Singapore, November 22, 2025 – The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) has disbursed $1.7 million in vouchers to 8,500 students from the Indian community to assist with purchasing school supplies for the upcoming academic year. The distribution took place during SINDA's annual Back To School Festival, now in its 18th year.
The vouchers, each worth $200, are intended to help primary and secondary school students from low-income families acquire essential items such as textbooks, stationery, and school shoes. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on families and ensure that students have the resources they need to start the school year on a positive note.
SINDA President Indranee Rajah, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development, attended the Back To School Festival held at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. She emphasized Singapore's commitment to holistic development and enabling children to thrive, highlighting the importance of supporting families, early intervention, and mental wellness.
The number of voucher recipients has doubled in the last five years, a testament to the strengthened collaboration between SINDA and its partners, including schools, family service centers, and self-help groups. Ms. Indranee Rajah noted that these partnerships are crucial for expanding outreach and ensuring that more students benefit from the assistance.
SINDA's Back to School Festival (BTSF) aims to assist students from low-income families in preparing for the academic year. SINDA distributes BTSF Kits, which include $200 worth of vouchers. The vouchers can be used at POPULAR Bookshop and BATA Shoes. SINDA hopes to ease the financial burden on families while offering holistic support to help them reach their full potential.
In addition to students within SINDA's network, eligible students are invited to participate in collaboration with Ministry of Education (MOE), Family Service Centres (FSCs), Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET), Big Heart Student Care Centre, and a select group of disadvantaged children from the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Yayasan Mendaki, and the Eurasian Association (EA).
SINDA has been increasing the number of recipients for the school festival vouchers. In 2021, SINDA increased the quantum of the BTSF vouchers to $200, an increase from $180 in prior years.
The BTSF Kits will be delivered as e-vouchers via digital transfer, empowering individuals and promoting technological literacy within the community. This method streamlines distribution, enhances security, and tracks usage to encourage recipients to utilize their vouchers.
SINDA's efforts to support the Indian community extend beyond education, with a range of programs focused on youth development, family support, and financial and social services. The organization's commitment to empowering the community has been unwavering since its establishment in 1991.
