The church–school partnership is a cornerstone for the work that the Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF) does. As the MSF aids the Methodist schools, it is done so in the spirit and with the support of all the Methodist churches in Singapore, and serves as an extension of Christian service to touch the lives of children in these schools.
For more than two decades, many hands have come together to do the work of God in this special ministry.
Before 2021 came to a close, the MSF Board met up virtually for its year-end strategic meeting and refreshed its vision and mission. The Board is happy to share its new vision and mission as the Foundation goes forth to continue to bless the children in the Methodist schools.
Vision: Standing in the gap for our Methodist schools to provide every student with an excellent education grounded in Christian values.
Mission: Raising and growing funds in support of our Methodist schools and students to meet their educational and financial needs.
The Board also met up with the principals of the Methodist schools, all of whom shared their immense appreciation and gratitude to the Foundation’s blessing towards the schools.
Mrs Quek Li Gek, Principal of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Secondary) conveyed that “our heart continues to well up in gratefulness and thanksgiving for the way MSF has so generously supported PL (Sec) all these seven years when I was principal of the school. We were able to use the funds to make our school beautiful and special. Each year, the girls and parents reflect their own sentiments of joy and thanksgiving. Over the years, we saw an increase in the level of school pride, a rise in the level of school affect and girls doing better in their lives because they know that, even though their families are not great, the school cared for their lives and their futures.”
She also thanked the Foundation for doing the work in enabling and empowering the girls, especially the disadvantaged ones, through the school. She added, “I know you may not be able to see the fruits of your labour so clearly from where you are. But the ripple effect is definitely felt in the girls now and the batches that follow hereafter. I keep telling the school that we must never take anything for granted. I have served with the government schools and other mission schools, and I have never seen this kind of outpouring of love and support from the Church. Thank you for giving to the Lord in this special way—in terms of your service and love for His school and His people.”
Despite a challenging year, Mr Arene Koh, Principal of Anglo-Chinese School (Independent) said, “We are thankful for the never-ending support from MSF. Thank you for always considering the needs of the Methodist Schools and supporting us in more ways than one. May we continue to look to God in the times ahead and further our plans in accordance to His plans and purposes.”
The MSF is only able to stand in the gap for our Methodist schools with the help and blessing of all our supporters. Every two years, images of thousands of cheerful students in bright red, blue and yellow at the MethodistWalk grace our consciousness of the MSF. An event close to the hearts of the Methodist schools, the MethodistWalk is a walk for charity as well as a walk of unity in one-ness of Body with all 15 of our Methodist schools and represented by some Methodist churches. More significantly, the participation contributes to building stronger educational foundations for the more than 21,100 students in our schools today.
The Walk also functions as an event for students from our Methodist schools to raise funds for their school for avenues such as upgrading of facilities and development of resources and rooms. But more importantly, extending beyond the physical upgrades of brick-and-mortar school buildings are the spirit, legacies and memories of the Walk that will endure in the hearts of our students.
Chairperson of the MSF, Mrs Joni Ong, feels privileged to be serving alongside the Board, many of whom have given of their time and resources willingly and passionately for almost two decades! “Truly, one marvels at how God gathers such diverse individuals together, enthused them toward one mission and just showers His grace to bless the works of all our hands, every year without fail! Thankful.”
As we look forward to 2022, the MSF would like to press on in His service and continue to submit ourselves to God as an instrument through which He provides for the students He calls into all our Methodist schools. We also continue to enhance the Church and school partnership in our interactions. The MSF is planning new activities in the near future such as the Fund-Raising Dinner, Annual Methodist Schools’ Musical Festival or a Golf Day, in which we welcome your participation.
The MSF is privileged to have donations and offerings from Methodist churches throughout the years and call on the churches to continue to bless the schools. If you have other great ideas to contribute, or would like to offer partnership, sponsorship or volunteer service, do email foundation@methodist.org.sg. We’d love to hear from you!
6478-4850
Methodist Schools Foundation
- Incorporated in 1997 as the Methodist Schools’ Building Endowment Fund to help fund standard and non-standard facilities and teaching aids in Methodist Schools.
- As of 31 July 2021, net assets were $22.4 million represented in a general fund and three endowment funds (which are restricted, with only the earnings disbursed):
- School Building Endowment Fund: for the building, repair and maintenance of school buildings, and to buy educational equipment and aids.
- MSF–Chen Su Lan Financial Assistance Endowment Fund: to benefit needy students in specific Methodist schools.
- MSF Financial Assistance Endowment Fund: for needy students from any Methodist school who require financial assistance.
- Total disbursed so far exceeds $11.5 million
- Every dollar raised by each Methodist school for the MethodistWalk goes back to the respective schools.
- MSF has renewed its IPC status under the MOE and all donations will enjoy 250 per cent tax relief.
- To find out how you can support through giving and volunteering, please contact Ms Yveline Tan at 6478-4850, or email yveline.tan@methodist.org.sg
Jill Tan is the Director of the Methodist Schools’ Foundation (MSF). / Photos courtesy of MSF