Singapore, 4 December 2015 – Close to $60,000worth of bursaries were distributed to over 150 needy students at the Goldbell-YRF-ISCOS Bursary Award presentation ceremony held at the Queenstown Community Centre today.

Fully sponsored by Goldbell Foundation in conjunction with its 35th anniversary and SG50 celebration, the awards were presented to children of former and existing offenders from low-income families. They were awarded between $300 and $500 each, depending on the respective levels of education, spanning primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

In his opening address, the Guest of Honour, Dr Chia Shi-Lu, Member of Parliament, Tanjong Pagar GRC, shared a word of encouragement, “To all our students here today, I want to encourage you to persevere in your studies. When faced with life challenges, never give up but continue to push forward and strive for excellence. Do bear in mind that nothing is impossible as long as we are determined to obtain what we set our hearts on. What matters most is that whatever it is you choose to pursue, do it to the best of your ability.”

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“We are delighted to be part of this meaningful programme together with ISCOS in supporting more children and youths in their learning, and playing our small part amongst many others that help shape the future generations of Singapore.” said Mr Arthur Chua, Chief Executive Officer of Goldbell Group.

Omar*, 15, a regular bursary award recipient since 2013, said, “I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive the bursary award today. It has certainly helped me and my family over the past few years to support my education needs, such as books and school supplies. I hope to continue to excel in my studies and be granted a university scholarship one day, and eventually pursue a career so that I am able to give back to the community.”

The Bursary Award is an annual event under the Yellow Ribbon Fund-ISCOS Fairy Godparent Programme, or FGP, a programme targeted at underprivileged children in the areas of education and family support. FGP aims to break the cycle of inter-generational offending.

Since 2011, the Industrial & Services Co-operative Society Ltd (ISCOS), a co-operative which provides social assistance to ex-offenders and their families, has been joining hands with various corporate partners to disburse bursaries to FGP beneficiaries who have made commendable progress in their studies. Apart from defraying the costs of school books and stationeries, the bursaries serve as a motivation for many beneficiaries to do well in school despite various financial challenges and familysituations.