Beneficiaries
Often, the children become socially withdrawn as they believe that it is 'easier to lay low and be invisible' than to explain to others why their parents are absent from their lives.
Here are some of the questions that linger on the minds of these children:
"How do I explain to my teachers why my parents don't sign my school work and report card?
"Why don't my parents come to school for parent-teacher meetings?"
"Who cheers for me when I perform at a concert or when I go onstage to get an award? No one..."
Recognizing the emotional challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents, HGEF emphasizes the importance of community and familial support. Through collaborations with partners and other organisations, the fund facilitates access to programs that strengthen familial bonds and provide emotional support, helping children navigate the complexities associated with parental incarceration.
Despite limited resources HGEF has shown remarkable success, many of its beneficiaries have achieved post secondary educations, others have even graduated from universities and are now volunteering as mentors to the younger beneficiaries.
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HGEF will develop an alumni programme to strengthen bonds, encourage peer mentorship, develop leadership and encourage volunteering to support younger HGEF beneficiaries.
"My sister and I grew up with parents who were substance abusers. The life we lived, our emotions and experiences were something not many could understand or empathise with. We found it difficult to concentrate on our studies and our parents' absence affected our mental health.
In 2006, I had finished my National Service and was planning to further my education at the National University of Singapore. By that point, I was exhausted. I didn't have a stable support system and my grandmother had been my only source of motivation. When she passed away in 2005, I felt that I had no reason to complete my education. Spending 4 years at university was a fight I could not win without my grandmother. I was alone and I was ready to give up. But, as if it was all planned by God, I was introduced to HGEF.
At first, I thought HGEF was like any other organisation whose definition of assistance was monetary. We were just part of a cold transaction. However, HGEF was different --you were different, kak Haslinda.
It wasn't just 'dump-the-money-on-them -and-hope-they-do-well'. HGEF made it a point to keep in touch to make sure my sister and I were okay. Gradually, we went from being completely defeated to having caring people who were genuinely invested in our well-being. My sister and I finally felt we were no longer in battle alone.
We knew we had someone we could talk to and people who were always ready to help, without being judged."