A Family Raised Here, Still Struggling

Mdm Risa has lived in Singapore since 2007. Her four children(18-year-old Amir, 17-year-old Noor, nine-year-old Siva, and five-year-old Lena) were all born here. But their mix of residency statuses has made life difficult. Risa is a Permanent Resident, while her husband holds a Long-Term Visit Pass. Her first two children are PRs, but the younger two are non-citizens on short-term passes. This mix leaves the family unable to access many forms of public aid.

They rent a room at open-market rates. Most of their income goes toward rent. Despite both parents trying their best to work, the family still struggles to meet basic needs.

Last year, Ray of Hope supported the older children’s school arrears. Today, the focus is on four-year-old Lena. She is now being kept out of preschool due to unpaid fees.

A Missed Payment, A Setback

In January 2025, Lena was enrolled in childcare so Risa could start working. That plan worked. Until financial  aid didn’t arrive in time and arrears began to accumulate. In May, Lena was barred from attending preschool due to an outstanding fee. It now stands at  $2,087.46.

During this time, school staff would remind Risa daily at pick-up and drop-off to make payment. These repeated reminders left her feeling deeply distressed, especially as she was trying her best to keep her job while caring for the family.

Risa relied on her two older sons to care for Lena during the school holidays. But now that school has resumed in July, Lena is alone at home. Risa may lose her job as she needs to stay home to care for her. This puts the family under financial strain again. One step forward, two steps back.

Why Your Help Matters

Clearing Lena’s fees will let her return to school. This allows Risa to keep her job. With two incomes, the family is able to at least try and stay afloat without relying on loans or risking the children’s education.

“If girl no school, very difficult,” Risa said. “I no working, we no makan.”

The family is resilient. The children want to stay in school, even as they help care for their siblings. Risa shared, “Because of your support, my family is in a better place today. One day, we hope to give back too.”

Your gift can make a real difference. Help Lena return to school and help her family keep moving forward.