Co-op Awards Book Grants to ISCOS Members’ Children

Singapore -- A total of 174 ISCOS members’ children from primary and secondary levels received book grants from ISCOS this morning during its 16th Book Grant Ceremony at Hillgrove Secondary School.

The students received book vouchers worth $100-$150 each. To date, nearly 4,000 students have benefitted from this effort and more than $550,000 worth of book vouchers have been distributed since 1994. The Book Grant aims to prevent school drop-outs and juvenile delinquents so that members' children can have a better chance in life in the future.

Guest-of-Honour was Associate Professor Fatimah Abd Lateef, Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC. She said that in the past, she used to rely on book grants and other financial support available in order to finish her education as a doctor.

“I urge all the parents to ensure that your children are given the encouragement and support needed to help them in their studies,” she said.

ISCOS will distribute a second batch of book vouchers for its members’ children from low income families after Chinese New Year.

Jessica Tong (not her real name) has benefitted from the book grant since joining ISCOS in 2004. She is currently working as a merchandiser with an income of $1,800. She is the sole breadwinner for her three sons, the eldest now in Polytechnic, the second one in Primary 6 and the youngest in K-2. Her husband is still serving time in prison and she has relied greatly in ISCOS for support for her children’s educational needs.

To continue helping its members from low income families in the area of education, ISCOS also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with First Media Design School for three advanced diploma scholarships worth a total of $84,000 in Fashion Design, Graphic Design and Multimedia Design. This is the first scholarship that will be given to ISCOS members since its founding in 1989.

At the book grant, ISCOS recognized Primary 6 students who passed their PSLE this year. There was also computer-aided Mathematics competition facilitated by iTutor International to encourage a fun way of learning the subject. Health Promotion Board also educated the parents and children on healthy eating and active living through a magic show and other booth activities.