From Stability to Uncertainty 

Raj worked as a Security Officer,while his wife, Shmi, contributed steadily as a kitchen crew member. The family of six lived in a rental flat with their four children, Kayla, Ginni, Dev and Rishi, doing their best to provide a stable home.

However, in December 2024, Raj was hospitalised for MRSA, a serious bloodstream infection. He spent two weeks in hospital and had to undergo treatment, with each session costing $225. Even after subsidies, he was left with more than $3,000 in medical bills.

Before the family could recover, another setback came. In November 2025, Raj lost his job when the worksite closed. Overnight, the family lost their main source of income.

As expenses continued and savings ran out, the family began to fall behind on their children’s school fees.

Today, Kayla and Ginni have not been able to attend school since the start of Term 1 in 2026.

Trying to Get Back on Track 

Despite these challenges, both parents have been doing what they can to rebuild.

Raj secured a new job as a security officer in February 2026, earning $3,490 before CPF. Shmi continues to work, bringing home $2,500 each month. Together, they are trying to stabilise their finances while managing ongoing expenses and past debts.

They have been working closely with their Family Service Centre (FSC), who has been supporting them through applications and helping to keep their daughters’ school placements active. Despite their efforts, the financial strain remains heavy.

The Reality They Are Facing Today 

The family is currently facing education arrears totalling $7,823.16 — $4,536.68 for Kayla and $3,286.48 for Ginni.

These arrears accumulated during the period when Raj was unwell and later unemployed. Without clearing them, the girls are unable to return to school.

Even now, with both parents working, their income is stretched across multiple commitments. The family is managing daily living expenses, medical debt, and other outstanding bills, while also coping with the impact of a recent relative’s passing.

Despite support from another organisation for ongoing school fees, the arrears remain a barrier that the family is unable to clear on their own.

Why Support Is Needed Now 

Kayla and Ginni have already missed months of school. The longer they remain out of class, the harder it will be for them to catch up, both academically and socially.

What the money will cover

Ray of Hope is raising funds to clear the children’s outstanding school arrears of $7,823.16.

This support will:

• Allow Kayla and Ginni to return to school immediately
• Prevent disruption to their education
• Ease immediate financial pressure on the family
• Allow the parents to focus on stabilising their finances

With the arrears cleared, the family can use their current income to gradually manage their other obligations and support their children’s daily needs.

Raj and Shmi are working hard to rebuild after a difficult year of illness, job loss, and financial strain. They have taken steps to get back on their feet, but the burden of past arrears is holding them back. Your support can help Kayla and Ginni return to school and continue their education alongside their peers.