The National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) will be holding its annual NTUC General Branch (GB) - U Care Fund Education Awards ceremony on 15 September 2012 at the Universal Studios Singapore. This year, 2,081 children and youths will benefit as NTUC disburses $266,400 in scholarships and grants, the largest amount since 2008 (Refer to Annex A for eligibility criteria). Over the past five years, the number of beneficiaries and grant amount disbursed by NTUC to help lower-income members’ defray the cost of their children’s education has steadily increased.
For the first time, in the spirit of celebration and to enhance member engagement, NTUC and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) are inviting over 2,000 beneficiaries and their loved ones from the low-income group to enjoy a night of fun and entertainment. RWS is co-sponsoring this event, providing the venue with food and beverage vouchers worth a total of $40,000.
Mr Vivek Kumar, Director, Membership, NTUC said, “We are committed to supporting the children of eligible NTUC Members so that they can excel academically. This year, we have added a whole new dimension to the awards ceremony so that our members and their families can cherish the awards ceremony and celebrate in the wonderful setting of Universal Studios Singapore. We thank RWS for joining hands with us to create this unforgettable experience for these children and their parents." Ms Lynn Lee, RWS’ corporate social responsibility coordinator says, “We are honoured to be given the opportunity to partner NTUC in their Education Awards ceremony this year. Through this initiative, we hope that these children will be inspired to believe in their dreams and what they can achieve. We look forward to working with more partners like NTUC to expand on programs like this.”
This year’s Education Awards also received strong support from NTUC’s U Care Education Co-Funding Scheme. With its aim to help our low-income union members’ children to excel and level up their playing field, the Scheme provides co-funding support for bursaries and scholarships by NTUC’s affiliated unions and association so as to reach out to more beneficiaries and motivate members’ children in their academic pursuits.
The Education Awards have served as inspirational beacons for members’ children. They comprise grants for students from lower income families to help them cope with their education-related expenses and scholarships presented to children of NTUC GB members who have performed well in their studies. This year, 218 students will be receiving the scholarships while 1,863 students will receive the grants across varying education levels (Refer to Annex B for breakdown of the amounts awarded).
Madam Foo Siew Lan (符秀兰) is grateful for the grant as she has to take care of her four children and is unable to work full-time. Now working part-time at Singapore Prisons, she is very happy, as this is the first time her younger son, Tok Kok Ming (卓囯铭) who is a Primary 6 student in Rosyth School) is receiving an award. She said, “The award will motivate him because all the while his elder brother has been receiving it. My son loves Young Scientist books, and this grant will buy some of them, and the money will help with next year’s purchase of school uniforms as well."
Madam Aminah Beevee D/O Ramalan Muslia Mohamed who is an odd job worker shared, “This is the second time we are receiving the grant and it has really helped us a lot.” Her grandson Mohamed Haslam Bin Noor Azlan, who is in Primary 4 at Yishun Primary School, will be saving the money for purchasing books and school uniforms. He is looking forward to the ceremony and is very excited and happy that he is going Universal Studios Singapore for the first time with his loved ones.
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ANNEX A
Background
The first NTUC General Branch (GB) Scholarship started in 1996. This is the 17th year that the Scholarship will be awarded. NTUC Membership Department (MED) is committed to continue the scholarships for the children of GB members who excel in their studies. This serves as a form of encouragement to GB members and their children.
Eligibility criteria and guidelines
NTUC GB members whose children are currently pursuing studies in a recognised institution of education are eligible for the application of the NTUC General Branch – U Care Fund Education Award 2012. Members must have at least 6 months of paid-up membership with NTUC before applying. The programme is divided into 2 categories:
(i) SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Scholarship Award is given based on the merits of academic performance.
(ii) EDUCATION GRANT
Education Grant is awarded to families with household income of $2,200 and lower or per capita income of $600 and lower.
Annex B
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Education Awards 2012
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| Level 2012 | No. of Recipients | Award Amount | Sub-Total |
| Pri 3 – Pri 6 | 42 | $100 | $4,200 |
| Sec 1 – Sec 5 | 78 | $200 | $15,600 |
| Post Sec – JC & ITE | 49 | $300 | $14,700 |
| Poly 1 – Poly 3 | 27 | $800 | $21,600 |
| Uni 1 – Uni 4 | 22 | $1,000 | $22,000 |
| Special Award (UNI)** | 1** | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Scholarship Award | 218** | $80,100 | |
| Education Grant | 1863 | $100 | $186,300 |
| Total | 2081 | $266,400 | |
** No of Recipients for Scholarship Award includes the Special Award (UNI)
