Beneficiaries Stories

Nicholas

Two years ago, he was a rebellious pre-teen who loitered on the streets with his friends until late into the night. Today, Nicholas Tan, 14, is one of the top students in his class at Ang Mo Kio Secondary School, and spends his free time playing badminton, a sport that he loves.

Nicholas, who comes from a low-income family, is a beneficiary of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF). The $95 a month he receives helps to cover many of his school-related expenses.

Nicholas’ 34-year-old mother suffers from a bad right knee, which makes it painful for her to walk and prevents her from working. His father, 38, works as a casket bearer, and brings home about $1,000 a month. His salary is hardly enough for the family of five, which includes Nicholas’ two sisters, aged eight and 17.

The monthly allowances go a long way to help the family make ends meet. “It really helps us with our expenses,” said Nicholas’ mother, Madam Cheng Poh Gek. “The money helps to cover my children’s transport costs.”

Nicholas, who receives about $4 to $6 a day, said the pocket money fund helps him pay for basic necessities like food. “I don’t have to worry very much about lunch and dinner, which allows me to concentrate on my studies.”

Article from SPH - The New Paper