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Changing the course of wayward youths |
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Was it not Confucius
who said that if one finds a job he loves, he would
never have to work a day in his life? Well, Razwana
Begum is one public officer who personifies that
saying.
Razwana, who works with young offenders placed on
probation, often meets people who are saddled with
a myriad of issues/problems.
While you may wonder how she could possibly enjoy
her job so much, she simply finds passion in helping
these offenders to stand on their feet again and
contribute to society.
With six years of experience in this line, Razwana
has come to realise that every person possesses
an indomitable spirit. She believes that by tapping
on this spirit, the person can be molded into a
contributing citizen.
Getting youths back on track Razwana began her career
as a social worker with Pertapis Children’s Home.
There, she worked with children who had been neglected,
abandoned and abused, as well as those who were
deemed to be beyond the control of their parents.
From the experience, she concluded that much of
the hurt inflicted on the children could have been
avoided if only someone had helped their parents
during their teenage years.
This was why Razwana decided to join the Ministry
of Community Development, Youth and Sports as a
probation officer.
She now works with teen and youth offenders. The
common situations she encounters include teenage
pregnancies, domestic violence, depression, mental
illness and addictions.
She said: “The nature of the work requires me to
not only ensure that the probationers abide by the
conditions of their probation order, but to also
mold them into socially responsible citizens.”
Razwana’s duties include assessing the young offenders
on their suitability for probation, preparing social
reports for the judiciary and supervising the youths
on probation.
She elaborated: “We focus not only on their offences
but also on the risk factors associated with those
offences, availability of programmes and activities
to address the risks, and the impact on community
safety.
“In addition, there must be recognition
and willingness on the part of the offender, and
availability of family and community support before
probation is recommended.”
Razwana also has to update the Courts on the progress
of the probationers periodically, record her meetings
with the probationers, conduct time restriction
checks, make school and home visits, and keep in
touch with employers and commanders of National
Service units.
Working with youth offenders is “challenging but
fulfilling” to Razwana. One key challenge is the
need to be sensitive to different cultures and religions
when working with the probationers and their families.
Shaping the thought processes of offenders and enabling
them to make positive choices in their lives is
also a formidable task.
Despite the demanding nature of her job, Razwana
thinks the results are well worth her while. She
glowed as she talked about the probationers who
made positive changes to their lives.
“It’s
rewarding when the probationers complete their probation
order successfully and go on to do well in their
lives.
“It is even more heartening when
I hear or read about them contributing back to the
community by volunteering their services with welfare
organisations.” |
