Returning Childhood to The Robbed

A Yishun mother gives children another chance at childhood - FATIN HUMAIRA delves into her life to find out more.

Mdm Sarimah Amat received the 26th Exemplary Mother Award from Mdm

Halimah Yaacob in 2018. (Photo: Facebook/Project Pencil Singapore)

Sitting next to a gutter was a little boy, holding a broken baby doll as he talked to himself. His parents had been detained for drugs, yet the child had to bear the consequences alone. That was the turning point for Mdm Sarimah Amat, 55, as she was visiting a children’s home.

Since 2012, Mdm Sarimah has fostered five kids while raising her two biological children. She sustained a knee injury and could no longer work as an early childhood educator and silat instructor. In pursuit of something meaningful, she decided to try fostering. Mdm Sarimah sat her family down as she wanted it to be a family decision. They have since been supporting her fostering journey and community efforts as extra pairs of hands.

“It’s not fair for them. The parents get sent to prison and the kids also become prisoners in this so-called ‘Home’,” says Mdm Sarimah. “A ‘home’ can provide food and drinks but there is no one to talk to. There is no love,” she adds. The foster children were referred by the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

Mdm Sarimah grew up in a turmoiled environment which was not something she desired for her children. Home only exists where love is present. Now a foster mother with two birth children, she opens her home to children who yearn for motherly affection.

In 2014, Mdm Sarimah founded Project Pencil, a Yishun-based community initiative that supports children from low-income households and troubled families. A friend had asked Mdm Sarimah for stationary donations for 1500 kids, which opened her eyes to the issue.

Mdm Sarimah realised the importance of education through her community service trips to countries like Indonesia. The children were determined to learn even with broken tables and makeshift classrooms. They desire to break the cycle of having to work in their childhood to support their families.

“If we can’t help them, find a way for them to seek help. There are a lot of resources out there. First show concern, then take action,” says Mdm Sarimah.

Mdm Sarimah Amat started the Bag to School Project in collaboration with non-profit

organisation, Nur Insan. (Photo: Facebook/Project Pencil Singapore)

The children under Project Pencil receive free academic support and enrichment like silat classes that engage them daily to avoid negative influences. Project Pencil has over 28 partners including Mendaki and the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB). This year, the Singapore Silat Federation agreed to adopt every child under Project Pencil into the national team.

“She’s just one small lady that can do many things,” says Abdul Muhaimin, Youth Program Coordinator of Project Pencil.

Nur Ain Syakila, 22, is Project Pencil’s Youth Program Coordinator and Mdm Sarimah’s block neighbour. Since meeting in 2020, Mdm Sarimah has become like a mother to her.

“Her philosophy is that she doesn’t care how bad you are or how society perceives you. As long as she sees that small ray of light in you, that’s all that matters,” says Syakila.

Syakila shares a story of a delinquent who had a troubled relationship with his parents to the point where he almost stabbed his father. His mother went to Mdm Sarimah as a cry for help. Mdm Sarimah took the boy in, nurtured him and built him up from scratch. He is now a senior welfare officer with a Muslim social welfare association, Nur Insan.

“She always says that even though we do what we do, if that person doesn’t want to help themselves, it’s hard for us to help them,” says Syakila. “Ultimately, she’s helping others help themselves,” she adds.

Many children in Project Pencil who had to repeat their national exams passed after receiving academic support. Those who faced silent battles like depression also found a safe space within the organisation.

“I want children to know that if they need help, they can come to Project Pencil,” says Mdm Sarimah. “Anyone can judge. It’s whether you can help and walk that journey with them,” she adds.

“When she thinks about passing on, she worries about the children and families under us [Project Pencil],” says Syakila. These children found family and friendship somewhere they can consider home.

Mdm Sarimah says, “We need to pollinate the young hearts and fertilise them with love and kindness. Only when love is found can you turn a life around.”