Since there is no official data on the Singapore poverty line, one might think that the country thrives as a whole, with no one left behind. However, the sad reality is that according to a 2018 study by The National University of Singapore, 12% of Singaporean households do not earn enough to meet their basic needs. Among the vulnerable groups in the community, children are one of the most affected by poverty in Singapore.
One issue that affects children deeply is educational inequality. There is a link between poverty and education due to lower-income families not having the money for quality education. Children from low-socioeconomic status households often have a disadvantage compared to their wealthier peers. Many disadvantaged students attend disadvantaged schools, which do not have access to the best resources.
So, how can we help?
Volunteer your time.
There are already several non-profit organisations and volunteer-run programs you can join to help fight educational inequality. There are reading programs where you can host reading sessions for affected children and donation programs to help fund resources for disadvantaged schools. Also, remember that all effects of poverty in Singapore are connected. By donating to programs focusing on other aspects of poverty, such as food security in Singapore, you are still helping the vulnerable groups in our community.
Lend a hand.
Volunteering in groups isn’t the only way you can help in bridging the gap of educational inequality. You can offer to tutor children impacted by poverty and its effect on education and help them catch up. You can also spread the word to family and friends and encourage them not to make assumptions about a child’s academic capability based on their economic status. The more people know about this social issue, the more they can stand up and fight against educational inequality.
The Best of You seeks to narrow the educational inequality between the wealthy and the disadvantaged children. Visit their website and learn how to contribute to their cause.
