Ray of Hope is raising $12,540.62 to support Rafy, who is in Year 2 of his Diploma course. The funds will go towards the following expenses until Rafy completes his course in July 2024.

1. Tuition fees – $2,713.54/instalment (due on 9 Jan 2023, 14 Aug 2023 and 8 Jan 2024)
2. School-related expenses ($200 x 22 months)

Rafy was born into a dysfunctional family. Throughout childhood, he had little support from his parents and family members. The situation deteriorated further when his parents divorced in 2008. Instead of being emotionally supportive during that difficult time, Rafy’s mother gaslighted the children, making them feel worse about the difficult situation for years. Rafy has three other siblings aged 22, 19 and 16.

In 2021, Rafy moved in with his father, who had full custody. Unfortunately, things did not improve and Rafy moved out barely months later, in May 2021. From that point on, Rafy spent nights at friends’ houses and even at HDB block stairwells, while juggling his role as a student by day.

In July 2022, Rafy was referred to a youth shelter, where he currently resides. He is undergoing treatment for depression, which developed after years of suffering in silence due to being homeless and having to fend for himself.

Despite the lack of family support and traumatic life changes, 20 year-old Rafy has been channelling his energy into other pursuits. He is now in Year 2 of his Diploma in Fine Arts programme, and works part-time as a service staff to support himself.

Rafy is doing well academically and is hopeful for the future.

*Rafy is not receiving social assistance.