COMING TOGETHER SINDA ANNUAL REPORT
2008
CONTENTS
08
12
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
20
32
2008 @ A GLANCE
28
EDUCATION
SINDA FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
36
FAMILY AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES
40
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND CAREER LINK PLUS
42
VOLUNTEER RELATIONS
50
OUTREACH EFFORTS
52
14
BOARD OF TRUSTEES & EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS
DONORS
60
EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS 2007
THANK YOU NOTE
VISION TO BUILD A STRONG AND VIBRANT SINGAPOREAN INDIAN COMMUNITY TOGETHER
MISSION TO BUILD A WELL-EDUCATED, RESILIENT AND CONFIDENT COMMUNITY OF INDIANS THAT STANDS TOGETHER WITH OTHER COMMUNITIES IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE PROGRESS OF MULTI-RACIAL SINGAPORE
VALUES RESPECT, OUR CULTURE INTERGRITY, OUR FOUNDATION SERVICE, OUR PROMISE EXCELLENCE, OUR PURSUIT
COMING TOGETHER
AS ONE CAPTURES THE ESSENCE OF WHAT SINDA IS AND STANDS FOR.
SINDA’S SUCCESS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE SOLE EFFORT OF THE ORGANISATION, RATHER IT IS POSSIBLE ONLY THROUGH THE COMBINED ENTERPRISE OF THE COMMUNITY OF LEADERS, SINGAPOREANS, WELL-WISHERS, DONORS AND VOLUNTEERS WHO BELIEVE IN SINDA’S MISSION OF BUILDING A WELL-EDUCATED, RESILIENT AND CONFIDENT COMMUNITY OF INDIANS. ‘COMING TOGETHER AS ONE’, WE HAVE TOUCHED THE LIVES OF MANY AND WILL CONTINUE TO TOUCH MANY MORE. AS HENRY FORD ONCE SAID, “COMING TOGETHER IS A BEGINNING. KEEPING TOGETHER IS PROGRESS. WORKING TOGETHER IS SUCCESS.”
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< ANISAH BTE AHMAD, 21 RECIPIENT OF SINDA EXCELLENCE AWARD (POLYTECHNIC CATEGORY)
COMING TOGETHER
TO MAXIMISE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL
PERCENTAGE OF INDIAN STUDENTS WHO PASSED PSLE
2007
PERCENTAGE OF INDIAN STUDENTS WHO ACHIEVED AT LEAST 3 ‘O’ LEVEL PASSES
PERCENTAGE OF INDIAN STUDENTS WHO TOOK UP POST SECONDARY STUDIES
2007
2007
96.2% 91.3% 89.3% 1998 : 91.8%
1998 : 84%
1998 : 61.1%
The decade between 1998 and 2007 saw a steady rise in the percentage of Indian students passing the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE). In 1998, 91.8% of students made the grade in the PSLE; by 2007, 96.2% made the grade.
Between 1998 and 2007, Indian students showed a great improvement at the General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level exams (G.C.E ‘O’). In 1998, 84% of Indian students obtained 3 ‘O’ level passes. In 2007, 91.3% of Indian students achieved 3 ‘O’ level passes.
The figures tell a clear story – more Indian students are making the most of educational policies with the number taking up post-secondary studies soaring between 1998 and 2007. In 1998, only 61.1% of every Indian student in the primary one cohort enrolled in a post-secondary institution. By 2007, 89.3% made it to post-secondary institutions.
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COMING TOGETHER
TO NURTURE MORE ENLIGHTENED FAMILIES > MRS. SHANTHI BASKARALINGAM AND CHILDREN BENEFICIARIES OF SINDA
NUMBER OF STUDENTS AND PARENTS WHO BENEFITED FROM SINDA WORKSHOPS
2008
NUMBER OF BURSARIES DISBURSED
NUMBER OF FAMILIES ASSISTED BY SINDA
2008
2008
730 2,093 493 SINDA held workshops on parenting, education and nutrition for our beneficiaries during the Back to School Festival in 2008. More than 730 parents and students benefited from these workshops.
2,093 bursaries worth more than $940,000 were disbursed in 2008. This includes bursaries awarded for preschool, primary, secondary and tertiary levels.
493 individuals and families approached SINDA for assistance for a variety of problems ranging from financial to educational issues. 67.4% of these were financial problems.
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COMING TOGETHER
TO STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIPS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH > SONALI MAZUMDAR & MUHAMED HARIS SINDA VOLUNTEERS
NUMBER OF PROJECT GIVE HAMPERS DISTRIBUTED DURING FESTIVE PERIOD
NUMBER OF BOOKS DONATED BY NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD (NLB) TO THE READING ROOM
2008
2008
1,000
1,500
In 2008, as part of Project Give, 1,000 hampers were distributed to needy families celebrating Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. 21 partners helped in the distribution of these hampers.
The Reading Room was a tripartite collaboration between SINDA, the Indian Activity Executive Committee (IAEC) from West Coast Community Centre and NLB. 1,500 books were donated by NLB and $413,000 was donated by West Coast IAEC towards the initiative.
AVERAGE LISTENERSHIP FIGURE FOR SINDA’S WEEKLY RADIO PROGRAMME THIL THIL MANATHIL (TTMR)
2008
NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO SINDA PROGRAMMES AND SERVICES
2008
46,000 1,200 SINDA partnered with Oli 96.8FM and Vasantham to produce TTMR and Kanavugal Kathavugal (KK). TTMR received a high average listenership of 46,000 while KK had an average rating of 27,400.
In 2008, close to 1,200 volunteers contributed their time to SINDA. We are delighted to report that these volunteers straddled a broad age spectrum – from teenagers to young adults and senior citizens.
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
2008 was a fruitful year for SINDA. We remained true to our vision and continued to achieve our mission of building a confident Indian community that is able to succeed by maximising all available resources. By focusing our efforts along our key strategic thrust-lines of Education, Family and Community Partnerships, we have reached out and helped hundreds of students and families through our programmes and services. We were able to do this through a combination of factors including the forging of effective partnerships with key government and community organisations, the unstinting support of our volunteers, the public’s generous donations and the innovative conceptualisation and delivery of our education, family, youth and career related programmes by the SINDA management team.
MAXIMISING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL In 1998, 65.8% of Indian students passed the GCE ‘O’ level Mathematics examination while 59.8% secured at least five ‘O’ level passes. Overall, in 2007, the figures had improved significantly to 75.9% and 72.6% respectively. In 2007, 89.3% of Indian students qualified for post-secondary education compared to less than 40% in 1991, the year when SINDA was established. These improvements over the last 17 years did not happen by chance. The academic progress of Indian students can be attributed to the collective and synergistic efforts of SINDA, our educational system, schools, Indian organisations, families and above all the students themselves. These results give us the confidence that SINDA’s desired goal of ‘A Graduate in Every Family’ is attainable.
At SINDA, the education agenda continues to be our primary focus. The SINDA Tutorials for Enhanced Performance (STEP) programme was strengthened with the introduction of a new framework where greater emphasis is placed on enhancing pupils’ confidence through the conduct of more student-centred activities. We also received good support from primary schools for Project Teach, the customised remedial programme targeted at underperforming pupils.
The SINDA FSC also helps to build stronger family bonds. For example, a total of 1,200 SINDA beneficiaries participated in two ‘Family Day’ events – in April at Downtown East and in November at the Singapore Zoological Garden – organised by Narpani (the Indian Activity Executive Committees Council from the People’s Association).
In 2008, 47 schools participated in Project Teach compared to 41 in 2007. The academic results of students enrolled in SINDA’s STEP and Project Teach programmes clearly indicate overall improvements in grades. Hasleena Begam, one of the top three PSLE students in the EM3 group in 2008, attributed her academic performance to Project Teach lessons, a testimony to the impact the programme has had on her.
In December 2008, we organised the inaugural ‘Back to School’ Festival in SINDA. The festival included workshops on education, parenting and nutrition. About 730 parents benefited from the talks. During the event, 500 school kits were distributed to needy students. SINDA, together with the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and the Tamils Representative Council (TRC), launched the 2009 bursary awards by distributing bursaries at the festival; some 2,000 bursaries worth $700,000 will be given out in 2009.
NURTURING ENLIGHTENED FAMILIES The family plays a crucial role in the academic development of students. SINDA strives to provide information to families on how they can provide the support which is critical to their children’s academic progress. SINDA’s Family Service Centre (FSC) conducts Family-Life Education workshops regularly.
The SINDA FSC was restructured and streamlined in 2008 to increase the efficiency of case follow-ups and intervention measures. The restructuring was timely as we saw a surge in the number of families seeking financial assistance from September 2008 as the effects of the global economic slowdown began to be felt in Singapore.
“
The academic progress of Indian students can be attributed to the collective and synergistic efforts of SINDA, our educational system, schools, Indian organisations, families and above all the students themselves. These results give us the confidence that SINDA’s desired goal of “A Graduate in Every Family” is attainable. PG
08/09
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
“A total of $290,000 was collected during Project Give. The money raised was channelled towards education bursaries and festive food hampers for needy families.
The number of families assisted by the FSC doubled (from 91 to 185 cases) in the last quarter of 2008 compared to the third quarter. SINDA also partnered the Workforce Development Authority (WDA) and Narpani to launch the Career Development and Resource Centre (CDRC) in 2008. WDA assists SINDA with its information and resources while Narpani helps transmit SINDA’s key messages to its wide grassroots network. The launch of the CDRC proved similarly prescient as the economic crisis also manifested in a spike in the number of low-skilled adult Indian workers seeking help from SINDA. In 2008, the figure was 970 compared to 300 in 2007. We had referred 250 clients for job placements and another 340 were sent for skills-upgrading courses in 2008. Several of SINDA’s beneficiaries have seen their household income rise through skills upgrading.
The end of 2008 signaled more difficult times for the community. SINDA responded quickly by bringing forward the Indian Community Bursary Awards Ceremony and introduced the Back to School Festival in December so that families could benefit from the community’s support in a timely manner. STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS, COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH SINDA cannot address the diverse needs of the Singaporean Indian community on its own. We see our role as that of a catalyst. Through active and strategic partnerships with various organisations and individuals, we are able to reach out to more people who need our assistance. In July 2008, SINDA partnered the National Library Board and the West Coast Community Centre Indian Activity
Executive Committee to set up The Reading Room at SINDA premises to promote reading among our children. For Project Give, 50 partners joined SINDA for the annual charity drive. A total of $290,000 was collected during Project Give. The money raised was channelled towards education bursaries and festive food hampers for needy families. About 1,000 festive hampers were distributed to needy families during Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas, a five-fold increase compared to 2007.
Chairman of SINDA’s Board of Trustees, for his many contributions and the guidance he has provided to SINDA over the years. Professor Jayakumar stepped down as Chairman in July 2008. His successor, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Finance, brings with him tremendous experience. I believe and am confident that he will offer guidance and contributions as valuable as those of his predecessor and bring SINDA to the next level of excellence.
SINDA has been successful because of the support it receives from all sectors of the community. I would like to express my appreciation to our CPF contributors and other individual and corporate donors. Compared to 2007, CPF contributions for 2008 increased by more than 10% to $5.9 million. Donations from individuals and organisations saw a significant increase too.
I would also like to thank our volunteers who play a vital role in ensuring the success of our programmes. My appreciation also goes out to the management team at SINDA for successfully conceptualising and executing all the programmes and events for 2008 in an innovative manner.
It was mainly through the strengthening of strategic partnerships with like-minded organisations, donors and volunteers that SINDA was able to help more people in 2008. SINDA’s outreach in 2008 was more targeted and purposeful. For instance, we conducted talks and road shows at schools, religious organisations and grassroots organisations. At these talks, we emphasised the importance of education and encouraged parents to help support the aspirations of their children. For needy individuals from these organisations, we followed up with assistance in various areas including providing bursary, food rations, skills upgrading and legal counselling.
2009 will prove a challenging year for the world and Singapore. However, I am confident that SINDA will continue to be nimble, flexible and responsive in serving the needs of the community and help it emerge stronger and more resilient. I look forward to your continuous support and co-operation in helping SINDA achieve its mission and remain steadfast to its vision.
SINDA’s outreach measures through the media such as television and radio programmes, newsletters and website were redesigned and they now boast several new features. SINDA has also started using new media platforms like YouTube and Facebook. All these enhancements have helped us in our outreach efforts. CONCLUSION SINDA has had a successful year in 2008. I want to thank our Board of Trustees and Executive Committee Members for their service to the community and to SINDA. In particular, I wish to acknowledge with gratitude and thanks our Deputy Prime Minister, Professor S. Jayakumar, the founding
K. SHANMUGAM PRESIDENT SINDA
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BOARD OF TRUSTEES
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
CHAIRMAN AND LIFE TRUSTEE
PRESIDENT AND TERM TRUSTEE
Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam
Mr. K. Shanmugam
(w.e.f 14 July 2008)
Professor S. Jayakumar (Stepped down as Chairman w.e.f 14 July 2008)
LIFE TRUSTEES
TERM TRUSTEES
ADVISORS
Mr. S. Dhanabalan
Dr. N. Varaprasad
Dr. Vivian Balakrishnan
Mr. S. Chandra Das
Mr. R. Sinnakaruppan
Dr. Balaji Sadasivan
Mr. J. Y. Pillay
Mr. Bobby Chin Yoke Choong
Ms. Indranee Rajah
Mr. Sat Pal Khattar
Mr. M. Rajaram
Mr. Hri Kumar Nair
Mr. Deepak Sharma Mr. Haider M. Sithawalla Mr. Ravi Menon Mr. Inderjit Singh Mr. V. Shankar
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT Mr. K. Shanmugam
VICE-PRESIDENT
MEMBERS
RESOURCE PANEL MEMBERS
Mr. S. Iswaran
Dr. Chitra Rajaram
Major (Retd) Thanaseelan
Mr. V. V. Giri
Mr. V. M. Karmegam
Mr. Kirpa Ram Vij
Mr. Amarjit Singh s/o Narajan Singh
Mrs. Leena Pinsler
Mr. P. Thirunal Karasu
(Stepped down w.e.f September 2008)
SECRETARY
Mr. Ajay Bhalla
Mr. Viswa Sadasivan
Mr. S. Vivakanandan (Stepped down w.e.f May 2008)
Dr. Joseph Thambiah Dr. Joshua V. M. Kuma Mr. K. V. Rao Ms. M. Nirmala
TREASURER Mr. Shabbir Hassanbhai
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2008 @ A GLANCE
1 MARCH 2008 INDIAN COMMUNITY BURSARY AWARDS CEREMONY 2008
SINDA together with 40 Indian organisations, supported 1,666 needy students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions by disbursing $690,000 in the form of bursaries.
8 MARCH 2008 SINDA SEMINAR ON ENGAGED LEARNING
3 MAY 2008 DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES (DSS)
120 tutors and centre principals attended the seminar organised by SINDA to enhance the pedagogical skills of tutors and enable them to come together to share best practices.
SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inaugural DSS was created to expose youth to sunrise industries and emerging trends. The series debuted with Mr. Mohammed Abdul Jaleel, Managing Director of Mini Environment Service Pte Ltd, sharing his success story with more than 300 students from polytechnics, junior colleges, ITE colleges and secondary schools.
17 MAY 2008 SINDA-MOE TALK FOR PARENTS ON ‘PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR PRIMARY ONE’
SINDA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE), organised a talk in Tamil to advise some 100 parents on what they can do to prepare their children for Primary One.
5 JULY 2008 SELF-HELP GROUPS JOINT TUITION AWARDS (JTA) CEREMONY
The JTA was organised by the four Self-Help Groups to recognise students who have shown significant improvement in the 2007 landmark examinations. A total of 111 students from SINDA received the awards.
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2008 @ A GLANCE
14 JULY 2008 OPENING OF THE READING ROOM
JULY - AUGUST 2008 IN-CONVERSATION SERIES (ICS)
The ICS, a spin-off from DSS, provides youths with opportunities to interact with outstanding professionals who excel in various fields.
The Reading Room was officially opened by the Deputy Prime Minister and SINDA Life Trustee, Professor S. Jayakumar. The Reading Room is a tripartite collaboration between SINDA, the Indian Activity Executive Committee from West Coast Community Centre and the National Library Board.
At the first ICS held on 25 July 2008, Mr. S. Viswa Sadasivan, the CEO of Strategic Moves, shed light on what it takes to carve a niche in the media industry. The second ICS held on 26 August 2008 had Mr. Vanu Gopala Menon, Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Permanent Representative and Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), speaking of his experience serving in the UN. In total, 45 students attended both sessions.
23 AUGUST 2008 VOLUNTEERS TEA
More than 800 guests attended SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Volunteers Tea 2008 held to show appreciation to our volunteers and partners for their invaluable contributions. During the event graced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Mr. Wong Kan Seng, a total of 67 awards were given out. Seven recipients were awarded the Volunteer Star Award, which is given to individuals who provided consistent service for at least 15 years.
17 SEPTEMBER 2008 VISIT TO KANDANG KERBAU WOMEN’S AND CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL (KKWCH)
SINDA’s Family Service Centre team’s visit to KKWCH medical social work department was one of the many visits by SINDA to external agencies in 2008. These visits were organised to share best practices on the organisations’ programmes and services.
Category Academic PSLE GCE ‘O’ Level Integrated Programme GCE ‘A’ Level International Baccalaureate (IB) ITE Polytechnic University Non-Academic LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore Sports School Singapore Schools Sports Council National Colours Awards
Number of Awards 77 25 32 108 14 50 53 10
1 2 32
20 SEPTEMBER 2008 SINDA EXCELLENCE AWARDS (SEA) CEREMONY
404 students who performed outstandingly in academic and non-academic categories were honoured at the SEA Ceremony. This is the first time that SINDA is giving awards to students for non-academic categories like sports and the arts.
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2008 @ A GLANCE
22 SEPTEMBER 2008 DIRECTOR GENERAL OF EDUCATION (DGE) VISIT TO SENIOR VICTORY CENTRE
DGE Ms Seah Jiak Choo, visited the East View Secondary Senior Victory Centre to observe one of its weekly sessions. The 20 Secondary Three students, who were also participants of the National Youth Council initiated project, Young Change Makers, presented their project to DGE.
SEPTEMBER â&#x20AC;&#x201C; OCTOBER 2008 PROJECT GIVE
A total of $290,000 was collected through Project Give in 2008. As part of the annual charity drive, SINDA handed out some 1,000 food hampers and NTUC vouchers to needy families during Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas. Volunteers and staff played a significant role in the distribution of these hampers.
15 NOVEMBER 2008 APPRECIATION TEA
SINDA hosted an Appreciation Tea to honour centre principals, tutors, facilitators and support staff who have served on SINDA’s numerous programmes for three, five, 10 or 15 years. A total of 69 awards were given out.
13 DECEMBER 2008 INDIAN COMMUNITY BURSARY AWARDS (ICBA) CEREMONY AND BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL
Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance and Chairman of SINDA’s Board of Trustees graced SINDA’s first Back to School Festival for needy students that was held in conjunction with the ICBA Ceremony.
NOVEMBER 2008 HOLIDAY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME (HEP)
In 2008, SINDA’s HEP took the form of a two-day interactive and experiential programme conducted by LogicMills. The programme, attended by 132 students, covered topics such as leadership, confidence building, communication and time management.
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EDUCATION LOSHINI JAYAPANDIAN Recipient of SINDA Excellence Award (Non-academic category – Sports)
TUITION SCHEMES SINDA offers a wide range of tuition programmes at affordable rates. Over the years, these programmes have won much recognition and achieved commendable results. Tuition enrolment in SINDA’s academic and enrichment programmes has almost doubled over the past decade. In 2008, 5,360 students enrolled in the programmes. Of these students, 1,442 received full or partial subsidies. STEP SINDA TUTORIALS FOR ENHANCED PERFORMANCE STEP is a tuition programme designed to help students from Primary One to Secondary Five perform better in English, Mathematics and Science. The programme has enjoyed much success since its launch in 1992. STEP students have shown significant improvement in their performance at landmark examinations.
Highly subsidised fees and the location of 21 STEP centres islandwide in 2008 made STEP an accessible and affordable option for many families. In 2008, 3,472 students enrolled in the programme. Of these students, 1,062 received full or partial subsidies. Key features of STEP include: • 6 hours of tuition per week from January to October • Small class sizes of between 15 and 20, which allow individualised attention for students • MOE-trained or highly qualified teachers • Regular class tests and centre-level examinations • Curriculum materials or assessment books provided
STEP ENROLMENT FIGURES 4000
3,689
3,761 3,472
3500 3000
3,260
Household Income
2,702
2500 2000 1500 1000 500 ‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
%
$1,000 and below
681
19.6
$1,001 – $1,500
818
23.6
$1,501 – $2,000
693
19.9
$2,001 – $2,500
486
14.0
$2,501 and above
794
22.9
3472
100
Total
0
Number of Students
‘08
In 2008, SINDA’s academic and enrichment programmes reached out to 5,360 students. PG
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EDUCATION
GOWSHIKA Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Award Recipient (PSLE category)
“
STEP Tuition helped me to pass my PSLE Maths. My STEP tutor Mr. Chia from Ping Yi Secondary STEP Centre was helpful and encouraged me to do well.
IMPACT OF STEP (2007)
Academic Profile of 2007 Students Before Joining STEP
Academic Profile of 2007 Students After Joining STEP
English • 4.7% scored an A* or A grade • 20.3% failed
English • 18.8% scored an A* or A grade • 1.6% failed
Mathematics • 7.0% scored an A* or A grade • 23.3% scored a B grade or better
Mathematics • 20.2% scored an A* or A grade • 43.5% scored a B grade or better
Science • 7.1% scored an A* or A grade • 33.1% failed
Science • 14.2% scored an A* or A grade • 19.7% failed
Mathematics • 15.7% scored an A1 grade • 25.7% scored a B3 grade or better
Mathematics • 22.9% scored an A1 grade • 58.6% scored a B3 grade or better
Science • 21.4% scored a B3 grade or better • 47.6% failed
Science • 33.3% scored a B3 grade or better • 19.1% failed
PSLE • 1 in 2 students improved their grade in English • 2 in 3 students improved their grade in Mathematics • 2 in 5 students improved their grade in Science
GCE “O” Levels • Over 7 in 10 students improved their grade in Mathematics • 2 in 3 students improved their grade in Science
OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR STEP For the maximum number of students to benefit from STEP, SINDA carried out an intensive outreach campaign in 2008 to increase public awareness of the programme and its benefits. The campaign was successful, with more than 3,400 students signing up. The campaign comprised: • Mediacorp advertisements • The featuring of STEP in SINDA Connections, with 45,000 copies of the newsletter distributed to the public • Flyers with STEP information that were sent out to 35,000 students via schools • 45 banners placed around the island • Meetings with parents of bursary recipients who were not in STEP to encourage the enrolment of their children in the programme
2008 STEP CENTRES North
First Toa Payoh Primary School
Bowen Secondary School
Marsiling Primary School
North View Secondary School
Jing Shan Primary School
Seng Kang Secondary School
Sembawang Secondary School
Yishun Primary School
Central
Henderson Secondary School
Queensway Secondary School
Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre
Ping Yi Secondary School
Siglap Secondary School
Bukit View Primary School
Chua Chu Kang Secondary School
Clementi Primary School
Jurong West Secondary School
Pioneer Secondary School
Shuqun Primary School
East
East View Secondary School West
Unity Secondary School
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EDUCATION
PROJECT TEACH Project Teach, a school-based programme, was started in 2001 to improve the academic performance of Indian students in primary schools who performed below average in English, Mathematics and Science. The programme is conducted either before or after school hours by specially trained facilitators.
PROJECT TEACH ENROLMENT FIGURES 1200 1000
1,062
1,066
1,069
1,039
‘05
‘06
‘07
‘08
1,000
800 600 400
With the small class sizes and a tutor-to-pupils ratio of one to seven, facilitators are able to devote close attention to their students. The programme places special emphasis on spurring motivation and meeting the learning needs of these students. Parents are also actively engaged through workshops so that they can play a part in ensuring that the potential of their child is maximised. Close collaboration with schools and teachers allowed Project Teach to reach out to targeted student groups in 47 schools. In 2008, 1,039 students benefited from the programme. Of these, 289 students were given full or partial subsidies.
200 0 ‘04
Household Income
Number of Students
%
$1,000 and below
188
18.1
$1,001 – $1,500
292
28.1
$1,501 – $2,000
265
25.5
$2,001 – $2,500
105
10.1
$2,501 and above
189
18.2
1039
100
Total
Close collaboration with schools and teachers allowed Project Teach to reach out to targeted student groups in 47 schools. In 2008, 1,039 students benefited from the programme.
â&#x20AC;&#x153; Neeranjana A student who benefited from Project Teach
When I was in Primary Five, I always got Bs and Cs for my exams. After attending Project Teach in Primary Six, I began to improve. I got all As for my PSLE. This is all thanks to SINDA, Madam Jasmine (my teacher for Project Teach), my school teachers and my family.
2008 PROJECT TEACH SCHOOLS
Anderson Primary
First Toa Payoh Primary
Pei Tong Primary
Ang Mo Kio Primary
Greenridge Primary
Peixin Primary
Bendemeer Primary
Greenwood Primary
Pioneer Primary
Blangah Rise Primary
Haig Girls School
Sembawang Primary
Boon Lay Garden Primary
Huamin Primary
Shuqun Primary
Bukit Panjang Primary
Jiemin Primary
Si Ling Primary
Canossa Convent Primary
Lakeside Primary
Stamford Primary
CHIJ (Katong) Primary
Lianhua Primary
Tanjong Katong Primary
CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel
Marsiling Primary
Teck Ghee Primary
CHIJ Our Lady of the Nativity
Marymount Convent
West Grove Primary
Chongfu Primary
Meridian Primary
White Sands Primary
Chua Chu Kang Primary
Montfort Junior
Woodlands Ring Primary
Compassvale Primary
New Town Primary
Xingnan Primary
Concord Primary
Ngee Ann Primary
Xishan Primary
Edgefield Primary
North View Primary
Yew Tee Primary
Evergreen Primary
Opera Estate Primary
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EDUCATION
NEW INITIATIVES FOR STEP AND PROJECT TEACH In 2008, SINDA introduced new initiatives for STEP and Project Teach to strengthen the quality of the curriculum and to provide a holistic learning experience for students. STEP LEARNING CENTRE (SLC) In 2008, there was a move to project STEP centres as Learning Centres in an effort to create a more conducive learning environment. The SLC model is reflective of a holistic tuition centre as it encompasses academic and non-academic functions for students, parents and centre personnel. STUDENT LEARNING PACK A Student Learning Pack was introduced for Primary One to Six students. The Student Learning Pack consists of: • Curriculum materials for English, Mathematics and Science • My Targets and Achievements Book to encourage students to set targets for tests and examinations and allow parents and tutors to monitor the students’ progress • Education Landscape Card to inform students of the education pathways available to them • An attractive SINDA T-Shirt • Student notebook, stationery pack and bookmark MATHS KIT SINDA also worked with Temasek Primary School to enhance the Maths Kit launched in 2007 for Primary One students. This saw the development of a series of Maths Kits for topics on Length, Money, Fractions and Capacity for Primary One and Two students in 2008. The kits enable students to learn difficult topics in an interactive, hands-on manner, so that they are able to grasp concepts with ease. About 600 students have used the Maths Kits.
READING PROGRAMME From June 2008, a reading programme to encourage the reading habit among Primary One and Two students was introduced at nine STEP Centres and three Project Teach Schools. More than 110 students benefited from this programme. SCIENCE CARTOON SERIES The Science cartoon booklet was adapted from Temasek Primary School and published for Primary Four and Five students in our programme. The booklet which covers animal life cycles presented in cartoon form was distributed to a total of 1,136 students in August 2008. EXTENSION OF SECONDARY PROGRAMME Secondary STEP programme was extended from a 10 week programme to a 15 week programme in 2008. The extension allowed tutors to spend more time with students to practice and revise concepts and topics that were difficult to grasp. REFRESHMENTS AT STEP CENTRES Based on positive feedback, refreshments were extended to all Primary and Secondary STEP students in 2008. TEACHER TOOLS Lower Primary STEP and Project Teach tutors were provided with teaching tools to strengthen their teaching methods and help students better understand topics taught. The tools introduced were Math Cubes, Logic Blocks, Magnetic Clock and Bingo.
NUSTLS ‘A’ LEVEL TUITION PROGRAMME The ‘A’ Level Tuition Programme, Saadhana, is a non-profit project run by the National University of Singapore Tamil Language Society (NUSTLS). The programme aims to provide quality tutoring on all core GCE ‘A’ Level subjects at affordable rates. SINDA, Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and Narpani Pearavai (the People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees Council) support this project every year. In 2008 the tuition sessions were conducted from May to October at Yio Chu Kang Secondary School.
HOLIDAY PROGRAMMES During the June and year-end school holidays, SINDA organised both academic and non-academic programmes for its students. The academic programmes conducted in June, emphasised on the development of examination skills necessary for landmark examinations such as PSLE and GCE ‘O’ Levels. Trained teachers from Training Innovations Consultancy and Mercu Pte Ltd were engaged to impart key approaches and to sharpen students’ skills in Mathematics and Science. The non-academic programmes conducted at the end of the year focused on skills that stretched the creative talents and enhanced critical thinking skills of Indian students. More than 300 students benefited from the holiday programmes in 2008. Of these, 46 students were given full or partial subsidy. COLLABORATIVE TUITION PROGRAMME To make Tuition Centres more accessible to students, the four national Self-Help Groups – CDAC, The Eurasian Association, Yayasan Mendaki and SINDA – run 65 Tuition Centres islandwide that cater to students of all ethnic groups. In 2008, about 325 Indian students benefited from this joint effort.
A total of 92 students enrolled in the tuition programme. Students who were not able to afford the fees were given subsidies based on their household income. STU-STAR PROGRAMME The Singapore Teachers’ Union (STU) conducts the Special Tutorial and Revision (STAR) Programme for students from Primary Four to Primary Six. English, Mathematics and Science classes are offered at 21 centres island-wide. SINDA provides subsidies of up to 50% of the total tuition fees. In 2008, a total of 183 students benefited from this programme. SCHOLARSHIPS SINDA offers a range of scholarships in collaboration with well-known organisations and institutions to encourage individuals to pursue higher studies and acquire skills. In 2008, SINDA partnered three organisations to jointly award seven scholarships for degree, diploma and certificate courses. The organisations are: • Singapore International Airlines (SIA) • Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) • Singapore Institute of Materials Management (SIMM) In addition, SINDA also partnered Sri Krishnan Temple (SKT) which generously continued its support for nine Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students, 10 Polytechnic and five University students who received 2006/7 SKT study awards.
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KALAI SELVAN & MEERA RAMACHANDRAN Case workers at SINDA Family Service Centre
SINDA FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
SINDA FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE (FSC) SINDA FSC has a team of professional staff to provide social work and counselling services to those experiencing difficulties in their personal, work, marital and family lives. Experienced and trained officers assess problems, conduct home visits, and provide help where needed. Families and individuals are also welcome to contact the SINDA FSC if they require information or assistance regarding national resources available to them. Referrals to such appropriate agencies are made when and where necessary. SINDA FSC handled a total of 493 cases in 2008. Of these cases, 323 (65.5%) involved female clients, and 170 (34.5%) males.
Household Income
Number of Clients
$1,000 and below
%
383
77.7
$1,001 – $1,500
71
14.4
$1,501 – $2,000
21
4.3
$2,001 – $2,500*
10
2.0
$2,501 – $3,000*
8
1.6
493
100
Total
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
Education Level
Number of Clients
%
No formal education
146
29.6
Primary
194
39.4
Secondary
121
24.5
22
4.5
Post-Secondary University Total
Problems Presented
Financial Issues
10
2.0
493
100
Number of Clients
%
345
70.0
Family Issues
44
8.9
Youth Issues Educational Issues Child Care/ Student Care Issues
32 27
6.5 5.5
20
4.1
Shelter Issues
15
3.0
School Issues Total
10
2.0
493
100
The SINDA FSC has a team of professional staff to provide social work and counselling services to those experiencing difficulties in their personal, work, marital and family lives. PG
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SINDA FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE
SINDA BURSARY SINDA provides bursaries for needy full-time students enrolled in government schools, educational institutions or independent schools, for levels ranging from primary to pre-university. The bursaries complement the other financial schemes that are already available, such as the Ministry of Education Financial Assistance Scheme and school bursaries.
PRESCHOOL BURSARY SINDA gives out Preschool Bursaries to help Indian children from low-income families build a strong foundation in basic learning skills before entering Primary One. This bursary is in addition to the subsidies provided by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports and Centre Based Financial Assistance Scheme for Childcare.
The recipients of SINDA bursaries also benefit from free SINDA STEP tuition classes. On top of this, case officers will access if the bursary recipients need Neu PCs, and if the parents need financial assistance or job placement or job upgrading.
Household Income
Number of Clients
$1,000 and below
192
45.0
$1,001 – $1,500
153
35.8
$1,501 – $2,000
60
14.0
AMOUNT DISBURSED FOR BURSARIES IN 2008 ($’000)
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0
11
2.6
$2,501 and above*
11
2.6
427
100
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
690
680 630 552 462 381
Low-income families with children aged 18 months to six years enrolled in a non-profit childcare centre are eligible for the Preschool Bursary. To qualify, the mothers have to be willing to seek employment to supplement the family income.
284 188
187
‘99
‘00
In 2008, 427 children benefited from the Preschool Bursary. In all, the bursaries amounted to $258,000.
143
‘98
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
‘08
Some 1,666 bursaries worth $690,000 were given out in 2008. This includes bursaries from The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund. Household Income
Number of Clients
$1,000 and below
804
48.3
$1,001 – $1,500
556
33.4
$1,501 – $2,000
247
14.8
%
$2,001 – $2,500*
47
2.8
$2,501 – $3,000*
12
0.7
1666
100
Total
$2,001 – $2,500* Total 914
%
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
2,093 bursaries worth more than $940,000 were given out in 2008. This includes bursaries from SINDA, The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and Preschool Bursary.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE (BASC) SUBSIDY SINDA provides financial assistance to parents to enrol their children in BASC centres. The BASC subsidy, provided to low income families with children aged seven to 14, is in addition to the subsidies provided by the Community Development Council, Student Centre Financial Assistance, Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports or Student Care Centre subsidies. The children have to be enrolled in a non-profit student care centre to be eligible for the scheme.
Since the start of the programme, more than
3,800 Neu PCs have been placed in homes.
In 2008, 118 children benefited from the BASC subsidy amounting to $61,000. NEU PC PROGRAMME Since 1998, SINDA has been collaborating with the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore in an effort to get Indian students and their families to own personal computers that come bundled with affordable Internet connection. SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective is to get a computer into every low-income Indian home. The families involved are encouraged to attend basic IT training, thus making the entire family computer literate. This empowers and enriches their lives as they are given access to knowledge and information through the Internet.
Household Income
Number of Clients
%
$1,000 & below
87
36.9
$1,001 - $1,500
84
35.6
$1,501 - $2,000
49
20.7
$2,001 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $2,500* Total
16
6.8
236
100
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
Since the start of the programme, more than 3,800 Neu PCs have been placed in homes. In 2008, 236 families benefited from the programme. LEGAL CLINIC Volunteer lawyers offer free legal advice to low-income Indian families at the Legal Clinic. During the free sessions held once every month at SINDA, the lawyers help to explain legal procedures and terms and highlight legal costs that may be incurred. In 2008, 21 families attended the Legal Clinic.
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FAMILY AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES SHAKEELA BANU Recipient of SINDA Excellence Award (University category)
MOHAMED AYUB Recipient of SINDA Excellence Award (Polytechnic category)
PROJECT VICTORY (PV) AND SENIOR VICTORY (SV) PV and SV are school-based motivational programmes for Indian students from Primary Four to Primary Six and Secondary School and ITE respectively. The programmes provide these students with the guidance they need to bring out the best in them.
2008 PROJECT VICTORY CENTRES
Marymount Convent Xingnan Primary School CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel Yuhua Primary School
Experienced and trained facilitators run the sessions, which are customised to the needs of the students. These programmes help students redirect their focus towards education.
Jurong Primary School
Through planned and structured activities, PV and SV aim to increase self-esteem, enhance values and address issues such as anger management and conflict resolution. The programmes also aim to equip students with life skills in areas such as communication, leadership, decision making and problem solving.
2008 SENIOR VICTORY CENTRES
PV and SV are conducted in two-hour sessions every week for a period of six months. For SV, schools can choose to do a three month programme consisting of 12 sessions. During this time, the facilitators continually update parents with reports of their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress and address any concerns the parents may have.
Northlight School School
In 2008, 255 students enrolled in Project Victory and Senior Victory. Household Income
Number of Students
%
$1,500 & below
98
38.4
$1,501 - $2,000
87
34.1
$2,001 - $2,500*
40
15.7
$2,501 and above*
30
11.8
255
100
Total
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
Jing Shan Primary School
Deyi Secondary School Yuhua Secondary School East View Secondary School Bukit View Secondary School
The goal of Project Victory and Senior Victory is to help students redirect their focus towards education.
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FAMILY AND YOUTH PROGRAMMES
KAKI KLUB Kaki Klub, a youth mentorship programme, reaches out to secondary school at-risk Indian youths and works with them to build their confidence and self-esteem. Youth are paired with volunteer mentors on an individual or group basis for a period of eight months. During this time, mentors provide a listening ear to the youth and advise them on the multitude of issues that they may be facing, such as dealing with peer pressure and relationship issues. The mentors are screened and trained by SINDA.
Number of Students
$1,500 and below
19
The programme is conducted in two-hour sessions every week for a period of six months in the evening, at four STEP centres. In 2008, 36 mothers participated in the programme.
In 2008, 55 volunteers mentored 32 students. Household Income
WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME (WEP) The WEP helps women gain self-confidence and independence so that they are able to lead their families more effectively. Topics covered include self-development, coping with multiple roles, time management, parenting skills and goal setting.
%
Household Income
Number of Participants
%
59.4
$1,500 and below
20
55.5
$1,501 - $2,000
9
28.1
$1,501 - $2,000
13
36.1
$2,001 - $2,500*
4
12.5
$2,001 - $2,500*
2
5.6
$2,501 and above* Total
0
0.0
$2,501 and above*
32
100
Total
1
2.8
36
100
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) LIFESTYLE The IT Lifestyle programme aims to encourage families to gain basic IT literacy and benefit from IT in their day-to-day lives.
Education Level of the Participants
Primary Secondary Post Secondary
It mainly targets families who have acquired a personal computer through a SINDA scheme. As part of the programme, volunteers visit the homes of these families for eight sessions, once a week for an hour to teach both parents and children basic PC skills such as how to use the Internet, operate Microsoft Office software and set up e-mail accounts.
%
66.7 25.0 8.3
2008 Women Empowerment Programme Centres
Bowen Secondary School First Toa Payoh Primary School Sembawang Secondary School Umar Pulavar Tamil Language Centre
In 2008, 46 families benefited from the programme. Household Income
$1,500 and below
Number of Participants
%
35
76
$1,501 - $2,000
6
13.2
$2,001 - $2,500*
3
6.5
$2,501 and above* Total
2
4.3
46
100
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
The Women Empowerment Programme helps women gain self-confidence and independence so that they are able to lead their families more effectively.
PROJECT READ Project Read aims to give Indian children between the ages of four and eight a better start in school by equipping them with basic reading skills and inculcating the reading habit in them at an early age.
Project Read is a volunteer run programme. Each volunteer is matched with a child and will visit his or her home for an hour weekly for up to six months.
Most of the children on Project Read are preschoolers from low-income families who have reading difficulties and whose parents are unable to read in English to their children.
HOME-BASED TUITION SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Based Tuition programme is offered to primary and secondary school students from needy families who are not able to travel to STEP classes and whose schools do not offer Project Teach.
Household Income
Number of Participants
$1,500 and below
68
70.1
$1,501 - $2,000
28
28.9
$2,001 - $2,500*
1
1.0
97
100
Total
* Admitted under special circumstances including large family size
In 2008, 75 Project Read volunteers read to 97 children.
%
Volunteer tutors visit the homes of these families once a week for one hour and they tutor their clients for a minimum of six months. A total of 23 students benefited from the programme in 2008.
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SURANDRAN S/O GANESAN PILLAI Attended and received ITE Skill Certificate in Logistics Operations through CDRC
L. SANTAI Attended Basic Security Course through CDRC
CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND CAREER LINK PLUS
CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE CENTRE (CDRC) SINDA’s CDRC was officially launched on 13 December 2008 by Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Finance and Chairman of SINDA. Prior to the setting up of CDRC, SINDA provided assistance in job and training referral for unemployed low-skill/ low-wage Indian workers through Career Link Plus (CLP) and the Community Development Councils (CDC). The CDRC serves as a one-stop information and referral service centre for skills upgrading and career advancement for low-skill/low-wage adult Indian workers. CDRC underscores the importance SINDA places on skills upgrading and continuous learning. To turn the centre into a reality, SINDA worked in partnership with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and the People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees Council (Narpani Pearavai).
January – December 2008
Number of Placements
Enquiries
970
Referrals for training assistance
340
Referrals for employment assistance
250
Placed in jobs
100
The following services are available at the CDRC: • Training Referral • Job Referral • Career Development Workshops for the Employed/ Unemployed • Workshops on Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills and Personal Grooming
SINDA’s Career Development and Resource Centre (CDRC) serves as a one-stop information and referral service centre for skills upgrading and career advancement for low-skill/ low-wage adult Indian workers.
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CAREER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES AND CAREER LINK PLUS
PARTNERS CDRC’s Partners Include • Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) • Community Development Councils • Narpani Pearavai • National Trades Union Congress • CareerLink Plus • Self-Help Groups • National Environment Agency • Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association • School Liaison Officers SCHEMES AVAILABLE AT CDRC • Employability Skills System (ESS) • Workforce Skills Qualification (WSQ) • Continuing Education Training (CET) • Step Out For Change Programme (SOCP) • Certified Service Professional (CSP) • Surrogate Employer Scheme (SEP) • Place & Train Scheme (P&T) • Skills Programme for Upgrading & Resilience (SPUR)
CAREERLINK PLUS (CLP) CLP funded by the WDA and run by the Self-Help Groups, is a job matching and placement service to help the long term unemployed. This programme has been part of the holistic client-centric assistance that is provided by SINDA, Yayasan Mendaki, Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Eurasian Association (EA) and Association of Muslim Professionals (AMP)
SINDA’S CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND RESOURCE CENTRE (CDRC) was officially launched on 13 December 2008 by Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Finance and Chairman of SINDA.
The Career Development and Resource Centre is a tripartite collaboration between SINDA, Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees Council (Narpani Pearavai).
STEP OUT FOR CHANGE PROGRAMME (SOCP) SOCP is a new induction programme developed by the Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to reach out to economically inactive women and encourage them to re-enter the workforce. In 2008, SINDA in collaboration with WDA and Community Development Councils, reached out to Indian homemakers through this programme. WORKSHOP ON RESUME WRITING, INTERVIEWING SKILLS AND PERSONAL GROOMING FOR THE LOW SKILL WORKERS SINDA conducted a workshop on Resume Writing, Interview Skills and Personal Grooming for low skill workers on 13 September 2008 to enhance their knowledge and build their confidence. Many more of such workshops have been planned for 2009.
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VOLUNTEER RELATIONS PARVATHI HARIHARAN, JEYAMANI OVERITHI & SUBRA V.F. SINDA Volunteers
VOLUNTEER RELATIONS SINDA’s mission is better served by the active participation of citizens of the community. SINDA encourages the involvement of volunteers at all levels in all appropriate programmes and activities.
THANASEELAN PARAMANDAN, ASHVIN DAS & RAJARATHINAM TAMILMARAN SINDA Volunteers
SINDA’s Volunteer Relations Department assists in the creation of meaningful and productive roles in which volunteers may serve. VOLUNTEER PARTICIPATION IN SINDA PROGRAMMES Volunteers are viewed as valued additions to SINDA. 45% of SINDA’s programmes are volunteer-driven. In 2008, close to 1,200 volunteers contributed their time to SINDA. Overall participation of volunteers included volunteers who contributed their time and energy in SINDA’s regular volunteer driven programmes and other ad hoc projects. Volunteers in our regular programmes make a positive difference in many lives by nurturing a love for reading among children, mentoring youth, running centre-based reading programmes, imparting IT skills and tutoring under-performing students. Apart from our regular volunteers, a high number of Community Involvement Programme (CIP) students and volunteers dedicated their time towards SINDA in 2008. They served in various SINDA events and community initiated programmes that were collaborative ventures. Profile of Volunteers in Regular Volunteer Programmes
Degree/Higher Degree holders Students
42.0% 29.0%
Foreigners
13.0%
Non-Indians
Overall Volunteer Participation for 2008
Ad Hoc Projects Reading Programmes Mentorship Programmes Support Volunteers IT/Tuition programmes
53.9% 30.4% 7.8% 4.0% 3.9%
VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SINDA volunteers are given relevant training to build their capacity and capabilities. The Reading Room, launched in July 2008, also serves as a Resource and Training Centre for volunteers. On 27 August 2008, Volunteers Department organised a workshop on ‘Promoting Reading through Storytelling’ for Project Read and Reading Centre volunteers at the Reading Room. The trainer, Ms Sherry Norfolk from the United States of America, is a well-known storyteller and keynote speaker.
7.0%
Volunteers by Age in Regular Volunteer Programmes
20 & Below 21 – 30 31 – 40 41 – 50 Above 51
22.0% 29.8% 21.3% 15.2% 11.7%
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RAJESH WILLIAM & LETCHUMI JAIGANTH Executives, SINDA’s Corporate Communications and Community Engagement Division
OUTREACH EFFORTS
KANAVUGAL KATHAVUGAL On 27 March 2008, SINDA launched a new television programme called Kanavugal Kathavugal on Vasantham. Revolving around the success stories of several individuals, the programme was aimed at inspiring viewers to achieve their own goals. Each episode of Kanavugal Kathavugal highlighted the achievements of an ordinary individual who triumphed over the odds. The stories also underlined important values such as family bonding, goal setting and lifelong learning.
THE AVERAGE VIEWERSHIP OF KANAVUGAL KATHAVUGAL
27,400
A total of 20 half-hour episodes were aired on Vasantham on Tuesday evenings. The programme was well received, drawing an average of 27,400 viewers per episode. THIL THIL MANATHIL RADIO Thil Thil Manathil, SINDA’s weekly one-hour radio programme that discusses important social issues, was aired for 32 weeks in 2008. This marks the eighth successful year that the programme has gone on air. The programme features SINDA’s trained counsellors and other professional social workers speaking on a wide range of topics, ranging from relationship and marriage issues, to youths and blogging. Mediacorp’s survey conducted for the first half of 2008 showed that the average listenership for Thil Thil Manathil Radio stood at 46,000. This reflects a steady increase in listenership; the two earlier surveys carried out in 2007 indicated that average listenership ranged between 31,000 and 34,000. SINDA WEBSITE SINDA’s website was revamped and launched on 20 September 2008. The new user-friendly website has several new features such as ‘Upcoming events’ and ‘Recent events’. For the greater convenience of users, useful links have been selected and designated for students, parents, volunteers, donors and job seekers. Vibrant colours and pictures together with up-to-date content allow users to find the information they are looking for easily.
Mediacorp’s survey conducted for the first half of 2008 showed that the average listenership for Thil Thil Manathil Radio stood at 46,000. PG
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OUTREACH EFFORTS
SINDA CONNECTIONS In July 2008, SINDA launched a 12-page newsletter called SINDA Connections. The inaugural issue of SINDA Connections highlighted our initiatives, programmes and events for the first half of the year. SINDA tied up with Tamil Murasu to distribute the newsletter as inserts with copies of the daily. A total of 17,000 copies of the newsletter were distributed to the public. A Project Give special edition of SINDA Connections was also published in October 2008. Of the 19,000 copies printed, about 2,000 copies were distributed to Indian organisations, community and grassroots leaders, places of worship and at the Deepavali Bazaar in Campbell Lane. Similar to the inaugural issue, 17,000 copies of this special edition were distributed as inserts with Tamil Murasu. COLLABORATION WITH INDIA SE SINDA collaborated with India Se in 2008, with SINDA featured in two articles and advertisements in the September, October and November issues of the magazine. India Se, a locally published monthly magazine with a readership of 12,750, covers global Indian businesses, education, fashion, arts, culture, charity and volunteerism. The September issue featured interviews with the President of SINDA’s Executive Committee, Mr. K. Shanmugam, Secretary of SINDA’s Executive Committee, Mr. Viswa Sadasivan, and the CEO of SINDA, Mr. S. Manogaran. Some of SINDA’s beneficiaries were also profiled. The November issue carried interviews with SINDA’s volunteers. The July issue of SINDA Connections was also distributed as inserts with the September issue of the magazine.
INDIA SE
In 2008, SINDA had 104 mentions in the media. The coverage fully publicised SINDA’s programmes and services and increased public awareness of SINDA’s activities. MEDIA NETWORKING SINDA held a media networking session with the Singapore Indian media to thank them for their continued support. Radio and TV Tamil News, Vasantham and Oli 96.8FM have been instrumental in ensuring that SINDA’s programmes and initiatives are well publicised. The session also served as an avenue to discuss SINDA’s outreach efforts and possible future collaborations with the Indian media. MEDIA COVERAGE SINDA’s strong partnership with the media was reflected in the wide media coverage that SINDA received in 2008. In the year, SINDA had 104 mentions in the media. The coverage fully publicised SINDA’s programmes and services and increased public awareness of SINDA’s activities. SCHOOLS ENGAGEMENT ROADSHOW SINDA held a Schools Engagement Roadshow at Xishan Primary School on 26 April 2008. The aim of the roadshow was to motivate students to sign up for SINDA’s programmes and to spur them to do well in their studies. The event was attended by more than 250 Primary Five and Six students and parents from 11 primary schools in Yishun.
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OUTREACH EFFORTS
READING CENTRES SINDA’s Reading Centres help cultivate the reading habit in children between the ages of four and nine. At the centres, volunteers read to and with children in a group setting for about 10 to 15 minutes. Children then spend the rest of the time in enrichment and enhancement activities that complement the reading session. These include creative pursuits such as word games, writing or art and craft. Reading Centre classes are conducted for one to two hours weekly and run for at least six months. Supported by 200 volunteers, SINDA’s 28 centres reached out to about 585 children in 2008.
Supported by 200 volunteers, SINDA’s 28 centres reached out to about 585 children in 2008.
NETWORKING SESSIONS WITH GRASSROOTS ORGANISATIONS In order to enhance relationships with People’s Association Indian Activity Executive Committees (PAIAECs), two interactive sessions with five chairpersons of Hong Kah GRC PAIAEC and five members of Narpani Pearavai, the PAIAEC’s Council, were held respectively. The objectives of both sessions were to strengthen relationships and to obtain feedback on how SINDA and PAIAECs can explore common grounds for collaboration in new initiatives. NETWORKING SESSIONS WITH RELIGIOUS ORGANISATIONS In a new initiative targeted at networking with religious organisations, SINDA conducted a talk each at Smyrna Assembly Church in Yishun, Church of the Epiphany in Jalan Kayu and Masjid (Mosque) Darussalam in Clementi. The talks provided participants with information on SINDA’s programmes and a platform to provide feedback from the ground.
In total, SINDA reached out to more than 350 participants (both adults and children) through these events. PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WORKSHOPS/TALKS AND FAMILY-BASED ACTIVITIES In 2008, a total of 61 public education programmes were organised by SINDA, Narpani Pearavai, schools and Indian organisations for parents and students. These included workshops on parenting skills, study skills and time management. SINDA worked closely with teachers and grassroots leaders to assess the needs of the relevant target groups before recommending suitable programmes. In addition, SINDA provided funds to encourage schools, PAIAECs and Indian organisations to organise healthy activities such as programmes on family bonding, health and sports related activities for children and adults. More than 10,000 parents and students benefited from SINDA’s Public Education Programmes.
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OUTREACH EFFORTS
PROJECT GIVE Project Give is a community-wide project spearheaded by SINDA in 2001. This annual charity drive is intended to encourage individuals and organisations to contribute cash as well as in kind to needy Indians during the festive season. This year, Project Give was given a soft launch at SINDA’s Volunteers Tea in August and was brought to a close in December. A total of $290,000 was collected through Project Give in 2008. Cash contributions for Project Give went towards funding bursaries for children from low-income families while contributions in kind were distributed in the form of food hampers to needy Indians celebrating Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas. In 2008, SINDA handed out some 1,000 food hampers and NTUC vouchers to needy families during the festive periods. Volunteers and staff played a significant role in the distribution of these hampers.
PROJECT GIVE PARTNERS
Big-Foot Logistic Pte Ltd Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home Church of the Epiphany El- Shaddai Revival Centre Family Service Centres Glenn Marine Group of Companies Glenn Defense Marine (Asia) Pte Ltd Global Indian International School International School Singapore ISEAS Jamiyah Singapore New Hope Community Services NTUC (Unit for Contract & Casual Workers) Praise Evangelical Church Saviour’s Church Sikh Welfare Council Singapore Kadayanallur Muslim League(SKML) St Patrick’s School Syrmana Church Teen Challenge The helping Hand United Indian Muslim Association(UIMA)
INDIAN COMMUNITY BURSARY AWARDS (ICBA) CEREMONY AND BACK TO SCHOOL FESTIVAL On 13 December 2008, SINDA held its very first Back to School Festival for needy Indian students in conjunction with the annual ICBA ceremony. The ICBA ceremony was a joint effort between Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET) and Tamils Representative Council (TRC). Mr. Tharman Shanmugaratnam, the Minister for Finance and Chairman of SINDA graced the event as the Guest-of-Honour. About 1,000 people attended the event. Mr. Tharman gave away 80 bursaries to students from low-income families. This ceremony marked the first distribution of SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2,000 bursaries earmarked for 2009. In all, $700,000 worth of bursaries will be distributed by the end of 2009.
As part of the event, workshops for parents on education, parenting and nutrition were held. About 700 parents and students attended these workshops. The occasion also saw the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) presenting a $100,000 cheque to SINDA for funding student and youth initiatives in the areas of entrepreneurship and international business development skills. Mr. Tharman also officially launched SINDAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Career Development and Resource Centre (CDRC) during the event.
To further assist the most needy students from the pool of potential recipients, SINDA also handed out some 500 school kits during the Back to School Festival. Each kit was worth $100 and included a school bag and vouchers for school shoes, socks, books and stationery.
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SARUGESH BASKARALINGAM Beneficiary of SINDA
DONORS
DONORS WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED MORE THAN $10,000 TO SINDA IN 2008 Name
Amount
Dr. Hari N Harilela
$250,000.00
Chew How Teck Foundation
$100,000.00
Little India Shopkeepers And Heritage Association
$100,000.00
Mini Environment Service Pte Ltd
$85,000.00
The National Forwarder (Singapore) Pte Ltd
$72,111.04
Chettiarsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Temple Society
$60,000.00
The Idea Factory (Singapore) Pte Ltd
$40,000.00
Modern Montessori International Pte Ltd
$33,200.00
LEE Foundation
$27,990.00
Mr. Gupta Deepak
$20,000.00
Indiapore Trust
$20,000.00
Mr. Subramanian Muthu Kumar
$18,000.00
Target Asset Management Pte Ltd
$15,000.00
Singapore Buddhist Lodge Education Foundation
$12,950.00
AAL Tech Marine & Industrial Engineering Pte Ltd
$10,000.00
Sri Arasakesari Sivan Temple
$10,000.00
SINDA thanks all CPF contributors and donors for their continued support and generosity. PG
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EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS 2007 MUHAMMAD MUJAHID BIN LIYAKKATH Self-Help Groups Joint Tuition Award Recipient for Best Overall Improvement (PSLE category)
Source: Ministry of Education
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS WHO PASSED PSLE 100 96.2
95.0
96.7
95.8 93.7
93.5 91.8
96.3
97.8
97.4
97.2 95.0
95.5
96.1
97.7
97.7 96.2
95.9
93.2
91.6
90
80
70 INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Percentages are based on all students, including those in the EM3 stream. 2 The first batch of students under the adjustment of the promotion criteria from Primary Five to Primary Six sat for PSLE in 2001.
PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS WHO SCORED A*- C IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE
100
98.4 98.1
99.2
98.4
99.4 98.9
98.2 97.6
98.7
97.9
97.5 97.5
98.1 97.5
98.5
97.5
98.3
98.6
97.5
97.9
90
80
70 INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Percentages exclude EM3 students. 2 The first batch of students under the adjustment of the promotion criteria from Primary Five to Primary Six sat for PSLE in 2001.
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EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS 2007
PERCENTAGE OF PSLE STUDENTS WHO SCORED A*- C IN MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE
100
98.8
98.3 96.8
95.8
98.7 96.4
97.8 95.5
98.3 97.0
97.0
98.1 96.6
97.9
98.0
98.0 96.8
96.4
97.1
98.0
90
80
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0 ‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Percentages exclude EM3 students. 2 The first batch of students under the adjustment of the promotion criteria from Primary Five to Primary Six sat for PSLE in 2001.
PERCENTAGE OF PSLE STUDENTS WHO SCORED A*- C IN MATHEMATICS
100
90 86.5
85.7
84.6
84.1
83.9
83.2
83.3
83.0
82.8
83.2
80
71.6
72.8
73.7 72.4
72.3
70
69.0
74.70 73.2
74.00
69.6
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
1 Percentages exclude EM3 students. 2 The first batch of students under the adjustment of the promotion criteria from Primary Five to Primary Six sat for PSLE in 2001.
‘06
‘07
PERCENTAGE OF PSLE STUDENTS WHO SCORED A*- C IN SCIENCE
100 93.3
92.7 91.2
90
90.5
91.4
91.3
90.9
90.7
90.5
90.3
87.7
87.6 84.4
86.2
85.4
84.1
85.5
85.5
84.8
84.4
80
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Percentages exclude EM3 students. 2 The first batch of students under the adjustment of the promotion criteria from Primary Five to Primary Six sat for PSLE in 2001.
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST 3 ‘O’ LEVEL PASSES
100 92.1
91.1
90
88.0
93.5
92.3
91.8 89.1
90.1
95.4
95.0
94.7
94.2
92.6
95.2
94.7
92.9 91.3
91.3
87.2
84.0
80
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.
PG
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EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS 2007
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST 5 ‘O’ LEVEL PASSES
100
90 80.0
80
82.0
81.1
80.8
77.8
76.3 74.0
75.0
73.7
73.5
72.9
71.3
70.3
70
72.6
66.2
65.5
60
82.7
81.6
80.0
59.8
INDIAN OVERALL
50
0 ‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED ENGLISH LANGUAGE
100 92.4
92.2
90
88.5 87.1
86.1 84.1
83.7 82.0
80
90.3
89.9
85.0
86.0
86.5
86.1
81.4 79.8
77.8 76.3 73.8
70
70.2
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE
100 96.2
90
98.1
97.1 97.4 96.0 95.5
94.6
94.4
93.7
96.7 96.5
96.1 96.0
96.8
96.5
97.6
93.5 89.2
89.0 85.8
80
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘O’ LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED MATHEMATICS
100
90
89.0 87.1
86.3
88.4
88.3
87.7
87.5
86.6
87.0
84.9
80
79.0 75.6 73.9
70
73.3
76.1
77.3
76.8
75.9
73.5
67.3
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures from 2005 onwards exclude IP students.
PG
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EDUCATIONAL INDICATORS 2007
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘A’ LEVEL STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST 3 ‘A’/ ‘H2’ PASSES AND PASS IN GENERAL PAPER OR KNOWLEDGE AND INQUIRY
100
90
88.6 85.8 82.3
81.9
80.9
80.6
80
87.3 87.2 85.2
84.8
81.6
87.2
86.6
87.0
87.1
84.2 82.2
81.6
81.1
78.1
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0 ‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures for 2007 include students taking either the new or old syllabus.
PERCENTAGE OF GCE 'A' LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED GENERAL PAPER OR KNOWLEDGE AND INQUIRY
100 96.5
95.5 91.20
90
87.70
93.0
92.1
91.5
94.2
94.0 90.8
88.2
91.9
94.0
93.2
94.3 92.2
91.4 91.4
89.3 87.1
80
70
INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
1 Figures for 2007 include students taking either the new or old syllabus.
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
PERCENTAGE OF GCE ‘A’ LEVEL STUDENTS WHO PASSED MOTHER TONGUE LANGUAGE AT ‘AO’/ ‘H1’ LEVEL
100 96.5
96.3 93.4
92.6
96.2
96.2
96.2 96.7
96.7
97.6
92.6
96.6
96.0 94.7
93.6
93.1
94.6 92.6
91.7
90
89.0
80
70 INDIAN OVERALL
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
‘05
‘06
‘07
1 Figures for 2007 include students taking either the new or old syllabus.
PERCENTAGE OF P1 COHORT ADMITTED TO POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS1
100 92.9
92.5
92.5 90.9
90
89.3 87.4
87.6
86.2
87.9
88.7
89.3
84.2
83.8 80.1
80
78.2 76.3
77.7 74.9
70 64.6
INDIAN OVERALL
61.1
60 0
‘98
‘99
‘00
‘01
‘02
‘03
‘04
1 Junior Colleges, Centralised Institute, Polytechnics, ITE, LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and other private educational organisations offering courses at post-secondary level. 2 Figures refer to the percentage of the Primary One cohort from 1997 who were admitted to post-secondary educational institutions in 2007. 3 Figures for 2003-2007 are preliminary. 4 Figures from 2000 include participation in LaSalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and other private educational organisations, and also take into account students who left the country.
‘05
‘06
‘07
PG
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SINDA thanks all our partners, donors and volunteers for their valuable contributions in 2008.
DESIGNED & PRODUCED BY RAINDANCE
Singapore Indian Development Association No.1 Beatty Road, Singapore 209943 Tel: 1800 295 4554 Fax: 6392 4300 www.sinda.org.sg