Unlike others who spend their prime 30s building up a life and career, Muru spent his in and out of prison - for 16 years. In his heyday, he was part of a secret society, got involved in drugs, petty thefts, housebreaking, robbery and manslaughter. Those episodes of his life are over. He is living a fulfilling life now. Discover his story here.
Making the Change
No matter how hard a person I was, I experienced a total change of heart when my 8-year-old son visited me in prison, in 2006. He asked why I wasn’t present for Children’s Day like all his other classmates’ parents. “Why are you not there for me?” he said. I was tongue-tied and reflected on my life in prison when he left. I have lost so much the past decade and a half! I made a decision there and then, enough is enough. That’s when I began to change everything about me.
My Healing Journey
I started my healing journey by joining an in-care programme that helped me understand more about my true self. As I found my strength, I took courage to leave the secret society I had joined. It wasn’t easy. I had objections from many members, especially those who were in prison with me. But the choice was mine to make, and I left. I was selected as a peer facilitator. I was in the programme for 8 years, before my release.
Every Challenge is My Blessing
After incarceration, I had a hard time resettling into life. Strangers and people I knew labelled me with hurtful words, but I challenged myself and turned their words into my strength, pushing me to be better every day. Mr Elvis, the Deputy Director of the Industrial & Services Co-operative Ltd (ISCOS), approached me to be part of the ISCOS Titans programme. ISCOS extends their friendship and support to help people like me regain our foothold in society.
Reaching Out to Change Lives
With the backing of ISCOS, I found a new focus in my life - to give back to society by helping others who were in need of assistance. With a proper job at ISCOS and working as a GRAB driver to supplement my income, I was recognised as an ISCOS Titan, a title given to reformed offenders who have properly reintegrated into society and are helping others.
I volunteered much of my time by conducting motivational talks in prison, at the Reformative Training Centre (RTC) and halfway houses, reaching out to inmates and many youths at risk. I shared my stories with them, letting them see what I have lost, what they have lost. With the in-care programmes in place – I showed them how much I have gained. I talked to many secret society members and persuaded them to leave their gang, and be free of the “control”.
I hope society will never give up on those who have fallen and trying to get up. It is never too late to change. It is not easy, but every day, with my peers behind me, I am motivated to change lives. Like how my life was changed.
“Once I joined the wrong society, now I help unite the community”
Muru, 47 & free!
Muru pays it forward, inspired by the support and encouragement from the community.
You too can play a part towards a more inclusive society.
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