At the SDI Academy, which was started by a man passionate about helping people like themselves, migrant workers here are making their dreams of a better life a reality.
Hunched over books with their heads buried in pages of notes, a group of unassuming students is hard at work on a Sunday evening at the Nanyang Technological University.
They aren’t your typical students though — these are migrant workers mulling over elementary English, struggling with words like ‘degradation’ and ‘entrepreneurs’, otherwise dismissible to Singaporeans.
What comes so easily to us is a labour of love for these men, who have come from less than privileged backgrounds.
Through courses provided by Social Development Initiative (SDI) Academy, these migrant workers are provided an environment where they can comfortably learn local culture and relevant skills. More importantly, they are learning the skills that will be the stepping stones to their dreams of a better future.
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Remon Noman’s story might not be the usual dour tale of struggles that is often told to place perspective on the foreign men who hail from a third world country.
With parents in the medical industry and siblings graduating with honours in Social Science back in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Remon still struggled initially with English when he first set foot in Singapore six years ago.
“I could understand your question if you asked me in English, but I could only answer it in Bengali,” said the 25-year-old who is working as a marble polisher and tiler.
Although he has been attending English classes at SDI for only three months, he is already aware that his lessons go beyond teaching him the language. It has also opened opportunities for him.
“They (SDI) helped me apply for jobs overseas such as New Zealand where we can earn more money. I have already attended an interview session with one of them,” Remon said. He also intends to pursue a diploma in Business.
Despite having aspirations abroad to increase his financial gain, his ultimate goal is to assist his sister and brother-in-law’s apparel business that has been running for 20 years back in his hometown.
In fact, one of the main reasons why Remon chose to work in Singapore is so that he could improve himself as a worker so that he is better qualified to be part of the business.
That, and to be an attractive prospect to a possible spouse.
“Having a stable job, moreover a business, in Bangladesh is important in our culture to show that we can support her,” he explained as he recalled how he broke off with his former girlfriend because he was unable to meet her demands for a car at that point.
Remon ended with: “I will be part owner of the business and will wait for the ladies to come to me.”
More than Certified
Forced to drop out of his last year in University, Badsha made the decision to work in Singapore in 2005 so his family could live comfortably in Bangladesh.
Fast forward 15 years later, he has 20 course certificates under his belt— including safety supervision, scaffolding, computer skills, Microsoft Office and designing with 3D software.
He is now continuing his pursuit of knowledge at SDI Academy, with the aim of mastering English.
“As a Senior Project Coordinator, I have over 30 workers under me. Burmese, Indian, Bangladeshi, Chinese — in the end English makes it much easier to communicate among us,” the 33-year-old explains.
Having made marked improvements since he first started at SDI Academy three months ago, he has set his sights on a new goal.
“After I finish my English course here, I will sign up at the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Academy so I can further build my portfolio.”
His final aim though, is much more challenging. Despite his education history and growing resume, his application for Permanent Resident (PR) citizenship has not been smooth sailing.
“Hopefully, after I have attended all my courses and have a better-paying job, it will be an easy process.”
He is optimistic that with the encouragement of his superiors and all the experiences he has gained in Singapore, his dream to build a new home here will come true one day.
A Canadian Dream
If Badsha’s story came across as motivating, Alamgir’s story will top that in terms of tragedy.
Nine years ago, the aspiring shipyard foreman had to leave his homeland with a heavy heart, leaving behind his loved ones and nursing the hurt of his mother’s death.
“I was crying too much; I miss everybody but I need to provide my father a more comfortable life,” said Alamgir.
However, his struggles didn’t stop there.
Just like Badsha and Remon, Alamgir’s command in English wasn’t strong and he found himself struggling to communicate with the locals.
As if his prayers were answered, Alamgir stumbled across SDI Academy. Since then, he has been attending the weekend classes under the guidance of Sazzad Hossain, the founder of SDI.
“Before I wasn’t confident, but now I can understand basic English and not feel scared for interviews,” he spoke excitedly.
Things got even better when he was promoted to be an assistant foreman in his shipyard company. The company is sending Alamgir to Canada to work in the company’s shipyard workshop.
He will be able to stay with his brother and sister-in-law. “Our plan was to buy a big house, about 20 to 50 yards and rent it out to Canadians,” Alamgir shared.
His hopes and dreams of living in Canada are now being fuelled by his confidence in his English language.
The Man Behind Their Dreams
Remon, Badsha and Alamgir aren’t the only ones that have been made possible thanks to Sazzad Hossain, founder of SDI Academy.
Over 7,500 students have benefited from their courses.
Having moved to Singapore at the age of 11, Sazzad also struggled with the English language.
He, however, persevered through and eventually started his own class at park benches as he saw that it was an issue that has plagued the migrant workers from Bangladesh.
The class finally settled at a building in his former school, NTU’s The Hive, when the student numbers outgrew the park bench.
As quoted from CNA Insider on his goal, “I want to make the world suck less and have a more inclusive society.”
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