Background

“I know what it’s like to be poor. Education is my only way out of poverty”- Matthew

Matthew*, 22 years old, has lived a difficult and uncertain life. He was born in Singapore to Malaysian parents and has lived his whole life here. Singapore is where he calls home and since he was 15 years old, he has had to live an independent life after his father passed away in 2013 from stage 4 colorectal cancer.

Education

Matthew’s life has been difficult. He has been living on his own for a long time now and it is difficult for any individual to grow up alone with great financial uncertainty. His mother is unable to support him financially as she has migrated back to Malaysia following her remarriage and subsequently having children of her own with her 2^nd husband. His older sister, who is 2 years older than him, is unable to support him as she is supporting their older grandmother who is ill in Malaysia.

Matthew is currently on student pass and is studying for his final semester in a local Polytechnic. He is due to graduate in May this year. Ray of Hope has been supporting Matthew financially as we initiated an earlier fundraiser. We raised S$6,825 of which, part went to his school fees and the remaining funds raised towards his daily expenses. The funds are now depleted, and he requires additional support until he graduates in May this year.

Matthew is a polite, motivated and hardworking individual who refuses to allow his tragic circumstances to hinder his education journey as he understands that only by having a good education can he end the poverty cycle.

Give Hope – Help Needed

Ray of Hope is fundraising an additional S$1,200 (S$300 x 4 months) to support Matthew until he graduates. Matthew has lived a difficult and uncertain life and is only a few months away from graduation and being able to secure a full-time job that will finally lift him out of poverty. Please give hope to Matthew in these few crucial months!

* Name has been changed to protect the identity of Matthew as he is still studying

* Matthew is not receiving government assistance