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Aid from ST School Pocket Money Fund useful in helping kids participate holistically in school: Study

Beneficiaries taking part in activities with families during The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund annual appreciation lunch and carnival at Fort Canning Park, on Oct 3.

ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

SINGAPORE - Financial support from The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) has proven useful beyond transport and food costs, as students have found themselves also more likely to attend enrichment programmes and co-curricular activities.

Survey findings released on Oct 3 showed that student beneficiaries of the fund also displayed more prudent money management like saving and goal setting.

The impact measurement study by the Centre of Excellence for Social Good in the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) surveyed about 690 families with STSPMF beneficiaries across primary, secondary and post-secondary levels, and looked at how the fund had helped them. It also interviewed 33 families.

A majority of the respondents had gross monthly household incomes of under $4,000.

The fund was started in 2000 by ST to provide pocket money to children from low-income families to help them through school. It has since helped more than 220,000 children and youths in need and disbursed more than $100 million.

Parents of beneficiaries also reported improved household budgeting and the ability to provide more nutritious meals, while students described fewer instances of skipping meals, the study found.

Among those surveyed, more than 60 per cent of students and 70 per cent of parents said the pocket money fund made it easier for the child to attend co-curricular activities. Some cited the fund helping to cover additional travel fares to school for extra activities, while others used it to help buy supplies to pursue their interests.

The last time the STSPMF was studied for its impact was in 2011. The respondents this round agreed more strongly that the fund had improved family budgeting practices and non-academic outcomes for the students.

Chairman of the STSPMF and editor of ST Jaime Ho said that the study is important to better understand the value the initiative has created for its beneficiaries, as well as to make data-driven decisions to better meet their needs.

Chairman of STSPMF and editor of The Straits Times Jaime Ho (right) receiving a cheque of $600,000 to STSPMF in commemoration of SG60, from Mr Mohamed Abdul Jaleel, founder and CEO of MES Group. This is his 13th annual contribution.

ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

The study can also articulate the impact of the programme to donors and partners, he added, speaking at an annual appreciation lunch held at Fort Canning Park on Oct 3. The lunch also marked the 25th anniversary of STSPMF with a carnival for 900 primary school beneficiaries and their families.

A majority of the families indicated that the fund gives them financial relief. About 62 per cent said it reduced hardship for their family, and close to 80 per cent agreed that it helped improve their quality of life. Around 80 per cent also said the fund improved family budgeting and financial practices for the family.

One respondent said that before receiving the fund, his family had to occasionally combine lunch and dinner into one meal. With the help of the fund, the family is able to eat three times a day.

Students from Rosyth School Chinese Dance perform at the opening of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund annual appreciation lunch at Fort Canning Park, on Oct 3.

ST PHOTO: KUA CHEE SIONG

Students also indicated that saving money was important. Eighty-five per cent of students said the help from the STSPMF makes them want to save more money, while close to 90 per cent said they try not to spend the money they have saved.

One parent of a beneficiary said her son gave her a present at each of her last two birthdays using money he saved from the fund.

The study also highlighted areas for improvement, such as insufficient funding.

Close to half of parents surveyed said the amount disbursed was too little. Currently, a primary school pupil receives $65 a month, while a secondary school student receives $100 a month. Students from the Institute of Technical Education, junior colleges and polytechnics receive $125 a month.

About 57 per cent of parents said the two-year maximum duration of funding is too short. One respondent said having to reapply for assistance every two years is cumbersome, and also had worries about continued eligibility.

Professor Ang Hak Seng, director of the Centre of Excellence for Social Good at SUSS, said the fund could be studied further to explore the concerns raised by parents.

He said: “STSPMF measures social impact to demonstrate that doing good alone isn’t enough. It’s about doing right, which builds trust.

“By measuring impact, we enhance transparency, accountability, and a willingness to learn, all of which are key to doing right.”

The Straits Times © SPH Media. Reproduced with permission.