=DREAMS Boarding Residence
Children of families living in public rental housing communities, some of whom are 2nd or 3rd generation occupants of public rental homes, grow up in more challenging environments than their peers at school and inherit some of the challenges their parents face.
Without additional support, including help for their care and holistic development, they risk becoming entrenched in a cycle of inter-generational poverty.
We are delighted to be embarking on a meaningful partnership with =DREAMS (Singapore) to set up a first-of-its-kind boarding facility to provide wrap-around after-school support for these children so that they have an equal opportunity to dream big and realise their aspirations.
=DREAMS is a first-of-its kind secular, co-ed weekday residential model that provides after-school education and holistic support. Similar to boarding schools attended by students from families with means, =DREAMS aspires to create a child-centric system of care that empowers promising children from rental flat communities to dream of a future where they are not limited by family circumstances.
Under this initiative, Secondary 1 and 2 students residing in a HDB Rental Flat will be supported for up to 6 years, to Pre-tertiary level. A home-away-from-home during the school days, youth can look forward to after-school academic and holistic support at the =DREAMS campus. This includes differentiated, age-appropriate programmes ranging from coding classes, eco-citizenship cultivation lessons, to leadership and critical-thinking training, incorporated into their term schedules or offered during breaks.
Recognising that it takes a village to raise a child, =DREAMS adopts an inclusive approach towards creating sustainable support through collaborating with different stakeholders such as parents, schools and community partners.
Under this initiative, Secondary 1 and 2 students residing in a HDB Rental Flat will be supported for up to 6 years, to Pre-tertiary level. A home-away-from-home during the school days, youth can look forward to after-school academic and holistic support at the =DREAMS campus. This includes differentiated, age-appropriate programmes ranging from coding classes, eco-citizenship cultivation lessons, to leadership and critical-thinking training, incorporated into their term schedules or offered during breaks.
Recognising that it takes a village to raise a child, =DREAMS adopts an inclusive approach towards creating sustainable support through collaborating with different stakeholders such as parents, schools and community partners.
=DREAMS welcomed its first intake of students in Jan 2023 and expects to enrol up to 40 students by December 2023. It targets to house a full-term target of 240 residents by 2028.
(Images by Masano Kawana)
Outcomes:
Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement
- In 2024, =DREAMS welcomed its second intake of 23 scholars, bringing the total to 49 scholars enrolled across Secondary 1 to 4
- =DREAMS utilises multiple platforms for outreach, including community events, Open House, media, and partnerships with Family Service Centres and Social Service Offices
- 93% of families engaged with =DREAMS through events, home visits, and regular communication.
- Diverse opportunities for learning and self improvement were provided, with 68 unique activities organised to foster whole-person development and growth
- 40 testimonials were awarded to scholars in recognition of their exemplary character and good conduct
- Demonstrating academic growth and potential, 100% of scholars were successfully promoted to the next school grade.
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