Yellow Ribbon Project

How many of you have heard of the Yellow Ribbon Project?

It is actually a project that "aims to create awareness of giving second chances to ex-offenders, to generate acceptance of ex-offenders and their families into the community, and to inspire community action to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of ex-offenders into society."

Recently, my wife told me about an article in Today papers. It was written by one of the columnists. She wrote that when she recently shifted to her new home, she thought of getting the removal services offered by an organisation that helps ex-offenders. However, her friend advised her not to, saying that there is no knowing what ex-offenders may do. In the end, she took her friend's advice.

When we shifted to our new place last year, my wife suggested that we employ the removal services offered by such an organisation, because it was nearby. They came on time, were very professional in the way they carried our stuff and packed it into the lorry, and really lent us a helping hand. Besides removal services, the organisation also sells teak furniture and provides picture framing services. And they put it upfront that they don't want our pity, they want our business. These people may be ex-offenders, but they have shown professionalism in the work and service they provide. Recently, when we were browsing through their items on sale, we were treated to service so much better than what we would get in other shops in Singapore. Yes, I am saying this, ex-offenders give better service than most Singaporeans who have never been in prison.

These people, by being in the organisation, are telling you, the public, that they are willing to turn over a new leaf. They are sincere in changing, so we should give them a chance, rather than view them through coloured glasses. After all, the major religions in the world all teach about the importance of compassion for your fellow men. What have these people done that they do not deserve your forgiveness? They have already done their time in prison, what more do we expect them to do, before they are given a second chance?