Tuesday, October 31, 2006
The Yellow Ribbon Project...Everyone might have heard of this project before. If one would recall, a couple of years back, advertisements detailing how ex-convicts should be given a second chance in life, be it in print or running on our telly/radios. Ah, that's the yellow ribbon project.
And if anyone has a copy of yesterday's TNP, refer to page 4. It runs an article on Mr Prem (my 'mentor' back in the centre during my pri 4-6 days), who is the director of the Singapore After-Care Association and his thoughts on how our society is slowly opening up to giving ex-cons another chance.
Kinda ironic, considering that the night before, I was chatting with Sai about this family friend of mine, whose story really grips my heartstrings, and all that I can do, is pray that things will be ok for him.
Many often complain about how naggy their folks are, some realise it tad too late. How about those, who have never experienced the love of a parent, who is left on his own at home during his formative years, whilst his parents are fighting a divorce case?
Often, we are seen writing about this in our secondary school essays, the usual lack of love stuff, but only when you see it happening around you, you just stop to appreciate everything you have.
So when you lack that parental love, you end up exploring, seeking it out in other avenues. Then, its bad company and stuff. This boy, I've seen him grow up, and in a way, I feel guilty. For not having pushed my folks enough, when he was in Pri 5 and having tuition under my dad, to have him stay with us, at least till he grows older.
Now, I see him, 16 years young, with numerous police records shadowing him, tattoos that stretch almost every inch of his skin, and even, some designs on his face. Yet, I can't blame him. Divorces really sap the confidence of a kid, especially when my dad once told me, that he saw him being very down-trodden and slouching, one rainy afternoon after school, whilst picking him up.
Counselling sessions won't help, I told my dad. End of the day, you have to treat him like a 16 year old, the age where everybody do not give a hoot about what the world thinks of them, that time when the testosterones hit an all-time high. So the only way out, is self-realisation. But the longer the ordeal, the deeper you sink. Lest he realises, and seeks help. Which is why, I am considering putting a word to Uncle Prem soon.
I last heard from him, on Deepavali Night, when his dad passed the phone to him, and we wished him. He sounded exactly how I had last spoken to him, 4 years ago - a soft spoken boy, filled with loads of innocence, as he proceeded to give me tips on the betting market. Just like how he kept inviting me over then, to play PS with him.
Haiz, what to do, I just have this big brother thing about me, when I deal with younger people. Heh. Probably foresee myself being a social worker la.
Disclaimer: The word mentor was best used, as compared to guru. Now, don't form wrong ideas here, he was just a tutor in the centre, who took care of the Primary 4-6 boys back then, and now is tutoring another group in the centre. By tutoring, I refer to inculcating values in us, not teaching us lessons. But he tutored me for history in Sec 1, hmm...
So tutor or mentor, you decide.
For me, Uncle Prem. Simple.. =)
PS: Right, will be going on a hiatus now. Will be back soon.. Ciao!
11:41 AM
supernova lit up.
