As ironical as this may sound, Azman Bin Osman believes that volunteers can help the inmates, but the latter must count on themselves to go far in life, instead of over-relying on the system for help.

Azman started as a Volunteer Aftercare Officer at the age of 22 because he felt somebody had to come forward. Over the last 21 years, he has been helping at various places, from conducting group counselling at Bedok Police Station to volunteering at DRCs, KBC, Selarang Park DRC and Changi Prison.

His role involves providing encouragement and guidance to the inmates during their last weeks of incarceration. To help the inmates support themselves and their families after their release, Azman will help them access employment resources from which they can find suitable jobs for themselves.

There were frustrating moments when he felt like giving up – when he saw how some inmates could not get a job, were rejected by their families and returned to their circle of "bad" friends. What kept Azman going was this mentality that "If we don't help them, who will?" He believes that they need a second chance to make good or they would turn back to their old ways.

Azman has learnt to have a realistic expectation of himself. His motto is: "We can guide them but we shouldn't expect 100% success. Ultimately they have to help themselves."

With the people he mentors, he says: "When we meet outside, we can have coffee. But I don't want to see you HERE again!"