“Back to School” Programme is back again!
21 Aug 2006
Media Release
As a result of the overwhelming response to our “Back to School” Programme last year, the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) has decided to bring this programme to the needy union members once again this year-end.
2. This year, the “Back to School” Programme is expected to give out a total of $2 million worth of vouchers, benefiting up to 20,000 children based on $100 worth of voucher per child. Last year, a total of more than $1.9 worth of vouchers for more than 19,000 children were given out.
3. The criteria to be eligible for this programme are similar to last year. Union members whose total gross household monthly income is $1,500 or below, or whose per capita income does not exceed $450 (if household income is more than $1,500) will be qualified to apply for their school-going children from Pre-school to Polytechnic levels.
4. Successful applicants will be given $100 worth of “Back to School” vouchers per child (up to 3 children). These vouchers can be used to purchase shoes, books, stationeries other school-related items from schools’ bookshops and their authorized suppliers for uniforms at Government and Government-Aided Schools, Junior Colleges and Centralised Institute under Ministry of Education. In addition, the vouchers may be used in “Back to School” Fairs or participating retail outlets, in preparation for the start of school term.
5. Mr Ong Ah Heng, Director of Community Development Department, NTUC said, “The objective of this programme is to assist union members who are in financial hardship, in particular the low-income workers. We want to help them lighten their burden, in terms of school-related expenses for their school-going children.”
6. This year, union members can visit the “Back to School” Fairs to be organized in Downtown East and Yio Chu Kang Community Club from 2-4 December 2006. Union members can look forward to enjoying more variety and good value- for-money school related items at the Fairs.
7. In addition, the Used Textbooks Scheme organized by NTUC Fairprice will be housed in these 2 locations. It will be opened to needy students/parents on 2 December and for the public on 4 December 2006 to pick and select textbooks for re-use.
8. The application for “Back-to-School” vouchers will open from 21 August to 30 September 2006. NTUC and the unions will process the applications and issue vouchers to the successful applicants starting from mid October 2006.
9. Ordinary Branch (OB) members who meet the eligibility criteria may apply through their respective unions while General Branch (GB) members may apply directly with NTUC Customer Services Centre, at One Marina Boulevard. Applicants will need to submit relevant supporting documents such as membership card/payslips together with the application.
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For media queries, please contact:
Chong Yan Cheng (Ms)
Consultant
Corporate Communications Department
National Trades Union Congress
DID 6213 8190
HP 9797 8985
Fax 6327 3749
