Ex-offenders get help catching up with tech as they rejoin society

When Mr Johann left prison in late 2017 after almost four years behind bars, he was surprised to see self-checkout counters at a FairPrice supermarket.

- Christine Tan

In early 2014, he remembered supermarket outlets having only manned cashier stations.

Mr Johann, who wanted to be known by only his first name, said he was at a loss until facilitators from Project ReConnect showed him how to use the machines.

The project is an initiative by the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society Limited (Iscos), which helps former offenders and their families in their reintegration process.

Simple acts like using a handheld scanner and making cashless payments intimidated Mr Johann.

Referring to new technology, the 45-year-old, who is now a truck driver, said: "I had a fear of using it, so what they showed me was very helpful."

He is one of over 2,300 former offenders who have joined Project ReConnect since its launch in 2017.

It teaches former inmates, who have been in jail for more than three years, about government initiatives and practical matters, such as using Singpass and navigating the public transport system.

Second Minister for Home Affairs Josephine Teo commended the initiative in a speech during the launch of Iscos' new community space, Just BrewIN, in Jalan Besar on Sept 26.

She said that through the project, former offenders learn things that people usually take for granted.