Background

Keith*, 20 years old, has lived a difficult and painful life. When he was 4 years old, he along with his younger brother were placed for adoption as their biological parents were unable to care for them. They were subsequently adopted by a married couple. Both Keith and his younger brother were diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Keith also suffers from Scoliosis.

Keith was disowned by his adoptive parents since he was 16 years old and for 2 years lived in various transitional shelters. 2 years ago, when Keith was 18 years old, he was admitted to a hospital to recuperate and rehabilitate from a mental health disorder.

The Struggle

Keith will be discharged from the hospital in December this year. He will be staying in a shelter while he returns to school to complete his 2-year ITE education. It has not been an easy journey for Keith. Being disowned by his adoptive parents was by far the most painful thing that could happen to him. He could not understand why he was abandoned and disowned while his younger brother is still receiving love and affection from them. Besides having no contact with his parents, they have also stopped supporting him financially which has caused even more hardship for Keith as he has to worry about his day to day survival including whether he has enough money for meals and for his transport to school.

Despite his tragic circumstances, Keith has hopes and aspirations. He informs us that he wishes to be a police officer in the major crimes department as it is his passion to help people. He understands the meaning of real hardship and wishes that no one else in Singapore has to suffer like him.

Financial breakdown

Ray of Hope would therefore like to raise S$4,250 (S$250 x 17 months) to defray Keith’s living expenses for 17 months while he attends school and complete his education. Like all 20-year-olds in Singapore, Keith has aspirations and despite his illness and tragic circumstances, he deserves a chance in life.

* Name has been changed to protect his identity due to his circumstances