"I'm glad to be part of the team. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the inmate has enriched my own life experience, and interpersonal skills. Most importantly, knowing that when these group of inmates return to society, they will carry the confidence and knowledge we imparted to them, this will be the greatest satisfaction that anybody in this project will gain."

Vincent Teo
Counsellor
Singapore Buddhist Federation

"It is the most enriching experience in life to be able to understand the inmates. I learnt a great deal from them. Counselling is never a one way route. It is the reciprocation that makes it so meaningful."

Khoon Lim
Counsellor
Singapore Buddhist Federation

"Since I have been a volunteer for many years, I can emphathise with the inmates. I feel good each time I can give them hope and encourage them to move on despite their wrongdoings. When I interact with them, I enjoy inspiring them with my jokes, skills and knowledge. I can feel the rapport with them during my sharing.

Would-be volunteers should try to look at the inmates' potential and capabilities and not their past misdeeds. We should give them a second chance."

Percival Shepherdson
Volunteer
SANA

"It has been 4½ - 5 years now since I've joined the English Reading Club {ERC} for the inmates at Changi Women's Prison. As much as the inmates may have benefited from our twice a month sessions, I personally have learned so much from them.

We encourage them to speak up and share; and learn from each other. I learn to share my personal experiences too; and they understand they are not alone. We encourage them to write down their feelings. I learn to think carefully before I write down my frustrations in emails to colleagues!! We encourage them to learn from their mistakes. I learn to re-look and think through mine too. We encourage them to read and understand. I learn that it's never too hard to encourage "hopeless" cases to bring forth the best in themselves.

This is why I enjoy volunteering with ERC, it has given a lot to me and teaches me just as much as the inmates. This is the only volunteer work that I'll wake up early in the morning and travel 2 hours each way from Jurong!!"

Adeline Ooi
Volunteer
English Reading Club

"It was a volunteer's immense pleasure to see the inmates gradually transform from low self-esteemed individuals to confident speakers. The prison's speech craft sessions were also a great refresher course for me….Overall it has been an enriching experience for me. The rewards are intangible and the experience gives me great satisfaction! By coaching others, you will in turn be refreshed!"

Cynthia Sam
Volunteer
Toastmasters' Club

"Volunteering is selfless-ism, a willingness to take a road less travelled, though sometimes painful and at times I have thrown up my hands in despair. Helping ex-offender is a long and arduous one. I may inspire the person to consider a changed life, or be willing to walk with him beyond prison gates, but it is always the person's prerogative. Still, I have grown in my own personal journey and my passion to give…like many volunteers who have given of their time, effort and themselves in the hope that others might just live free, I have found much joy and satisfaction in this worthwhile cause."

Angeline Seow
Volunteer
Prison Fellowship Singapore