A Remarkable Transformation

Meet Mr. Rizwan Habib—a 43-year-old who has walked through the darkest valleys of life, from juvenile delinquency to homelessness and seven stints in jail. Today, he stands tall as a beacon of hope, having recently graduated with a degree in social work and landed his dream job at the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society (Iscos). Now, he dedicates his life to helping ex-offenders rebuild theirs.

A Childhood Marked by Struggle

Rizwan's story begins in adversity. When he was just five, his father abandoned the family, leaving his mother, an unemployed drug addict, to raise him alone. Out of desperation to support his mother’s habits and alleviate their poverty, he began stealing at the tender age of 11. "My mum and her boyfriend looked to me to find money. We didn’t have food. We had to survive," he recalls.

Life Behind Bars

By the age of 12, Rizwan was a first-time offender, sent to a juvenile facility where he tragically lost his mother to kidney failure. Left alone in the world, he turned to a life of crime, embracing a gangster persona and marking his body with tattoos that signified his allegiance to that life. Over the years, he accumulated nearly 28 years of jail time, battling addictions and the allure of gang culture.

The Turning Point

Rizwan's epiphany came through an unexpected source—his love of reading. It all started with a simple request from his mother to read the newspapers to her. Behind bars, he embraced this passion, immersing himself in various books and seeking knowledge that would pave the way for change. Drawing wisdom from influential authors like Daniel Kahneman and John Steinbeck, he resolved to break free from the grips of his past.

Building a New Life

Determined to chart a new path, Rizwan found employment post-release and surrounded himself with positive influences. With the help of a compassionate social worker from his jail days, he pursued a degree in social work, inspired to give back to others facing the same struggles he once endured. 'Her concern and sincerity really touched me,' he reflected, fueling him to become a guiding light for others.

New Beginnings and Relationships

Today, Rizwan lives with his girlfriend, Elizabeth Neo, and her son in their cozy two-room flat. Both share pasts entwined with struggle and recovery, having learned to navigate life’s challenges together. We were both very broken people, Elizabeth shared, but their love has blossomed into something beautiful, free from the turbulent tempers of the past.

A Role Model for Change

Now, as a mentor and volunteer, Rizwan connects with ex-offenders, offering them hope and understanding that only someone with his experiences can provide. His work embodies resilience and the power of second chances, illustrating that it's never too late to change.

Looking Ahead with Hope

Seven jail terms and a lifetime of hardship haven’t defined Mr. Rizwan Habib. Instead, they've molded him into an advocate for change, inspiring others with his story of redemption. Recently reconnecting with his estranged father, he is cautiously optimistic about rebuilding that relationship. Today, as he finds solace in his new home and fulfilling career, he declares, I’m very happy now, and I’m at peace.