When Asyiqin (29) lost her father in 2022, the family lost its main source of income. His passing brought not only grief, but also an immediate and painful gap in the household’s finances. Since then, she has been doing everything she can to support her younger stepbrother, Danial (14), and keep him in school.

In the months that followed, Asyiqin stepped into a role she had not expected to carry alone. She took on responsibility for the household and became the sponsor for Danial’s student pass, supporting him and ensuring he could continue his education.

Even before their father’s passing, the family had been managing school fee arrears and working to reduce them. Without his income, the situation became increasingly difficult. Despite these challenges, Asyiqin remained committed. For her, keeping Danial in school represents stability and a sense of normalcy during a difficult period.

A Sister Carrying More Than Her Share

Despite limited resources, Asyiqin did everything she could. She prioritised school expenses, stretched what little they had, and set aside her own needs so that Danial could remain enrolled.

Recently, her situation took another difficult turn. She has been certified medically unfit for work until March 2027 after being diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, leaving her without any income. This has placed the family in a more precarious position, with daily expenses and accumulating school fees becoming increasingly difficult to manage.

While the family receives some social assistance for basic needs, it is not enough to cover the growing school expenses. Their stepmother is working and supporting four other school-going children, but her resources are already stretched and her access to support is limited, making it difficult for her to take on Danial’s school expenses as well.

For months, Asyiqin managed on her own. Today, she has reached a point where she can no longer do so without help.

The Risk of Disrupted Schooling

Danial’s school fees have accumulated into significant arrears. As the only child in the family who is not a Singapore citizen, his fees are higher and more difficult to sustain.

If these arrears are not cleared, he risks losing his student pass, which could mean he is no longer allowed to remain enrolled in school.

The family is also preparing to reapply for Danial’s Permanent Residency, in hopes of securing greater stability for his future.

This would be more than a disruption to his education. It would take away one of the few remaining sources of stability in his life, at a time when his family is already navigating loss, illness, and financial uncertainty.

Asyiqin has carried this responsibility for as long as she could. With no income and mounting arrears, the situation is now increasingly urgent.

How Your Support Can Make a Difference

Today, Ray of Hope is raising $35,644.24 to clear Danial’s outstanding school fees.

Your support will go directly towards clearing these arrears, helping him retain his student pass and continue his education without interruption. Every contribution brings him one step closer to staying in school and moving forward with stability.

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