Single mum finally gets to celebrate Hari Raya in own flat

The New Paper
April 3, 2024

Following the death of her husband in 2001, Madam Rasima Yunos had to rent out and eventually sell her four-room flat as she could not cope with living independently with her children.

Madam Rasima was placed in a home while her two sons were placed in Darul Ihsan Orphanage.

The 61-year-old, who needs medication for epilepsy and knee pains, made some money working as a cleaner at Jamiyah Home for the Aged under the Home Employment Scheme.

But her life journey has turned around.

Come April 10, Madam Rasima and her sons will celebrate Hari Raya in their new home, a two-room flat in Sengkang that has been renovated and decorated in time for the festival.

Madam Rasima, who bought the flat with the support of her older son Ridzwansah Jumangin, 27, received her keys last May.

Jamiyah Halfway House's Project Happiness stepped in and arranged for renovation works on Madam Rasima's flat. Renovation and new furniture came up to a total of $32,000 – all sponsored by various bodies.

Madam Rasima also received household items including cookware and mattresses.

"I finally get to celebrate Hari Raya in my own home, with my children," Madam Rasima told Lianhe Zaobao.

"I am deeply indebted to everyone who has helped us."

Project Happiness has benefited 18 families and individuals since its inception in 2019.

Editor's note: The earlier version of this story stated that "Following the death of her husband in 2009, Madam Rasima Yunos had to sell her four-room flat as she could not repay the housing loan." Jamiyah Singapore explains: "In 2001, upon the demise of her husband who was the sole breadwinner, Mdm Rasima was unable to cope with living independently with her two children. Mdm Rasima had rented out her 4-room flat between 2008 and 2016 and sold the flat in the open market in July 2018. During this period, she was staying in another welfare home from January 2009 and subsequently, Jamiyah Home for the Aged from December 2011 till February 2024."