Khalid is 41 and lives in a 2-room rental flat with his wife, and their five children. The home is busy and noisy in the way big families often are. 

At one end, there’s Danial. A 16 year old trying to prepare for his next steps. At the other, a toddler who is just shy of  two and still needs full time care, often tucked close to Khalid.

He previously worked as a cleaner supervisor, but made the difficult decision to stop working temporarily so he could be the primary caregiver for his youngest child. He felt it was important to be present during these early years to build a strong and secure relationship with all his children. Once his youngest enters preschool early next year, he intends to return to work. Until then, the family relies solely on his wife’s combined income of $3,300 from her two jobs.

Khalid also supports three children from a previous marriage, paying $750 each month in maintenance and arrears. He told us, “All I want to do is care for my family and fulfil my duty as a father.”

How they are holding things together

Khalid has not been idle while at home. He has been looking into WSQ courses to improve his chances of getting a better job when he returns to work, even keeping handwritten notes on roles he hopes to try.

He has also applied twice for permanent residence for his wife, who is Malaysian, and submitted an application for citizenship for Danial in hopes of reducing the cost of school.

Danial dreams of entering ITE. He is waiting for his N level results and talks often about wanting a better future. 

Khalid said, “I believe everyone deserves a chance to get a proper education and I would like it if my stepson can achieve greater heights than me as this would give him a better start in life.”

What tipped the family over

The family owes $25,378 in school fees. However, with Danial’s status of a non-citizen, he does not qualify for help. The amount grew over the years and is now far beyond what the family can manage.

They also owe $1,445 in HDB arrears and $1,629.05 in conservancy charges. A lawyer letter has been issued, with a warning that they will incur a $1,000 penalty if payment is not made by year end.

Why this cannot wait

Khalid has already applied for SSO assistance, and the family is still waiting for the outcome. This has added to the uncertainty as the deadlines for their arrears draw near.

If the school arrears are not cleared soon, Danial will not be allowed to graduate. This also means he cannot apply to ITE, shutting the door on the future he has been working toward.

What your help will cover

Ray of Hope is raising $28,452.05 fully covering:

1. $25,378 for school arrears
2. $1,445 for HDB arrears
3. $1,629.05 for S & CC arrears

All funds will be paid directly to the respective agencies.

A small act that changes their year

You can help keep a teenager in school and protect a family doing everything they can through a tight period. It gives Khalid a clearer path back to work and gives his stepson the chance to continue his studies.

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