Rahim, Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) Star Bursary Recipient
Rahim, the middle child in a family of three, faced early challenges when his parents divorced when he was ten years old. His mother remarried, and Rahim, seeking love and belonging, navigated a tumultuous upbringing, moving between different homes to make ends meet, including working as a bouncer at a club.
Seeking connection, Rahim joined a gang during his early school days, leading him down a troubled path. Exposure to drugs started at 14, resulting in three incarcerations for offenses ranging from selling illegal VCDs to vehicle theft, with his last release from Criminal Law Detention (CLD) occurring in 2017.
Throughout his turbulent journey, Rahim’s mother remained a steadfast presence, visiting him monthly and offering unwavering encouragement. Despite moments of failure and relapse, her enduring love never wavered, fueling Rahim’s desire for lifestyle change and better employment prospects.
Inspired by his mother’s encouragement, Rahim embarked on self-improvement during incarceration. He seized the opportunity to pursue education, obtaining his GCE “O” Level and “A” Level qualifications.
In 2017, love entered Rahim’s life when he met his future wife through his best friend. The couple married in 2019 and are now raising a three-year-old daughter and a ten-month-old son. Rahim’s journey took a positive turn in 2019 when he secured a position as a safety coordinator. Motivated to enhance his skills, he pursued a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Safety Health & Environmental Management from MDIS in 2020, supported by the Yellow Ribbon Fund (YRF) Star Bursary.
Engaging in the YRF STAR case management programme, Rahim found valuable support from Social Worker Ying Hong. Regular home visits provided emotional encouragement and addressed challenges managing work, family, and educational commitments, with financial advice on effective budgeting.
Rahim proudly completed his degree in 2022 with Upper Second-Class Honours. Excelling in his role, he aims to secure a safety office license and continues to prioritise skill upgrading for his family’s betterment. Grateful for his wife’s support in managing the household and encouraging his educational pursuits, Rahim also acknowledges his nearby-residing mother’s pivotal role in childcare.
Despite his accomplishments, Rahim remains vigilant about the risk of reoffending and returning to past struggles. To stay on track, he focuses on work, studies, and quality family time, cherishing moments with his children and striving to be a positive role model. Since his second son’s birth, Rahim has quit smoking, prioritising a healthier lifestyle and savings for his children’s education. His story of resilience aims to inspire others who have faced difficult childhoods to plan ahead and persevere.
