A child entering primary school last year would have received more than $130,000 in education subsidies by the time he or she finishes secondary school.
Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat disclosed this in Parliament yesterday (18 Feb) as he outlined initiatives to help Singaporeans access opportunities and fulfil their potential through education.
“The Government subsidises over 90% of the total cost of educating our children,” he said, adding that more help is given to lower-income families.
These efforts, he said, are part of the long-term plan to build a more caring and inclusive society by giving children a good start in life and providing Singaporeans access to opportunities throughout their lives, amid challenges such as maintaining social mobility.
He said more has been done to support those from disadvantaged backgrounds by allowing more students to benefit from financial assistance, earlier intervention and new forms of help.
One such way, he said, is KidStart, a government scheme to help disadvantaged children through health, learning and developmental support. Since the pilot programme started in 2016, more than 900 families have been on it.
Last year, another initiative called Uplifting Pupils in Life and Inspiring Families Taskforce (Uplift), was set up to study issues that affect children from poorer homes and their families, said Mr Heng.
The Uplift scholarship, announced in December last year, will provide $800 per year for eligible lower-income students in independent schools to cover out-of-pocket expenses, he said.
“The task force is also looking at how to strengthen after-school care and support for disadvantaged students in school-based Student Care Centres,” he said, adding that more details will be disclosed during the debate on the Education Ministry’s spending plans.
Watch the speech below to hear more:
Watch the full Budget 2019 speech below:
Read more here.
Source: The Straits Times, 19 February 2019