A Family’s Journey Through Hardship
Since moving to Singapore in 2000, Mariam has dedicated her life to providing for her family. For years, she and her late husband ran a small shop together, balancing their livelihood with raising their four children. When her husband passed away from cancer in 2016, Mariam was left to care for both the shop and the children on her own. The COVID-19 pandemic brought further challenges, forcing her to shut down the shop and find other means of supporting her family.

Today, Mariam works two jobs to make ends meet, but the weight of providing for her family continues to grow. Her current husband, who holds a Long-Term Visit Pass, struggles to find stable employment due to his citizenship status, further compounding their financial struggles. 

A Mother’s Heartache
Of Mariam’s four children, three have faced significant barriers to accessing education due to the family’s financial difficulties. Her two oldest sons, Amir (21) and Imran (19), are serving National Service and use their allowances to cover their own living expenses, easing the financial burden on their mother. Imran, however, enlisted without completing secondary school because the family couldn’t afford his fees—a decision that continues to weigh heavily on Mariam.

Her third son, Khalid (16), was expelled from secondary school in late 2022 after completing his year-end exams due to unpaid school fees. Now, as his friends graduate and prepare for further education, Khalid is left behind, unable to pursue his ‘O’ levels. Mariam’s youngest son, Rayan (11), also faced expulsion due to unpaid fees but has since resumed his studies at a lower fee. Mariam struggles to keep up with Rayan’s educational expenses.

“I’m trying my best to send my kids to school,” Mariam says. “In front of my children, I have to hold my tears. I’m not able to pay a single cent.”

Barriers to a Brighter Future
The family’s Permanent Resident status means higher school fees that Mariam’s two jobs simply cannot cover. Her children, born and raised in Singapore, have not been able to obtain citizenship due to Mariam’s own citizenship status. With her income stretched thin to put food on the table, the thought of education expenses feels insurmountable. 

The thought of her children missing out on education fills her with guilt. She worries especially for Khalid, who would become the second child in the family to lose the opportunity for secondary education because of unpaid school fees.

“I want Khalid to have a good and meaningful future,” Mariam shares. “It would mean a lot to us if he could go back to school and get his ‘O’ level certificate. It would lift a weight off my shoulders.”

A Determined Young Man
Despite the challenges, Khalid is determined to return to school and complete his education. If his school arrears are cleared, he will return to school at the Secondary 3 level and work toward his ‘O’ levels. “They are the most important thing in my life as of right now,” Khalid shares. “I will do my best in my studies and try my best to get the ‘O’ level certificate.”

Known in school as a team player and a hardworking student, Khalid also took great pride in his co-curricular activities in basketball. Being expelled has left him disheartened and isolated from his peers, but he remains hopeful that he can regain his footing and work toward a brighter future.

How You Can Help
Ray of Hope is fundraising $8,480 to clear Khalid’s school arrears and give him the chance to return to school. Your donation will remove the financial barrier standing in his way, allowing Khalid to complete his secondary education. With an ‘O’ level certificate, he would have a stronger foundation to secure a job or pursue further studies..

Your support can make a life-changing impact on Khalid and his family. Education is a stepping stone to a better life,  and your support can transform Khalid’s future. Together, we can help Mariam and her family overcome these challenges, ensuring that Khalid has the opportunity to chase his dreams and build a brighter tomorrow.