What happened to Mark?

Mark, 55, lives in a two-room rental flat with his family. His wife, Patino holds a Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) and works in the retail line, earning approximately $2,700 a month. Struggling with a degenerative vertebra and retrenched during the COVID-19 Pandemic,  Mark works part-time and earns $400 a month. 

In April 2022, the couple brought Patino’s eldest daughter, Ashley to Singapore, in hopes of providing her with better opportunities. In spite of the family’s aspirations, Ashley experiences adjustment challenges, largely due to severely limited resources and support. This has resulted in unmet educational and social needs, impacting the teenager’s sense of self and confidence. Mark has been struggling to find employment, impacting his ability to afford her educational costs. In a bid to bridge the gap, he devotes his time to home-schooling Ashley. However, even this has been challenging without a conducive environment and proper structures and resources for Ashley. The couple also have a 5 year-old son who is attending childcare. 

How can you help?

Fund Ashley’s 12-month programme at the American High School (Diploma – ABC Reading Readiness) and enable Ashley to take the first step towards  having her educational needs met. 

Funds raised will go towards:

1. Initial Fees (Diagnostic, Registration and Starter Kit): $1,188
2. Course fees: $5,184 (50% co-payment for $10,368)  

More about Mark / Appeal from him:

Mark shared with the caseworkers that it has been an uphill battle with Singapore’s education system due to several challenges: Ashley’s age that disqualifies her from Secondary Education and her non-readiness for tertiary education. In addition, their combined household income is insufficient as Patino is also supporting two other children. Her children from her previous relationship reside in the Philippines, and she remits approximately $1,500 a month for their school fees and living expenses. 

Despite the family’s financial setbacks and his personal health issues, Mark demonstrates a strong commitment to meeting the needs of his family and in supporting Ashley. Recognizing the competitive job market, Mark is motivated to upgrade himself to stay relevant and employable. 

*Mark is receiving social assistance.