Madam Tay Bee Yok used to be able to afford her children's tuition fees at a community centre, until food prices shot up last year.

The 48-year-old production line factory worker, who was paying $400 for both her daughter and son's tuition fees, had to pull them out of the classes.

They were being coached in three subjects each.

Her husband works only sporadically and does not usually provide her or her children with any money.

'I work 12-hour shifts, so I couldn't look after them and their results got worse,' she said.

Madam Tay turned to the Chinese Development Assistance Council for help in April last year.

Now, her son and daughter, who are in Primary 6 and Secondary 1, have weekly tuition in English, Maths and Science at Ang Mo Kio Primary School near their home.

She pays $8 per subject per month and has noticed a slight improvement in their results.

'This is very good for me, because even in the recession when times are hard, I can at least continue to provide them with education,' she said of the scheme.

Shuli Sudderuddin

This article was first published in The Straits Times on 4 Jan, 2009.