Today’s Ready for School event at Nanyang Junior College brought welcome news to many families. Organised by CDAC, the drive supported 6,300 low-income families with practical packs comprising transport, grocery and school supply vouchers. With the 2017 school term just weeks away, this timely assistance helps parents stretch their budgets while ensuring students begin the year with the essentials. The atmosphere on campus was warm and purposeful as volunteers guided recipients through collection points and shared advice on how to make the most of the support.
The vouchers are designed to ease major back-to-school costs. Transport vouchers can be set aside for bus and MRT travel to orientation, CCA trials and the daily commute. Grocery vouchers help households stock up on staples for school-day breakfasts and dinners. School supply vouchers can be used for stationery, exercise books and other learning tools. Hosting the distribution at Nanyang Junior College allowed student and community volunteers to lend a hand, reflecting a strong spirit of service in the lead-up to the new year.
For families planning purchases, a little structure goes a long way. Consider the following steps:
- Review the school’s official booklist to prioritise required items before optional ones.
- Buy durable, mid-range stationery (e.g., geometry set, scientific calculator if needed) to avoid repeat costs later.
- Set a transport budget by estimating weekly trips, then reserve vouchers for peak periods like the first month.
- Use grocery vouchers for nutritious breakfast staples that support concentration and energy.
- Keep all receipts and note expiry dates to maximise every dollar.
Families may also check with their schools about available assistance schemes and bursaries that complement this support. As educators, we believe strong foundations matter most. In the weeks ahead, students can revisit core maths topics, organise notes, and set simple, measurable goals for Term 1. Free resources at public libraries and school study corners make effective preparation possible without added expense. We applaud CDAC, Nanyang Junior College and all volunteers for making a tangible difference, and we wish every student a confident, well-prepared start to the year.