Nov 27, 2009
More children need aid
<!-- by line -->By Ang Yiying
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There are more needy children supported by The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund than ever before. -- ST PHOTO: LAU FOOK KONG
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THERE are more needy children supported by The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund than ever before.
In the first nine months of this year, a record 11,642 students received financial assistance - the highest since the Fund started in 2000.
The 11,642 total surpasses the previous high of 10,419 during the 2003 Sars-hit year.
Despite reports of an improving economy, the numbers show that many needy families are still reeling from the recession.
Social workers said many affected by the recession are low-skilled workers who find it harder to get jobs. Positive effects of an economic recovery will also take longer to trickle down to them.
National Council of Social Service Deputy CEO Tina Hung said: 'When the economy goes south, the group that we help as a social service agency tends to feel it the most. Even as you lift the economy, the group takes longer to recover.'
Read the full report in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
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More children need aid
<!-- by line -->By Ang Yiying
<!-- end by line -->
<!-- end left side bar -->
<!-- story content : start -->
THERE are more needy children supported by The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund than ever before.
In the first nine months of this year, a record 11,642 students received financial assistance - the highest since the Fund started in 2000.
The 11,642 total surpasses the previous high of 10,419 during the 2003 Sars-hit year.
Despite reports of an improving economy, the numbers show that many needy families are still reeling from the recession.
Social workers said many affected by the recession are low-skilled workers who find it harder to get jobs. Positive effects of an economic recovery will also take longer to trickle down to them.
National Council of Social Service Deputy CEO Tina Hung said: 'When the economy goes south, the group that we help as a social service agency tends to feel it the most. Even as you lift the economy, the group takes longer to recover.'
Read the full report in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.
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