Parents Working Hard For Their Children’s Future

For nearly two decades, Mr Rajakumar and his wife, Mdm Sumithra, have been building a life in Singapore with one goal in mind: giving their children opportunities they never had.

Since moving here in 2006, they have raised their two children, Tarun (17) and Dharini (14), through Singapore’s education system. Today, Tarun is preparing for his N Levels in 2026, while Dharini is in Secondary 2.

Mr Rajakumar works long hours as a security officer, often working six days a week, with shifts lasting up to 12 hours. Mdm Sumithra works as a cashier. Together, they bring home about $4,500 monthly after CPF.

While this keeps the household going, rising expenses and existing financial commitments leave little room to cope with unexpected costs. Still, they press on — because education represents hope for a better future.

When School Fees Became A Barrier

Earlier this year, both their children were stopped from attending school due to outstanding fees owed to the Ministry of Education. Determined not to let their 17-year-old son Tarun fall behind in his N-level year, the family made a painful decision.

“We had to pawn the last of my wife’s jewellery just to pay for my son,” Mr Rajakumar shared.

That sacrifice allowed Tarun to return to school. But for their daughter Dharini, 14, there was nothing left to fall back on. Her outstanding fees now stand at $5,952, and she has already missed the first two months of school.

Each day, she asks her father the same question: “When can I go back to school?”

It is a question he struggles to answer.

Despite taking on extra shifts, Mr Rajakumar is still repaying past loans while managing daily expenses. The higher school fees for Permanent Resident students add to the strain, leaving the family with no way to clear the arrears.

Help Dharini Return To The Classroom

Dharini has already missed the first two months of the school year. The longer Dharini stays out of school, the harder it will be for her to catch up. There is a real risk she may fall behind or even have to repeat the year.

Once her school fees are fully paid, she will be allowed to return to class, rejoin her peers, and continue her education.

Ray of Hope is raising $6,031.65* to clear Dharini’s outstanding school fees.

The family and their social worker are also working with another organisation to secure support for future school fees.

Your support will not only ease the family’s financial burden, but more importantly, it will allow Dharini to return to where she belongs, in school, learning alongside her friends.

Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings her one step closer to that classroom.

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