17-year-old Jessie has always considered Singapore her home. She came here from Vietnam at the age of four with her mother, Cherry, and has been educated in the local school system ever since. After years of effort, Jessie recently completed her N-Levels and earned a place in ITE through the Early Admissions Exercise.

It was a moment of pride for both mother and daughter. But just as Jessie’s course began, the family encountered a serious and time-sensitive obstacle.

Because Jessie is currently on a Student Pass, her school fees amount to about $20,800 per year. The first-term payment of $10,561.17 must be made by 19 February. If this amount is not paid by the deadline, Jessie will lose her place in the course.

A Hard-Won Turning Point

Jessie’s journey to this point was not straightforward. In her earlier secondary school years, she struggled and felt disengaged from school. As her N-Levels approached, she made a deliberate choice to change. She began showing up differently, becoming disciplined, focused, and determined to improve.

“She had a rough school life before,” her mother shared. “But when she was preparing for her N-Levels, she really changed. She was very focused, and I was so proud of her.”

That effort led to her acceptance into ITE through the Early Admissions Exercise. For Jessie, this was not just a school placement. It was proof that her hard work mattered. Losing this opportunity now would abruptly cut short the momentum she fought hard to build, at a moment when she is finally moving forward with confidence.

The Family’s Current Situation

Jessie’s mother, Cherry, is currently unemployed. She last worked as a beauty therapist but had to stop in November 2024 due to ongoing health issues, including knee pain and sleep difficulties, which made it hard for her to continue working. The cost of medical follow-ups has made it difficult for her to continue treatment.

Cherry is also the primary caregiver to her younger son, Benjamin, who is 10 years old and a Singapore citizen. Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at the age of five, and his care needs make it challenging for Cherry to return to work at this time.

The family has applied for Permanent Residency in July 2025, but the application is still pending. Until the PR outcome is known, Jessie remains on a Student Pass, and her school fees remain unaffordable.

Why Immediate Help Is Needed

Jessie’s course has already started. Without payment by 19 February, she will be removed from the course. A delay at this stage could derail her education entirely.

Returning to Vietnam is not a realistic option. Jessie has spent most of her life in Singapore, and relocating would also disrupt Benjamin’s specialised schooling and care.

How Your Support Makes a Difference

The family is working with organisations that support transnational families to explore longer-term options. Ray of Hope is urgently raising funds to cover Jessie’s first academic year at ITE. This immediate support will help to:

• Pay Jessie’s school fees so she can remain enrolled and attend classes without disruption
• Give the family stability while PR appeals and longer-term options are explored

This is a time-sensitive appeal. Your support today can determine whether Jessie stays in school. By giving now, you help protect a young person’s chance to continue her education at a critical moment.

*The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.