Ray of Hope is raising $15,451.30 to help Ananya and her 13-year-old son Kiran with rent, school fees and arrears, and living expenses as she restarts work and rebuilds her life in Singapore.

“PR Means Life”: A Single Mother’s Fight to Stay Afloat

Ananya came to Singapore from India in 2009 with hopes of building a better future for herself and her son, Kiran. Now 13, Kiran is a bright, disciplined child who dreams of becoming a paediatrician. He will be sitting for his Cambridge exams later this year. 

Despite their current hardships, Kiran does all he can not to worry his mother.

“It is my duty as his mother, who brought him into this world,” Ananya says. Through every setback, every rejection, and every impossible decision. That sense of responsibility keeps her going. 

Six Months Without Pay, And No Safety Net

Until recently, Ananya worked as an administrative staff. Since January 2025, however, her company has defaulted on her salary. After her employer failed to show up for a scheduled mediation session, she was advised to pursue legal action for compensation.

In the meantime, Ananya and Kiran have had no income for six months. To survive, she has borrowed over $5,000 from friends, relied on nearby temples for meals, and occasionally eats at a friend’s house. She even gave up her insurance policy just to prioritise their daily survival. With barely any credit left on her ez-link card, she walks long distances under the hot sun.

The Challenges of Citizenship

As non-citizens, Ananya and Kiran face steep living costs and multiple barriers to support. They rent a small one-bedroom flat for $1,500 a month, a heavy financial burden with no income coming in. Their lease ended in July, and while the landlord has agreed to a renewal, Ananya does not have the funds to pay for rent or deposit. Kiran sleeps on their only bed, while Ananya sleeps on the floor.

A recent fall left her with lasting back pain, but has avoided medical attention because she simply cannot afford it.

Despite actively applying for jobs online and in-person, Ananya has been repeatedly rejected due to her Employment Pass status. She has also walked into multiple community support agencies seeking help, only to be told she is ineligible for assistance.

Still, Ananya remains determined. “Everyone’s life got some kind of hardship,” she says. “All problems have solutions. We have to work towards it.”

As a non-Singaporean, Kiran’s school fee costs nearly $1,200 a month. Despite her best efforts, Ananya is now in arrears of over $7,000. She fears Kiran may be forced to leave if the fees remain unpaid. While she has approached an organisation for help, support is still pending.

Ananya has applied for Permanent Residency eight times. She is rejected every time. Still, she holds onto hope. “PR means life,” she says. “It means safety, education, and survival in Singapore.”

Moving Forward: A New Job, A New Start

In July, Ananya secured a new job, scheduled to begin in mid-August after she completes a few required courses. She is also entering her final year of a part-time Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and hopes to graduate by July next year. Graduating with her MBA would mean better job prospects and long-term financial stability for her and Kiran.

Returning to India remains her last resort. “I want to fight for my unpaid salary. And I don’t want to waste Kiran’s efforts in preparing for his Cambridge exams,” she shares. With over $7,000 in outstanding school fees, she is also unsure whether she will even be able to withdraw him and obtain the necessary academic records.

With no family in India, no home to return to, and no means to afford a flight or housing, she hopes to remain in Singapore. It is the only place she feels at home. 

How You Can Help

Ray of Hope is raising $15,451.30 to support Ananya and Kiran with two months of essential expenses, so Ananya can transition into her new job and work towards long-term stability:

• – Kiran’s allowance and transport: $158/month
• – Ananya’s work-related transport and meals: $320/month
• – Kiran’s school fees: $1,166.30/month
• – Kiran’s school arrears: $7,662.70
• – Rent (2 months + deposit): $4,500

Your donation will help keep Kiran in school, allow Ananya to start work without fear, and give them both a safe place to call home.

Let’s help Kiran and Ananya hold on to hope, and move forward.