Fairy Godparent Programme

The effect of incarceration is greatly felt by family members and children of offenders and ex-offenders. As secondary victims of crime, these children also struggle with the stigma of having one or both parents either serving time in prison, or with a previous crime record. As most of them are from the low-income group, the families are burdened financially to meet the children’s school needs. 

Through the ISCOS Fairy Godparent Programme, we emphasize the importance of education and positive values in order for these children to have a better life in the future.

In order to achieve this, we extend assistance to our members’ children through book grants, tuition bursary, mentoring support from committed volunteers and other practical help like optical needs, etc.

The Book Grant alone, which was first implemented in 1994, has benefitted nearly 4,000 students from all levels. More than $550,000 worth of book vouchers has been distributed through this annual project.

Selected primary students who need specialised tuition were awarded the Baker & McKenzie Tuition Bursary this year to help improve their academic performance. The students are currently enrolled under Kent Ridge Tutors, a reputable tuition centre, which has greatly supported this initiative. To further support the beneficiaries, Baker & McKenzie’s lawyers and staff have also volunteered to mentor the children throughout the entire bursary programme.

We also distribute donated items from supportive companies to our members’ families through the ISCOS Project Care. Last year, Ricoh employees donated various items like second-hand PCs and laptops. Microsoft generously sponsored the MS Office software.

We also arrange for workshops, educational trips and other meaningful activities involving the children and/or parents. For example, New Creation Church has tied up with ISCOS for year-round enrichment activities to help the children. 

We are very thankful for the corporate partners both past and present who have supported our social mission as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.