For 13 years, Gabriella (25), Gio (19), and Gia (17) have called Singapore home. They moved here from Indonesia in 2012 with their mother, chasing the promise of a better life and education.
They’ve grown up here. From kindergarten to polytechnic. School became the place where they made friends, found purpose, and built a life they hoped would last.
But everything changed when Gabriella turned 21. Their mother’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) was …
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For 13 years, Gabriella (25), Gio (19), and Gia (17) have called Singapore home. They moved here from Indonesia in 2012 with their mother, chasing the promise of a better life and education.
They’ve grown up here. From kindergarten to polytechnic. School became the place where they made friends, found purpose, and built a life they hoped would last.
But everything changed when Gabriella turned 21. Their mother’s Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) was no longer renewed. She had to return to Indonesia, leaving the three sisters to depend solely on each other.
Today, Gabriella cares for her younger sisters while working to keep the household running. Despite applying for PR, her application was rejected. She continues to live in Singapore on an LTVP.
“We’ve been here since K2 and Primary 2,” Gabriella says. “It’s just on paper we’re not Singaporean. But this is home.”
A Dream on Hold
Gabriella holds a diploma in Digital Media. Gio is studying English Theatre at NAFA. Gia, the youngest, just completed her Polytechnic Foundation Programme and has been offered a place in the Common Business Programme at a local Polytechnic.
But their family has hit a financial roadblock.
In September 2024, Gabriella lost her full-time job. She’s now working part-time at a supermarket, while Gio and Gia help cover expenses by working as waitresses. Even with all three contributing, it’s not enough.
Although the sisters secured a loan to cover 75% of Gia’s school fees, it doesn’t cover the Foundation Programme — a portion classified as a “privilege” and not eligible for loan support.
They now face a shortfall of $11,560, due by 14 April. If it isn’t paid, Gia’s Student Pass will be cancelled. She won’t be allowed to enrol in Year 1. She may even be asked to leave Singapore.
“My friends are here. It feels like home,” Gia says. “I just need to get through this.”
A Window of Possibility
Gia’s Polytechnic has confirmed that she will be able to enrol once full payment is made, even though her Student Pass has been cancelled. This means the sooner the funds are raised, the sooner Gia can return to Singapore and begin her studies.
Ray of Hope is fundraising $11,560 to help Gia start school and keep the siblings together.
“No matter how hard things get, we’re grateful to be studying here,” Gabriella says. “We’ve come this far. This isn’t the time to stop.”
Help Keep This Family Together
Your kindness could be the difference between staying and leaving. Between building a future here, or starting over somewhere completely unfamiliar.
Please give what you can. Every contribution brings Gia closer to staying in school, and staying with her sisters.
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May 21, 2025
URGENT: 2 Months to Keep Gia in School
Dear Donors, It is with a heavy heart that we share an update on Gia’s situation. Due to her outstanding arrears, Gia has been officially withdrawn from the Polytechnic, and her Student Pass has been cancelled. She is now on a short-term Visit Pass that expires on 28 July. Unless a path forward is found,……
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Updates
URGENT: 2 Months to Keep Gia in School
May 21, 2025
Dear Donors,
It is with a heavy heart that we share an update on Gia’s situation. Due to her outstanding arrears, Gia has been officially withdrawn from the Polytechnic, and her Student Pass has been cancelled. She is now on a short-term Visit Pass that expires on 28 July. Unless a path forward is found, Gia will likely have to return to Jakarta—separated from her sisters and her dreams of completing her education.
A message from Gia:
“I grew up in Singapore and truly feel like it is my home. Staying in Singapore to continue my schooling feels natural because this is where I have found myself and my passion for learning—not to mention the friends I’ve made along the way. I believe I can succeed if given the chance to continue my studies in Singapore.”
Your donation matters more than ever! With great urgency, we are continuing to raise funds to clear Gia’s arrears. If the full payment is made within her visit pass duration, the Polytechnic is open to reinstating her enrolment. Every dollar raised brings Gia one step closer to returning to school and staying with her sisters in Singapore—the only home she has ever known. Please continue sharing this campaign to help us reach the goal in time.
Thank you for walking alongside Gia and her sisters in the midst of their difficulties.
Warmly,
The Ray of Hope Team
Anonymous donated
S$100
Wish you all the best.
4 weeks ago
Anonymous donated
S$100
Don\'t give up
1 month ago
Anonymous donated
S$300
All the best for the future
1 month ago
Donors (9)
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