Spewing nonsense while u are on your Food Panda delivery break again?
https://www.straitstimes.com/sites/..._20171210_VNSAMSIAH_3616555.jpg?itok=4Yu3NjBr
Single mum of 4 just wants her kids to have skills to secure jobs
Madam Samsiah Halil with her children (from left) Zainul Abidin Abdul Rashid, 12, a student at Lighthouse School; Ms Nurrashidah Abdul Rashid, 26, a helper at a school canteen; and Nurulhuda Abdul Rashid, 18, a student at ITE College East.ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Despite working long hours as the sole breadwinner for her family of five, Madam Samsiah Halil, 53, cuts a cheery figure as she gathers her children for a photoshoot near her house in Bedok.
The security officer, who works 12-hour shifts five to six days a week, has been earning about $1,600 a month for her family of five since her husband passed away more than 10 years ago. She has four children: three daughters aged 18, 20 and 26, and a son, 12. The younger two became recipients of The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund this year.
The pair are among the more than 10,000 supported by the fund each year. The fund, which provides children from lower-income families with pocket money for meals and transport, has been running for 17 years.
Her son, Lighthouse School student, Zainul Abidin Abdul Rashid, has a hearing disability and receives $60 a month from the fund.
Madam Samsiah is most worried about him and holds on to his pocket money as she is afraid he would be cheated.
Asked whether the financial assistance she currently receives is sufficient, Madam Samsiah said it is hardly enough. "What to do, I try my best. I cover here and there, cannot anyhow spend money."
"My sister and sometimes my neighbour also give some food, biscuits or rice during gatherings... My children also know our situation, and won't ask for much," she said at the void deck of her four-room flat. She is still still paying the mortgage on the flat.
Eldest daughter Nurrashidah Abdul Rashid, who also has a hearing disability, helps her aunt at a school canteen. This earns her about $600 a month, mainly for her own expenses.
The other two daughters, Nur Syafiqah Abdul Rashid and Ms Nurulhuda Abdul Rashid are studying at Republic Polytechnic and ITE College East respectively. Ms Nurulhuda receives $120 a month from the fund.
Madam Samsiah has modest ambitions for her children. "I hope they can read, write, use the computer, and have other skills to help them find a job in the future."
BS news.. if the mother was soo concern about her kids N their future. She would not be breeding like rabbits despite herself not even able to support herself. N still have kids? U breed irresponsibly it's yr own problem
