Chapter 1 : A book creation

The initiative of publishing a book, with the intention of helping the children-at-risk kindled in mid Sep 08. Book reading expands knowledge and and it is one of the conventional ways to unfold messages the author is trying to deliver. A fine book can inspire its readers.

I identified Muhammadiyah Welfare Home (MWH) as the beneficiary agency. MWH provides residential care programmes to about 100 vulnerable male children between the ages of 9 and 18. The children are referred to the Home either by the Juvenile Court ot the Ministry of Community Development, Youth & Sports (MCYS). They stay in the Home for 2 to 3years.

Profile of residents:
- children from dysfunctional families and in need of shelter;
- children who are abused or neglected;
- children in need of care and protection;
- destitute and abandoned children;
- children are beyond parental control;
- children who are in conflict with the Law

I conveyed the book project idea to Nisa, Deputy Superintendent of MWH and she readily considered the proposal. Nisa then arranged for us to meet the management committee and key staff of MWH on 23 Sep 08.
Ustaz Shaik Hussain, President of Muhammadiyah Association (MA)
Ghazali, General Secretary of MA
Tabrani, Superintendent of MWH and
Rahim, Assistant Superintendent of MWH
were present and they earnestly supported the initiative. The initial proposal was to publish a commercial book featuring the motivating life stories of Singapore's 50 most outstanding Muslim individuals.

The creation of this book is timely - to commemorate MWH's 20 years since its inception in 1989 and the settling of the Home in a new premise next year.

All proceeds from the sale of the book will be chanelled to aid MWH provide a nurturing environment for the underpriviledged children. The Home is shifting to a new premise in Bedok North in 09. They still require $1/2 million to fund the renovation and restoration work of their new upgraded site. It is hoped that the profit from the book project could help relief part of the financial deficit.