Dana is a 21-year-old student living together with her 13-year-old younger sister. In 2012, their parents filed for a divorce, and they have since been under their mother’s care. Previously, their mother worked as a childcare teacher assistant earning S$1,500 per month. However, their mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorders and depression in June 2019. Hence, she had difficulties working and eventually left the job.

Recently, Dana’s mother had to undergo surgery on the artery due to a heart attack. Dana is particularly worried about her mother, who has been warded in the hospital since the surgery. With her mother warded in the hospital, Dana had to take responsibility for the household finances while studying full-time and caring for her younger sister and ill mother. As no one in the family is employed, she now relies on her monthly social assistance and the $350 maintenance that she receives from her father. However, the maintenance given is usually inconsistent. Dana is also not in contact with any of her relatives.

Dana shared that her biggest worry was her mother’s declining health and hoped to reduce her mother’s financial strains while focusing on her recovery. She is currently in her last semester in school. She understands the importance of education in Singapore. Without proper education, she will not be able to find good employment in the future. Poverty can be a vicious cycle, and education can break the cycle. She is determined to support her family financially once she graduates from school.

Ray of Hope would like to raise S$3000 (S$600 x 5 months) to defray the family’s living expenses so that Dana can concentrate in school. 

* The family is receiving government financial assistance