Speakers
Bryan How
Workshop Session
This presentation will be an extension of the presentation conducted by YRSG at 2023’s ICPA Conference. It will cover Yellow Ribbon Singapore (YRSG)’s continued efforts in providing skills training and education for inmates, with the aim to enhance inmate’s employability potential, promote lifelong learning, skills deepening, and long-term career development. These initiatives include bringing forward in-depth career conversations to empower inmates to proactively take charge of their careers and understand their own career journey, offering training that is aligned with the broader national framework, as well as expanding opportunities for inmates to experience longer term growth and development in selected industries.
From a young age of 16, Naresh was exposed to drugs and gangs. This shaped his life over the next decade as he was repeatedly in and out of prison for multiple crimes, including rioting and drug offences. All that changed in his last sentence when he realized his passion for working with animals. Determined to start anew after his release, Naresh found an opportunity to work with horses with the assistance of a church member.
Through his experiences, Naresh now wears multiple hats as an Equestrian Assistant at Riding for the Disabled Association (Singapore) where he cares for therapy horses and ponies that help individuals with special needs, and also as a mentor to other ex-offenders. Understanding the importance of upskilling himself to stay relevant in the industry, Naresh is also pursuing a Diploma in Veterinary Technology through the Yellow Ribbon STAR Bursary and is acquiring a driving license. Naresh hopes to inspire other ex-offenders to find their passion and desist from crime.