ABOUT HGEF

The Harun Ghani Education Fund (HGEF) was set up to honour the late Mr Harun Ghani, who worked tirelessly for the prevention of drug abuse and the rehabilitation of drug offenders in Singapore.

Beyond working directly with the drug offenders, Mr. Harun’s Meet-the-Family initiative raised awareness of the impact of drug abuse on the entire family. A former teacher, Mr. Harun always took time to show an interest in the children of the drug offenders and inquire as to their progress at school – “Got pass exam?” A “yes” answer would always be rewarded with a huge smile, pat on the back and a monetary award to the child.

HGEF continues his practice of reminding the children of the importance of education.

FUND OBJECTIVES

The Harun Ghani Education Awards started in 2005 to help full-time students with their education-related expenses. The bursaries are awarded to students of all ages who have an interest in learning, with the goal to motivate children of drug offenders to complete a minimum post-secondary education. The assistance given by HGEF targets the low income and the most needy of recipients.

CHILDREN OF HGEF

Hidden Victims of imprisonment – The trauma of witnessing a parent’s arrest by the police scars a child’s memory forever. In that instant, everything in their life changes. They not only lose a parent, but also friends if they are relocated to live with new caregivers. They carry the repercussions of their parent’s actions in silence.

Orphans of Justice – The fear of being judged and shunned, the stigma of having a parent in prison, feelings of anger, shame and simultaneously love and longing for their parents are a huge emotional strain on them.

Forgotten victims – They struggle with loneliness and grief. Who can they talk to, who will understand?

REBUILDING LIVES THROUGH EDUCATION

HGEF’s work over the last 16 years has helped children and their families to realise that they are not alone in their struggles. Many children in drug-affected families have been helped to get a firm foothold in the education system, with the key message of self-empowerment and self-actualisation through education.

HGEF EDUCATION AWARDS

HGEF provides monetary education awards to full-time students who have demonstrated positive learning attitude. Our beneficiaries tell us these awards are important as they help ease the financial burden of the once-off outlay to get the students equipped for the new school year. The awards also serve as a pat on the back, and motivation for the young recipients.

Since its inception in 2005, HGEF has disbursed $667,860 through 3871 cheques to children of drug offenders in primary school (53.4%), secondary school (35.8%), ITE (4.7%), polytechnic (3.6%), and University (1.74%).

Up until now, 100% of donations to HGEF have been disbursed to directly benefit the children. It is our intention that this continues to be the case.

OTHER SUPPORT

In addition, students receive book vouchers, storybooks and assessment papers. Ad hoc events have also been organised for students with a variety of speakers ranging from motivational speakers (for students of institutions of higher learning), consultants, celebrities, musicians and sports personalities. Teachers also share tips to getting better grades. HGEF actively seeks out partners who can deliver a range of activities to nurture talent, create dreams and ignite passions.

PEER MENTORING/ALUMNI PROGRAMME

Former beneficiaries of HGEF have forged friendships, supporting each other with comfort and advice in times of turbulence and stress. Sharing similar backgrounds, they have the potential to be excellent mentors and role models for the young beneficiaries. A fair number of former recipients have come back as active volunteers providing assistance, feedback and ideas for HGEF events. HGEF plans to initiate an alumni programme to continue to nurture friendships, develop resilience and encourage leadership and the community spirit among past beneficiaries.

THE FUTURE

HGEF seeks to continue to encourage the children to work toward a better future through education.

The hallmark and distinguishing feature of HGEF is the personal interest we take in our beneficiaries, and the warmth and sincerity of the aid extended.

A note of thanks from one beneficiary says it best:

“HGEF was different. HGEF made it a point to keep in touch to make sure my sister and I were okay. It was the sense of family HGEF provided that made the biggest difference. Many kids have .. family members to ensure they make it through (to) graduation. For kids like me, we have HGEF. Harun Ghani Education Fund gave me the courage and motivation I needed to keep going. I got to the finishing line, with your help.”

Many former beneficiaries return as volunteers with HGEF, passing on the comfort and encouragement they received to the younger children. Your donation will help us to nurture and extend this virtuous cycle as those we help, in turn, help uplift other children in their community – the orphans of justice, the hidden victims of parental incarceration.

HARUN GHANI EDUCATION FUND and RAY OF HOPE

HGEF requires your donations to accomplish our mission to Rebuild Lives Through Education and raise awareness of the challenges faced by this community.

Families of incarcerated drug offenders often struggle to make ends meet. What are commonly considered affordable or “small” purchases like highlighters are carefully weighed decisions for these families.

Our partnership with RAY of Hope, a crowdfunding charity gives HGEF an online presence through their platform so that donors can contribute easily, learn about our cause and choose to support our beneficieries.

A small act of kindness can go a long way. Your donations will help HGEF encourage the child to choose school.

Contact:

Harun Ghani Education Fund: hgef.cares@gmail.com

About Ray of Hope

100% of your donations through Ray of Hope goes to people in need. We do not take a cut from the funds. We even cover the 3rd party credit card charges, if you choose not to, that other crowdfunding platforms deduct from your donation for campaigns.

100% of all campaigns are also fully verified, so you know your funds goes to real people with real needs.

We take donor accountability very seriously – with yearly audited accounts and strong governance in place to ensure that your donations is properly channeled to the beneficiaries.

Ray of Hope is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Services.

Contact:

Dr. Alicia Altorfer-Ong, Partnership Director, alicia@rayofhope.sg