IN HIS New Year Message on Jan 1, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, “In this difficult period, families must bind together, as Asian societies have always done in times of trouble. We must fulfil our duties to our parents, our spouses and our children. In particular, we must safeguard our children’s future. Parents must ensure that children continue to attend kindergarten or childcare centre, and keep up their school attendance and school work.”
Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), the impact of the economic downturn is most obvious in our four Student Care Centres (SCC). We saw a 15-per cent jump in the number of students on subsidy this school year. Last year, out of the 224 students enrolled in our SCCs, 78 received subsidies; now 90 are receiving subsidies out of our enrollment of 225.
Depending on their household income, the children receive between $42 and $160 in government subsidies each month.
For at least eight families this amount is still inadequate. To help out, some of the SCCs have used donations to offset the fees of students from lower income families. Two of our partner churches also give an additional subsidy to the students.
Among those who appealed for extra subsidy is Mdm Tham (not her real name), a single parent in her 40s.
Mdm Tham works long hours as a cook and cleaner in a childcare centre. Her monthly income of $750 is hardly enough to sustain her and her eight-year-old daughter, Jane (not her real name). Jane used to be looked after by her grandmother but the two did not get along and Jane was often unhappy. This made Mdm Tham anxious but she could not do much because as a single mum, she had no one else to take care of her child.
One of Mdm Tham’s relatives advised her to get in touch with the SCC which is located in Jane’s school. Because of her disadvantaged background, Jane qualified for the government subsidy. However, Mdm Tham still could not afford the fees so she applied to our centre for an additional subsidy.
Mdm Tham is happy that her appeal for extra subsidy was approved. She said: “I know I did not get a good deal with my employer but I am desperate to keep my job because I have limited education. I am also relieved that Jane is very happy in the centre.”
Enhancing holistic development of the child
The role of the SCCs was highlighted recently when the Ministry of Education (MOE) released the recommendations of the Primary Education Review and Implementation Committee. One of the committee’s recommendations was for the MOE to incorporate facilities within schools so that Voluntary Welfare Organisations and other groups can provide student care services, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In addition to providing a safe environment after school hours, providing meals, snacks and supervising the students’ school work, SCCs run enrichment classes, values-formation sessions, school holiday excursions and camps to enhance the holistic development of the child.
For example, student volunteers at one SCC facilitate hands-on science experiments that the pupils would only otherwise read about in textbooks.
Another SCC also works with student volunteers to involve the children in community projects, such as baking cookies, to give to other children from underprivileged backgrounds. Yet our other SCCs organise learning journeys by exploring the neighbourhood, going grocery shopping and visiting art museums.
Two of our SCCs are located in the premises of single-session schools.
Relationships with these schools have been effective in identifying children who may need extra help, such as those who do not have an adult to supervise them at home.
Occasional meetings between the children’s parents and SCC staff help to build a stronger bond in support of the children.
The MWS is committed to ensure that every needy child continues to have a place at our SCCs while their parents are at work. So as the MOE works towards equipping our children with the necessary knowledge and skills, we support them and their families to ensure that their journey into the future goes smoothly.
Here are ways you can support the MWS’ ministry to needy students:
Pray for our ministry, Volunteer your time, skills or talents. Donate a portion of your blessings to Methodist Welfare Services. GIRO, cheque and credit card donations are welcome, Donations are now subject to 250 per cent tax deduction.
For more details please visit our website at mws.org.sg
Mel Lee is the Assistant Manager (Communications) of the Methodist Welfare Services.