FairPrice Group (FPG) and Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG) have partnered to offer employment and training opportunities for ex-offenders in the food services, logistics and retail sectors.
The partnership aims to provide case management services to ex-offenders during their transition back into society. Ex-offenders will have access to support structures such as onboarding programmes, workplace mentorships, and engagements with supervisors and co-workers.
The partnership was formalised with a memorandum of understanding signing ceremony at Downtown East on 26 April 2023. It was witnessed by Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth & Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling, who was the guest of honour.
“We look forward to the positive impact this collaboration will create for many ex-offenders and their families.
“Together, we can foster inclusive and supportive workplaces which give second chances – for lives to restart afresh, with hope and a future,” Ms Low said in her opening remarks.
The collaboration between YRSG and FPG is part of their shared belief and commitment to providing ex-offenders with a fresh start in life through meaningful employment and clear career progression pathways.
Furthermore, NTUC FairPrice Foundation has pledged $200,000 to the Yellow Ribbon Fund to support initiatives that promote lifelong learning and career development for ex-offenders.
This includes YRSG’s post-release partial training sponsorship scheme. The first tranche of funding will support up to 300 ex-offenders with qualifications up to diploma level.
YRSG Acting CEO Rosanna Yam said: “With meaningful employment and clear career progression pathways, we believe that ex-offenders will have a better chance at reintegrating successfully and contributing back to society in their own ways.”
“Our collective goal is to help build a more inclusive society by providing ex-offenders with more than just a second chance in life but a new identity and meaning through their vocation,” added FPG Food Services CEO Henry Chu.
FairPrice Foundation Chairman Seah Kian Peng emphasised that successful integration of ex-offenders requires a whole community effort.
“We are happy to play our part in building a more inclusive and compassionate society and are fully supportive of giving people second chances,” said Mr Seah.
The foundation’s contribution to YRSG will empower ex-offenders with gainful employment through training and skills upgrading and financially assisting their families.
By providing ex-offenders with the proper support and resources, the partnership between FPG and YRSG ultimately aims to help ex-offenders successfully reintegrate into society and lead meaningful lives.
