The Methodist Missions Society (MMS) Student Sponsorship Scheme (SSS) is a programme that shares the love of Christ in a real and practical way by helping to break the vicious cycle of poverty. SSS has two donor schemes, for residential and non- residential students. For residential students, SSS provides residential care to orphans or those from broken homes, including shelter, food, clothing and access to education. For non-residential students, SSS contributes towards the costs of tuition, books, uniforms, school meals and transportation.
Whether directly or indirectly, people around the world have been affected by Covid-19. While the disease appears to be under control, the economic impact persists. Families living below the poverty line have been hardest hit with business closures, loss of jobs, inflation and the death of breadwinners.
Poverty continues to be the primary reason for children not enrolling in, or not finishing, school. Even if schools are “free”, the costs of uniforms, supplies and transport are beyond the means of poor families. Dropping out of school virtually guarantees perpetuation of the poverty cycle since the income-earning potential of the child is reduced. SSS seeks to help these children.
MMS has raised the monthly sponsorship rates with effect from 1 Aug 2023. The last increase in monthly contribution rates occurred eight years ago in 2015, 15 years after the scheme began in 2000. Unfortunately, living costs have continued to rise and a second increase was required in order to continue providing adequate care and access to education. For non-residential students, the contribution level has increased from $45 to $60, and for residential students, from $110 to $145.
For sponsors who have already made advance payments beyond August, the increase will take effect only upon the renewal date of their sponsorship. For those sponsors who contribute on a monthly basis, the increase took effect on 1 Aug 2023. MMS will be sending letters to all donors to explain the need for the raise and to confirm their continued desire to provide sponsorship.
Presently, 100 per cent of all donations go directly towards supporting the children. However, significant human resource costs are incurred to administer the programme both at the home office, and by missionaries and national workers in the fields. To address this need, donors will now be encouraged to contribute to the SSS General Fund instead of being matched with specific students. Where there are mission schools, the board of directors of these schools will ensure that funds are used according to established guidelines to benefit the greatest number of needy students. For local schools and short-term hostels, the MMS Country Directors and leadership teams will oversee the SSS disbursements. Donors who currently sponsor a specific student may continue to do so.
Over the past 15 years, SSS has provided educational opportunities to more than 2,000 children and youths from the poorest families in Cambodia, Laos, Nepal, Thailand and Timor-Leste. Without the generous support of donors within the Methodist community in Singapore, it would have been nearly impossible for these boys and girls to attend school. By God’s grace and with donors’ continued support, SSS will continue to provide hope for generations to come.
How has SSS changed lives?
Hello, I am Ms Wali Luor. I am a single parent and my son, Ton Taan, is in Primary 5 at the Vineyard Methodist School in Chiang Mai, Thailand (a school set up by MMS). I am very glad and thankful to the Lord for the SSS donors, the school and the church for providing an education subsidy that has given my son the chance to study in a good school. I never thought that we would be so blessed in this manner. After receiving the education subsidy, I wanted to know more about God and started attending Shineforth Methodist Church (a church planted by MMS). On my first visit, I felt so good because everyone was friendly and talked to me. Whenever I feel worried or unhappy, God helps me to release these negative feelings. I feel close to God, and my uneasy feelings fade away. All these things happened when I went to church! Whenever Ps Seeda sees me, she asks if I am well and if I am ready to receive Jesus into my life. Recently, I told her that I am starting to believe and have been praying. I am hopeful that God will continue to bless my son and me as we receive Jesus into our lives. I pray that God will lead my husband to return to us one day, so we can experience family warmth together again. Please pray for us.
Khaw Siew Ping
Third year Doctor of Theology student
Hello, I am Felix. I came to the Sundermeier Home (an MMS-run hostel) in Gleno, Timor-Leste when I was 22. I started high school late because my father passed away when I was a teenager, and I needed to help my mother by working and looking after my younger siblings. After graduating from high school, I wanted to become a pastor. I moved to the Dunamis House in Dili (another MMS-run hostel) and completed two years of Bible school. I am now attending online courses with Arrows College in Perth and will return to Sundermeier Home next year to serve as chaplain. My dream is to minister to youths and be a blessing to the community that has cared for me. Thanks to SSS and mentoring by MMS missionaries, I can achieve my dream!
Sim Joo Yee
Master of Theology (2023)
First year Doctor of Theology student