After 15 Years, A New Beginning for Rasima This Hari Raya
For 15 long years, Rasima Yunos celebrated Hari Raya in a welfare home, a bittersweet reminder of the life she once had. This year, however, the 61-year-old can finally embrace the festive spirit in her own home.
A New Home Just in Time for the Festivities
On April 2, Rasima and her younger son moved into a cozy two-room HDB flat in Sengkang, thanks to her elder son who purchased the flat. The timing couldn’t be better, as Hari Raya Puasa is just around the corner.
The family faced a tough journey after losing their previous home in 2009 when Rasima’s husband, the family’s sole breadwinner, passed away. With no means to repay the housing loan, Rasima had to sell their four-room HDB flat. While she moved to a welfare home, her sons were placed in the Darul Ihsan Orphanage.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite her struggles, Rasima remained resilient. She battled health issues, including epilepsy and knee pain, yet managed to earn a living as a cleaner at the Jamiyah Home for the Aged through their Home Employment Scheme.
In 2020, Jamiyah Singapore stepped in to assist Rasima by helping her apply for a new HDB flat. With the support of her elder son’s Central Provident Fund savings, they were able to purchase their new home.
Community Support Makes a Difference
The community rallied around Rasima and her family, helping them renovate their new flat and providing essential household items like cooking utensils and mattresses. Jamiyah Singapore even decorated the home for Hari Raya, ensuring that this celebration would be special.
Rasima expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I can finally celebrate Eid at home. I am forever grateful to everyone who helped me.”
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Community Support
This moment marks a significant opportunity for Rasima and her family to celebrate Hari Raya together after 15 years apart. It highlights the power of community support and kindness.
As we reflect on Rasima’s journey, it’s important to consider the challenges that kept her family from celebrating in their own home for so long. What specific barriers did they face? How can the community continue to support families like Rasima’s in the future?
By fostering a strong sense of community, we can ensure that families have the resources they need to thrive during festive seasons and beyond.
For more information on community support initiatives, visit Jamiyah Singapore.
This story not only celebrates Rasima’s new beginning but also encourages us all to think about how we can contribute to the well-being of those around us, especially during festive times.