Brother Low Swee Seh (left) representing Tzu Chi Singapore in accepting the recognition plaque. (Photo by Ng Paik Eng)
Yusof Ishak Secondary School (YISS) is a government school located in Bukit Batok in West Singapore. The school has an enrolment of 1400 students and has been participating in Tzu Chi Singapore's "Seeds of Hope" (SOH) bursary programme since its pioneering stage in 2009. Over the past three years, the SOH programme has helped more than 100 YISS students of Chinese, Malay and India ethnics in lessening their parents’ burden in providing for their meal and transportation expenses.
The increase from the first 11 student recipients to the current 60 recipients signifies the school's recognition towards the practical assistance offered by Tzu Chi. Noor Aisha Ali, the school's administrator manager with her cooperative and considerate demeanour, also played a part in helping the SOH programme to extend its reach to more needy students. She even went further to join Tzu Chi's cause by signing herself as a donating member.
"When Ms Noor Aisha learnt that Tzu Chi's funds is accumulated bits by bits through donations from people of all walks of life, she didn't hesitate and decided to be part of this cycle of Love," explained Tzu Chi volunteer Hor Kam Chin. And when Ms Noor Aisha apologized for her “meagre contribution”, the volunteers responded candidly with "every bit of donation is a symbol of Love, so every contribution counts!"
In fact, the recognition and cooperation given by the school management is deeply felt among the volunteers.
“Every month when we visit the school, we are welcomed by the teachers and students with much respect and hospitality, said Sister Hor, adding that this is what motivates her to go on serving in the programme.
The volunteers insist on presenting the transport vouchers personally to the student recipients each time during the school visit solely to be able to interact with and express their concern to the students.
In February 2009, Tzu Chi Singapore initiated the “Seeds of Hope” bursary programme to offer meal and transport subsidies to students whose families were affected by the 2008 economic downturn. Even though the gloomy period has long passed, with inflation and living expenses on the rise, some families are still struggle to make ends meet.
To date, the SOH programme has assisted students of 49 secondary schools, 17 primary schools, and six welfare homes. Launched with the objective to make up for the shortfalls of government’s existing financial scheme and defray the burden of the schools, the programme accepts applications regardless of race or nationality. Foreign students who are ineligible for government bursaries are welcome to apply.
Tzu Chi Singapore aims to extend the programme to all primary/secondary schools and shelter homes in future, hoping to bring the same contented smile to more children around the island, giving them warmth and strength in their path of education.
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