{"id":43239,"date":"2025-01-24T09:00:21","date_gmt":"2025-01-24T01:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/?p=43239"},"modified":"2025-01-24T12:13:45","modified_gmt":"2025-01-24T04:13:45","slug":"hope-in-action-how-this-volunteer-transforms-lives-through-purpose","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/corpstaging.hometeamns.sg\/frontline\/hope-in-action-how-this-volunteer-transforms-lives-through-purpose\/","title":{"rendered":"Hope in action: How this volunteer transforms lives through purpose"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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From helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society to championing drug abuse prevention, Mr Ramli Abdullah\u2019s dedication shows that even small steps can spark big changes.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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For Ramli Abdullah, 50, volunteering isn\u2019t just an activity \u2014 it\u2019s a way of life. By day, he earns a living as a private-hire vehicle driver, but his true passion lies in uplifting others and making a difference within Singapore\u2019s community support landscape.<\/p>

Through his agency, Reforming Support Group (RSG), he provides hope and guidance to ex-offenders and at-risk youths on their reintegration journeys. As a Desistor with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and an advocate for drug abuse prevention with agencies like the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), and the\u00a0Dadah Itu Haram<\/i>\u00a0initiative, Ramli is committed to supporting those seeking a fresh start. Having recently marked 10 years of being drug-free, he draws on his personal journey to inspire resilience and positive change in others.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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TURNING COMPASSION INTO STRENGTH<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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In a routine engagement with an ex-inmate last year, Ramli encountered a supervisee struggling with the challenges of reintegration. \u201cHe showed signs of giving up, saying there\u2019s no hope for him to change and that he hasn\u2019t been given the opportunity to redeem himself,\u201d Ramli recalls. \u201cIt was very difficult to see someone feeling so defeated, especially when they were trying but not seeing progress.\u201d<\/p>

He focused on a few key actions to help the supervisee regain hope. \u201cI started by listening actively, without judgment, to acknowledge their frustrations. Sometimes, just being heard can make all the difference,\u201d he explains.<\/p>

As a volunteer, Ramli understands that his role demands both empathy and persistence. Guiding individuals through their darkest moments can be emotionally taxing, but it\u2019s also where his determination shines. After listening, he encourages them to see that every problem has a solution and reminds them to focus on the progress they\u2019ve already made. \u201cWhat matters is moving forward with determination. Every small step can lead to results if you keep going,\u201d he adds.<\/p>

This experience reinforced Ramli\u2019s belief in the transformative power of hope and strengthened his resolve to never give up on anyone\u2019s potential, no matter how daunting the journey may be. He says: \u201cVolunteering has taught me that even in the most difficult situations, it\u2019s possible to inspire resilience \u2014 not just in others, but in yourself.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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STAYING MOTIVATED THROUGH SETBACKS<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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On 20 September 2022, Ramli shared his insights during a discussion on the Danger of Drug Abuse and Success of Reformation Journey, as part of the #DadahItuHaram<\/span> initiative.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Like any meaningful pursuit, volunteering has its challenges. Progress is often slow, and seeing supervisees struggle can be disheartening.<\/p>

\u201cI stay motivated by focusing on small, positive actions, such as setting micro-goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps and taking short mental breaks to reset when things feel overwhelming,\u201d he explains. \u201cEven when results take time to show, I remind myself that persistence will eventually pay off.\u201d<\/p>

This philosophy fuels Ramli\u2019s commitment and optimism, showing how resilience and purpose can help overcome even the toughest obstacles.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A STRONG SUPPORT SYSTEM<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Ramli credits much of his ability to persevere to his family \u2014 especially his wife, who has been his pillar of support. \u201cShe has always supported my passion for giving back,\u201d he says. \u201cHer encouragement and belief in me keep me going during challenging times. She understands the importance of what I do and celebrates my small achievements along the way.\u201d<\/p>

His family\u2019s unwavering support has been a huge source of strength, enabling Ramli to continue his mission with confidence and determination.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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REDEFINING SUCCESS, ONE STEP AT A TIME<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ramli (second row, checked shirt) with Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (front row, white shirt), the officer in charge of inmates (back row, first from right) and inmates during the community-based programme organised under the #DadahItuHaram initiative.<\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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Through his volunteer work, Ramli has gained a new understanding of what success truly means. \u201cSuccess isn\u2019t about grand milestones,\u201d he reflects. \u201cIt\u2019s about inspiring change \u2014 one small step at a time. Maintaining a positive mindset and taking meaningful actions not only helps others, but also enriches your own life.\u201d<\/p>\n

For him, fulfilment comes from knowing that his contributions, no matter how small, are part of a larger purpose.<\/p>\n

To those considering volunteerism, Ramli offers this advice: \u201cBe part of the Home Team Volunteer Network and discover the joy of giving back. You can make a real difference and play an important role in the community.\u201d<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER<\/strong><\/p>

Ever wondered what it\u2019s like to step into the shoes of someone who dedicates their time to giving back? Here\u2019s a snapshot of Ramli\u2019s routine on a volunteering day:<\/p>