"...once I reached secondary school, I was everything but (close to) my family. That was when I explored the underground criminal activity. I went through the Law and Order situation in Singapore. Through that I am here now," said Jays, a former Singapore Boys Home resident to Keeshan, a befriender and volunteer of the programme.

A part of the Giving Conversations 2017, Keeshan and Jays shared their story of befriending offenders and detainees under the Mitra Programme by the Hindu Centre.

ABOUT MITRA, HINDU CENTRE
The objectives of the Mitra programme are for trained Hindu Centre volunteers to act as friends to offenders to: share the teachings of Hinduism, its ethical values and spiritual practices to change thinking and behaviour of youth and adult offenders( the Mitras) to support their rehabilitation and address reoffending; promote the strengthening of family ties and bonds between offenders (Mitras) and their loved ones during incarceration and after release; and
befriend and provide aftercare support to Mitras post-release

You can find them at   / hinducentresg  

ABOUT GIVING CONVERSATIONS 2017
In time for the season of giving, SG Narratives shares the stories of organizations who have formed communities of support for those in need and chosen to dedicate their time and energy for the sake of others.

WHY WE DO IT
SG Narratives aims to redefine empathy through honest conversations, in Singapore. Through carefully crafted questions, SG Narratives promotes the importance of honest conversations between any two persons in the spirit of being present and actively listening to each other no matter how difficult, be it a couple, family members or colleagues.

HOW DO WE DO IT
Participants will take turns to ask a set of given questions designed to encourage an honest exchange between them. It is good to take the time to elaborate and share as much as comfortably possible, as the time is entirely dedicated to them.

However, at any point of time, participants can request to skip questions they are not comfortable to ask or answer as we understand that everything has its given time and its given space.

TO SUPPORT US
Participate | https://goo.gl/VPmCHZ
Write to us! | [email protected]
Facebook |   / sgnarratives  
Facebook SGN Discuss |   / sgndiscuss