perceive the situation and “not to take personally what other says about her”.
Object lesson to illustrate how we can control the amount of anger by how we perceive the situation
One of the truth we wanted to impart to the residents is that their thoughts, deeds, and actions has a ripple effect on the people around them, especially their families and loved ones, who mean very much to them. One of the resident realised how her constant relapse into drugs has caused great stress to her family; especially her son. The lesson on “Rebuilding Relationships” had encouraged her to take steps to rebuild the trust in the relationship with her family and gave her the confidence once again to stay clean.
It’s heartwarming and encouraging for the volunteers to receive notes of affirmation from the residents!
Institution A4 (previously CWP)
Effective 15 October 2017, the Changi Women’s Prison relocated to its new venue in Upper Changi Road North and is renamed Institution A4. After a short hiatus as they settled in at their new premise, GEM was invited back to conduct our signature inside out beauty program with the inmates in May-July and September – October 2018. Each run comprises 10 sessions of life skills training and 10 sessions of vocational training on nails.
A total of 22 inmates, most of whom are in their twenties and thirties, benefitted from our program this year. In one of the lesson that taught about the ‘Power of Belief’, one of the inmates was challenged to look at her limiting belief that keeps her thinking that it is difficult for her to succeed in life and to focus on her strengths (which she might have overlook) instead. She reflected: “There are others who are less fortunate than me but are able to accomplish much despite their disabilities, so there is no limits to what I can do also!” It is always heartening to know that they are eager to apply what they have learnt and make positive changes and to start their lives anew after their discharge.
We were pleasantly surprised at the positive outlook of most of the inmates as they actively participated in the activities and encouraged one another to stay focus. It was a really touching moment when one of the inmates who was going to be discharged after being with us for three sessions, read out a poem she personally wrote to bid farewell and encourage the other inmates.
The inmates never failed to let us know how much they anticipated and look forward to every lesson each week. It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life. When you see that glimmer of hope that lights up their faces, you know that you are doing something worthwhile.