DONATE TO EDUCATE

DAS provides MORE than $2.3 MILLION in bursaries every year and this figure is rising.

In 2022, 54% of DAS families required bursaries to access our services. Without support from the generous people and organisations of Singapore, this support would not be possible.

Watch our DONATE TO EDUCATE video, featuring our students from "I Wish You Knew"

ONE IN TEN HAVE LEARNING DIFFERENCES

10% of Singaporeans will have dyslexia. Of that, 4% or one child in every classroom, will have dyslexia severe enough that if they do not receive specialist support, they will fail in our education system. And falling behind their peers may mean they never catch up and reach their full potential. You are unable to determine if a child has dyslexia just by looking at them. Children with dyslexia might start out fine in school but gradually, schoolwork can become a struggle for them.

Many children may not know why they have learning problems, they may be labelled as lazy, stupid or not working hard enough. They may not get the specialist support they need, especially children from low-income families who don't have the financial means to find help for their children. We know that if left unsupported, children with dyslexia may develop low self-esteem, behavioural problems, delinquency and withdrawal from friends and teachers.

Many people with dyslexia have overcome their learning difference to excel and succeed. Dyslexia may cause many difficulties but it doesn't prevent anyone from achieving their most significant goals, and we know that successful dyslexics, like the late founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew, achieve through a lot of hard work, dedication and resilience. The key is not to be discouraged by all the struggles and failures but to work on their strengths and to pursue them to the fullest. Early identification and early intervention will also ensure success in education leading to successful careers.

HOW DAS HELPS FAMILIES

Andrew* has dyslexia and ADHD. In 2014, he was assessed by a DAS Specialist Psychologist and was recommended for the DAS Main Literacy Programme. Andrew’s parents are not married and he is cared for by his Nanny. His parents are unable to support him financially and his Nanny has paid for his upkeep since he was 5 years old, even though she is not his legal guardian. Andrew’s father was incarcerated for a few years and has recently been released, although he is now working as a food stall helper he is still unable to support his son financially. Nanny continues to care for and support Andrew.

From 2015 to 2017, Andrew was also enrolled in the DAS Maths Programme to further support his preparation for the Primary School Leaving Examination (PSLE).

Andrew was awarded a 100% bursary for the Psycho-educational Assessment in 2014 and he receives a 100% bursary for the DAS Main Literacy Programme and continues to receive this bursary until today. He was also awarded a 100% bursary for the DAS Maths Programme from 2015 to 2017.

Andrew continues to struggle with his learning differences, however, he is making excellent progress with DAS in the Main Literacy programme. With the additional support provided by DAS, he was successful in passing his PSLE in 2017.

*Name has been anonymised

2014 to 2017 BURSARY SUPPORT FOR ANDREW: $10,000

HOW WE USE YOUR DONATION

Donations received will go directly to the bursary fund for low-income families to access our services.

To gain access to our services the student requires an assessment and a diagnosis of a learning difference. Our assessments cost from $800 to $2,800.

Support Children with Dyslexia! #embracedyslexia

In our efforts to continuously provide and improve our professional services to dyslexics in Singapore, we rely heavily on public donations to sustain our daily operations. DAS provides more than $2 million in bursaries every year and this figure is rising. Without support from the generous people and organisations of Singapore, this support would not be possible. Please donate to DAS.

All donations received will be treated with the highest confidentiality.

You CARED - Thank you!

Read our latest DONOR NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2023

Read our latest Donor Newsletter - June 2021

Online Matching Campaign - April 2020

In 2020, the Dyslexia Association of Singapore’s (DAS) fundraising efforts were greatly affected by the pandemic and due to the safety measures imposed by the government, DAS could only rely on virtual fundraising platforms to reach the masses for donations and support.

It is heartening to see people coming together in these dark times to help those who are in need. DAS fundraising efforts were greatly affected by the pandemic and due to the safety measures imposed by the government, DAS could only rely on virtual fundraising platforms to reach the masses for donations and support.

From 14 Aug to 28 February, DAS ran an online campaign that had secured a Tote Board Matching Grant. 

Every dollar raised will be matched by Tote Board, capped at $250,000. 

DAS initially targeted to raise $50,000 but due to overwhelming support from our donors, we raised a total of $99,899 for low-income students with dyslexia. These funds will allow them to access DAS’ specialized intervention programmes that help them to unlock their full academic potential. 

On behalf of these students, we thank all donors who supported our campaign.

OUR DONORS

TOTE BOARD

Established in 1988, Tote Board is a grant-making organisation that channels surpluses from its members — Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club — and casino entry levies to give hope to and improve lives in the community. The Board makes charitable donations to projects that meet public, social, or health objectives, as well as initiatives that promote culture, art and sport in Singapore. Every project is evaluated based on its own merits, with the aim of ensuring that each generates positive outcomes for society. For more information, please visit www.toteboard.gov.sg.

The Tote Board have supported the opening of DAS Serangoon Learning Centre.

SINGAPORE TEOCHEW FOUNDATION

The Singapore Teochew Foundation (STF) Limited provides short term financial help for Singaporeans especially those in the Teochew Community who are facing difficult problems of financial hardship or people who are in need of special financial assistance.

STF is motivated to help Singaporeans who face hardship in times of crisis and to provide financial aid in times of need.

For more information about STF's relationship with DAS, click here

ISHK TOLARAM FOUNDATION

Ishk Tolaram Foundation develops and supports programs that provide access to quality education, healthcare and skills training to underserved individuals within our core geographies of Indonesia, Nigeria, Singapore and Estonia. Our purpose as a philanthropic organisation is to enable individuals to improve their quality of life. For more information, visit www.ishktolaram.com.

LIM HOON FOUNDATION

Lim Hoon Foundation (“LHF”) is the private charitable trust of the JL Family Office. Its primary objective is to promote academic achievement for all students from kindergarten to university, especially those from low-income families. LHF’s ultimate objective is the advancement of education through a range of philanthropic activities. The Foundation strongly believes that everyone deserves a holistic education no matter their financial background. Equal opportunity and access to education are key tenets of our meritocratic system. It is LHF’s wish to open opportunities to disadvantaged students and help them become leaders of the next generation.

Since its inception, over 1,300 scholarships and bursaries have been given out to various beneficiaries. For more information, visit www.limhoonfoundation.com.