In the 1990s, a community establishment did not exist to look into the welfare of inmates in drug rehabilitation centres and prisons in Singapore. A group of Sikhs formed an informal group to gauge the problem and was shocked to find out that the number of Sikh inmates was higher in comparison to its population here. That subsequently lead to the formation of a group of counsellors affiliated to local Sikh institutions.
Over the course of 20 years, the number of Sikh inmates has gone down and many of those released went on to become good citizens employed in reputable companies.
Besides Sikhs who found themselves on the wrong side of the law, SIWEC also assisted individuals and families who had fallen on hard times.
Success Story #1
One former inmate, whose circumstances at home had lead him astray, was successfully counselled and decided that he wanted to do more with his life. Having an interest in cooking, he went on to take courses in cookery, which landed him jobs in the food industry. Over a period of time, as his experience, confidence and skill increased, he applied for the post of a chef at a four star hotel and was accepted.
Today, he is gainfully employed, has a good income and supports his family. His only thoughts now are to see that his children succeed in life and do not go through the hardships that he faced.
Success Story #2
After her marriage broke up, a lady found it increasingly difficult to manage with no full-time job and with several school-going children to take care of. As her personal savings dwindled, her desperation grew. She was unable to rely on friends and relatives for long and her children started to miss school.
Her plight came to light and a counsellor from the Sikh Welfare Council approached the family to offer assistance. As in many cases, the counsellor found that the lady had little idea of the type of grants and assistance that agencies offer to people in her situation. Applications were successfully made and assistance was obtained in several forms, such as financial assistance, food rations, bursaries for her children, and even a low-cost computer. Along with regular counselling, the family's situation gradually improved.
Today, while the family is still under the Council's care, its situation is no longer desperate. Food, school fees and other necessities are taken care of and the mother has found a stable, though low-paying, job, and the level of assistance is expected to decrease in the foreseeable future.