Computer literacy programme to help ex-offenders learn digital skills, open up job options
This comes as Singapore looks at how to keep ex-offenders out of jail for longer.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said refreshing skills can help keep ex-offenders out of jail, as they can use the training to find work immediately.
SINGAPORE: A dedicated computer classroom has been launched at charity HCSA Community Services' Highpoint Halfway House to offer ex-offenders lessons in digital literacy.
Some 60 ex-offenders will learn basic computer skills by next year, as part of efforts to boost their chances of finding a job sooner.
This comes as Singapore looks at how to keep ex-offenders out of jail for longer.
About 20 per cent re-offend within two years, but this rises to 40 per cent at the five-year mark, according to the Singapore Prison Service (SPS).
Research by SPS has shown that many ex-offenders undergo multiple attempts to remain crime or drug-free before eventually succeeding.
Those who successfully desist are able to recognise the consequences of their actions, make intentional lifestyle shifts, and participate in structured activities, the agency noted.
KEEPING EX-OFFENDERS OUT OF JAIL
Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Social and Family Development Eric Chua said refreshing skills can help keep ex-offenders out of jail, as they can use the training and their new skills to find work immediately.
“It is a key component in rehabilitation and for re-integration into society,” Mr Chua noted.
“With financial stability, ex-offenders will be in better stead to rebuild their lives, take care of themselves and their families, and contribute back to society.”
Self-employed batik artist Hameed Maricar is among 10 ex-offenders who have recently completed a six-day digital literacy course at the halfway house, which provides a safe space for these individuals to rebuild their lives and become more employable.
Mr Hameed, who first learnt batik painting while serving his prison sentence, was released four years ago.
The full-time artist, who also teaches workshops, is now improving what he can offer to his customers with his new-found digital skills.
“So before this, I use physical things to show them and explain to them,” he said.
“But now that I learn to use (Microsoft) PowerPoint and Word, I can use them to do my presentation slides. I can add more things, like pictures of other famous artists, that I couldn't do before.”
HELPING EX-OFFENDERS TO FIND WORK SOONER
HCSA is now working towards finding jobs for those who have completed the computer literacy course.
The non-profit organisation has, for instance, employed one resident of Highpoint Halfway House to do data entry.
“I used to be intimidated by computers. So now, I have more confidence to use them,” said Mr Larry Sociago, a programme coordinator at HCSA Community Services.
“I would like to go further (with my Microsoft skills). This is only a basic course. So my intention is to go for an advanced one, hopefully.”
HCSA has plans to work with its partner, technology company Acronis, to offer more of such courses.
“Currently, they are training in Microsoft skills, the essentials of Word, Excel and PowerPoint, but as the world gets more digital, we want to make them future ready,” said Ms Trish Ng, education projects manager at Acronis Cyber Foundation.
“Acronis is looking into perhaps more information or knowledge about machine learning, AI (artificial intelligence), and also of course, cybersecurity.”
HCSA also has an academy that conducts a similar culinary training course for its residents who are looking for a stable career in the food and beverage industry.
It has plans to replicate these programmes for the logistics sector by next year.
