By Sue-Ann Chia

MR SAMUEL Kitehpar never did well in school, failing his Primary School Leaving Examination and, later, dropping out of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE).

But his life changed during his national service, when regimental sergeant major Kanesan drilled into him the importance of education.

The then Second Warrant Officer wanted to promote Mr Kitehpar to the rank of sergeant, but could not as the teenager did not have the required educational qualifications.

'He told me to go back to school, or I won't be able to have a good life,' recalled Mr Kitehpar, now 23.

He did, going back to ITE in 2006.

With the help of the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda), which gave him free tuition, he brushed up on his studies and earned the 'Most Outstanding Student' award.

Mr Kitehpar's 'comeback kid' story is among 20 featured in a book by Indian self-help group Sinda that was launched by Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam yesterday.

Called Symphony Of Triumphs, Sinda's book on its beneficiaries, from struggling students to single mothers, brought to life how each of them overcame the odds to achieve a better life.

Mr Tharman, before launching it, hailed the efforts of Singapore's self-help groups in reaching out to needy members of their ethnic communities.

Such help is especially critical in this recession and will help Singapore survive the economic crisis, he told about 5,000 participants at the annual grassroots event called Narpani Family Day.

That is why, he said, the Government is pumping in more funds to the four self-help groups: the Chinese Development Assistance Council, Mendaki, Sinda and the Eurasian Association.

Government funding of self-help groups was raised to $9 million this year.

Mr Tharman's remarks came a day after a new nationwide scheme was announced offering students from low-income families cheaper tuition classes.

The new scheme is spearheaded by the self-help groups, which will co-fund it with the five community development councils. The combined fund created will be $500,000 a year.

Referring to the new scheme, Mr Tharman said: 'By using the self-help groups, we are able to maximise our outreach and maximise helping families in need.

'We work together for Singapore, but each community goes the extra mile to help their members.

'It is a win-win solution.'

Those in need, he noted, will also be more willing to seek help if they know their own community is rallying around them.

With the Government and community lending a hand, and family units staying strong in the face of the economic storm, Mr Tharman believes these are reasons to feel confident that Singapore will overcome the crisis.

'If we work on our own, some may benefit, but it is a much weaker outcome,' he said. 'By tapping on government and national schemes, we can help everyone, regardless of race and religion.

'You know that in Singapore, you can achieve your hopes and aspirations.'

His words resonated with Sinda beneficiaries such as 57-year-old Veerama P.S., a single mother also featured in the book. Eight years ago, she struggled to take care of her two sons - then 12 and nine - after her husband left the family.

She was earning about $400 a month as a part-time seamstress at home.

'I was unable to go out and work as my elder son has Down's Syndrome,' said Ms Veerama, who also receives a Public Assistance allowance.

After counselling sessions at Sinda, she took baking courses, which she completed three years ago.

Now, she bakes cookies at home and sells them, earning up to $1,800 a month.

'The Sinda officers gave me courage and strength that I can have a better life for my family,' she said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.