What happened to Muzammil and his family?

Muzammil, a 16-year-old student, is currently navigating a critical juncture as he readies himself for national exams this year. His parents, Mdm Nisha and Mr Abdul, owned a food business that collapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Struggling with a $40,000 debt, the couple filed for bankruptcy and is enrolled in the Debt Repayment Scheme (DRS). Due to Mdm Nisha’s PR residency status and Mr Abdul’s LTVP holder status, the subsidies and support available to them are limited.

Muzammil, who also holds PR citizenship, is not eligible for education subsidies as a foreign student. His family could no longer afford his monthly school fees of $580 since 2021.

How can you help?

Ray of Hope is raising $5,423 to cover Muzammil’s outstanding education fees and provide for his school allowance.

• $3,263 of the funds raised go towards Muzammil’s outstanding fees.

These funds will be directly paid to the school, allowing Muzammil to complete his crucial secondary four school year and take the national exams.*

• $ 2,160 of the funds raised go towards Muzammil’s monthly pocket money till the end of his school year ($240 x 9 months).

* Despite successfully securing assistance for Muzammil’s school fees for the current year from a charitable organization, he still faces the risk of expulsion from the school system due to outstanding arrears of $3,263 from previous years.

A family derailed by the COVID-19 Pandemic

Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Muzammil’s parents flourished as successful owners of a hawker stall, fostering stability and nurturing dreams of a promising future. However, the pandemic dealt a severe blow. The once bustling hawker center footfall dwindled, ultimately leading Muzammil’s parents to declare bankruptcy due to the economic downturn. Faced with an abrupt loss of income and mounting debts, the couple resorted to loans from licensed moneylenders to meet basic family needs during the pandemic.

Currently, Mdm Nisha works tirelessly as a relief security officer, maximizing overtime hours in her determination to regain financial stability. Demonstrating unwavering responsibility, she diligently adheres to her DRS commitments. Mr Abdul actively seeks employment to bolster household income but encounters challenges securing a job due to his LTVP holder status without a work permit. Despite their persistent efforts, the household’s current income falls short of covering the cost of Muzammil’s school needs.

Muzammil is keenly interested in cybersecurity and aspires to enroll in a cybersecurity course, post-secondary education. In his cybersecurity elective class, his dedication and talent paid off as he earned an A for his efforts. Described as a thoughtful and well-liked student always eager to assist, Muzammil faces concerns as he earnestly discusses his family’s circumstances. He has taken on part-time work to alleviate his parents’ burdens.

Your support can serve as a beacon of hope for Muzammil and his family as they endeavor to rebuild their lives post-pandemic.