Ahmad Jabbar Turned a Childhood Marked by Family Hardship Into a Mission to Help Young People

Ahmad Jabbar says growing up amid his parents’ drug-related troubles brought challenges that few children should have to face. The 42-year-old told Berita Harian that he and his two siblings relied on their grandmother while their parents were repeatedly detained. The hardest period came when both parents were imprisoned at the same time, leaving the children to manage much of daily life on their own. Even while preparing for major school exams, Ahmad and his siblings were determined to build a different future. He went on to earn a degree from the National University of Singapore. His sister graduated with first-class honours and now works as a social worker supporting children with special needs, while his brother continued his studies at a polytechnic. Ahmad credits his grandmother, school leaders and the Harun Ghani Education Fund (HGEF) with helping the family through those years. He received the fund’s bursary four times between 2006 and 2009. He said its financial assistance, emotional support and guidance helped him deal with mental health struggles and depression, and gave him added encouragement to complete his university studies. Now running an after-school enrichment programme for children and young people, Ahmad has also returned to support others through HGEF initiatives. He offers guidance to young people dealing with school pressure and family difficulties, drawing on experiences he says shaped his own path. His story is among those featured in the fund’s latest book, “Of Heroes and Heroin 2: Addicted to Good,” released for HGEF’s 20th anniversary on November 14. The nearly 190-page publication gathers accounts of families affected by drugs, including children who face hardship through no fault of their own. Around half of the 500 printed copies are to be donated to secondary schools, madrasahs and institutes of higher learning.