FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ABOUT =DREAMS 

1. What are the programmes offered at =DREAMS? 

=DREAMS will offer a full range of programmes with a focus on Academic Support. Differentiated Programmes will also be introduced. These are designed according to the specific need of each age band and can include coding classes, eco-citizenship cultivation lessons, leadership and critical-thinking focused training. Additionally, =DREAMS will work with community partners to provide access and guidance for our children to stay healthy and take care of their minds and bodies through Nutrition, Health and Wellness programmes.

2. When will the operations of =DREAMS commence? 

=DREAMS operations commenced in January 2023 with our first cohort of 25 children. Thereafter, =DREAMS will progressively move to have children in each of the six Pre-Tertiary academic levels living in the residence. The full-term proposed capacity is a cohort of 240 residents.

3. What is the role of the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) in =DREAMS?

MSF supports the =DREAMS tenancy of State premises at 99 Haig Road, Singapore 438748. MSF sees value in the =DREAMS model of supporting the socio-emotional and educational/vocational development of children from low-income households in a structured after-school setting. MSF is represented on the Board of =DREAMS. 

4. Will =DREAMS be a regulated or licensed entity?

=DREAMS is a registered charity under the Charities Act and recognised as an Institution of a Public Character (IPC).

It is not the intent of =DREAMS to take in children and young persons for the purposes of their protection or rehabilitation. It is also not the intent for =DREAMS to be a Children and Young Persons’ Home (CYPH), a Student Care Centre or a standalone school. Hence, =DREAMS will not require a license or any other registration to operate the campus based on its current concept.

5. How is =DREAMS funded?

=DREAMS is funded mainly by donations and in-kind sponsorships.

CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY

6. What are the application criteria for this programme?

The following are the eligibility criteria for admission:

  • The child/family qualifies for the following government financial schemes

    • Public Rental Scheme - Family Scheme

    • MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS)

    • ComCare Short-to-Medium Term Assistance (SMTA) / Long Term Assistance (LTA)

  • The child is a Secondary 1 or Secondary 2 student in an MOE school

  • The child is a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident

  • The child must aspire to be in =DREAMS and have parents/guardians who are supportive of their aspiration to be in =DREAMS

7. Is a child who is not a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident eligible?

=DREAMS is for Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. However, each case will be selected on its own merit and exceptions may apply.

8. Is a child who is on the Financial Assistance Scheme but not residing in a rental flat under the HDB Public Rental Scheme eligible?

Applicants who are on MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) residing in purchased flats may also apply.

9. Will a child lose his/her scholarship if the family’s situation improves and they are no longer residing in HDB Rental Flats under the HDB Public Rental Scheme?

No, the child will only be assessed upon application. The child will not lose his/her scholarship in this case. 

10. Are there any geographical boundaries for eligibility?

=DREAMS is located at 99 Haig Road, Singapore 438748. Families may wish to consider the distance between =DREAMS from their homes and schools as the children will be required to travel to and fro during the week accordingly. Our advice is to attend a school that is in the proximity of =DREAMS to avoid too much time spent on travelling during the school week.

11. Are there conditions for eligibility to continue at =DREAMS each year?

The children are expected to pass and be promoted to the next level in school each year, to maintain their scholarship and placement in =DREAMS. There may be exceptions due to unique situations and continuation is at the discretion of =DREAMS. 

Additionally, children are expected to adhere to the =DREAMS Resident Code of Conduct. 

12. What are the consequences if a child decides to withdraw from =DREAMS at any stage?

The children should be willing participants and apply only if they have aspirations and a strong desire in pursuing tertiary education to realise their dreams. They are encouraged to journey with us until they have completed their Secondary or Pre-Tertiary education. In the unfortunate scenario that the children decide to withdraw, they will forego the opportunities of holistic support provided by =DREAMS.

13. Is there a limit to the number of applicants per household?

As our capacity is limited and we aim to provide support to as many families as possible, eligibility is only for one applicant per household. However, each case will be selected on its own merit and exceptions may apply.

*exceptions can be reviewed on a case by case basis.

SCHOLARSHIP AND FINANCE 

14. Do applicants have to pay for =DREAMS?

The =DREAMS residential programme is a sponsored scholarship for up to 6 years. The children are expected to pass and be promoted to the next level in school each year, to maintain their scholarship and placement in =DREAMS.

The scholarship covers the costs of the residential programme whilst in =DREAMS (for example, accommodation, breakfast and dinner, WiFi and academic and other enrichment offered by =DREAMS).

15. Will there be a transport allowance? 

The scholarship will not cover transportation, pocket money and other miscellaneous costs, unless otherwise stated. Parents/guardians are expected to ensure their child/ward has enough money for their day-to-day spending such as transportation and lunch in school.

16. Will there be a lunch allowance?  

The scholarship will not cover transportation, pocket money and other miscellaneous costs, unless otherwise stated. Parents/guardians are expected to ensure their child/ward has enough money for their day-to-day spending such as transportation and lunch in school.

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES 

17. What are the facilities and amenities at =DREAMS?

  • Amphitheatre

  • Care Centre

  • Courtyard

  • Digital Lab

  • Kitchen

  • Laundry

  • Multi-Purpose Hall

  • Pantry

  • Pods

  • Quadrangle

  • Rooms

  • Toilets/Showers

PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES 

18. Are all the programmes offered at =DREAMS compulsory? What if there is a conflict in schedule with school curriculum or CCA? 

Programmes at =DREAMS are designed to provide after-school academic and holistic support. In the event of a conflict in schedules, school curriculum or CCA will take priority.

19. Who are the staff, volunteers and other partners involved in the programme?  

The Board and management at =DREAMS comprise a team of individuals with experience in various sectors including counselling, education and social service. =DREAMS will also be working with volunteers and other  partners in our community. Relevant training may be arranged as necessary.

20. Will there be parent-child/guardian-ward programmes and activities during the week?  

Whilst =DREAMS recognises the importance of a strong parent-child/guardian-ward relationship, it is also mindful of the constraints parents/guardians may have which makes it challenging for them to participate in such programmes and activities. As this programme is a first-of-its-kind for children and parents/guardians, =DREAMS will continue to work on this with the families to determine a suitable level of parent-child/guardian-ward interaction during the week.

SAFETY AND DISCIPLINE 

21. What are the measures to ensure the safety of the children? 

=DREAMS will have two in-residence senior management staff.

There will be CCTVs throughout the campus (except for the Rooms and Toilets/Showers) and a professional security company to provide 24/7 security monitoring.

22. What are the disciplinary actions for misbehaviour?

=DREAMS will have a Resident Code of Conduct that all the children must adhere to. Our goal is to provide a holistic and safe environment, and this requires all of us to work together. Incidents of misbehaviour will be assessed on a case-by-case basis and disciplinary action will be taken when necessary.

23. Will parents/guardians and social workers be engaged in supporting the children if they are facing issues (e.g behavioural or psychological)? 

=DREAMS will work with parents/guardians and social workers to provide holistic support for the children to ensure better outcomes.

LIFE IN =DREAMS

24. Will the =DREAMS programme be too tiring for the children and will this affect their daily concentration in school?  

The =DREAMS programme  is designed to complement school. In the event of a conflict, school curriculum or CCA will take priority. Sleep is essential for rest and recovery and =DREAMS has a bedtime policy to ensure that the children get sufficient rest and sleep.

25. How long can the children stay at =DREAMS?  

Successful applicants will benefit from the programme for up to 6 years. Children must be in a Secondary School or Pre-Tertiary Institutions like Junior College (JC), Millenia Institute (MI), Singapore Sports School (SSP) or School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) for their duration at =DREAMS.

The children will graduate from the =DREAMS programme when they:

  • gain acceptance at any of the Post-Secondary Education Institutions listed on https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/overview with the exception of JCs, MI, SSP or SOTA  where they can remain at =DREAMS up to their 6th year.

  • do not gain acceptance at any of the Post-Secondary Education Institutions

26. Which days of the week will the children stay at =DREAMS? Are weekends and holidays included? 

The children will stay at the =DREAMS campus on weekdays during the school term. Weekends, MOE School Holidays and Singapore Public Holidays will be spent at home with their family.

27. What are the rooming arrangements? 

The Rooms for the boys and the girls are in separate blocks. Each room will have 6-8 residents. Each resident will have their own bed, bedding, chair, desk, shelf and wardrobe.

Allocation of residents to rooms is done by =DREAMS, who will take into account the age, responsibility level and specific needs of each resident as far as possible.

28. Will meals be provided? Is =DREAMS able to provide for medical or religious dietary requests?

=DREAMS will provide breakfast and dinner.

Lunch is not provided as the children are in school during that time. Pocket money for lunch in school will be provided by the family.

Breakfast will consist of easy and convenient items from the pantry for the children to prepare independently (for example, cereal, bread and spread).

Dinner will be provided by a caterer. =DREAMS will ensure that the food served is nutritious and balanced. Dietary constraints on medical and religious grounds must be declared and will be catered for.

=DREAMS has a pantry which will be stocked with supplies for the children to snack on during the day.

29. Will the children be able to engage in their religious practices (for example, prayer)?

=DREAMS is secular and respects all religions. Children are free to engage in their religious practices. The children are expected to be considerate and respect each others’ beliefs.

30. Will parents/guardians be allowed to visit their child/ward at =DREAMS?

Parents/guardians are not encouraged to drop in for casual visits as the children may be engaged in programmes. However, should a visit be necessary, parents/guardians can contact =DREAMS staff in advance to make arrangements. =DREAMS will also have family days when the children’s families are invited to come and spend time together with us on campus.

31. Will parents/guardians be regularly updated? 

=DREAMS requires the continued support and commitment from the parents/guardians in their child/ward’s pursuits of their dreams for a better future. =DREAMS cannot do this work without the parents/guardians. We encourage parents/guardians to be communicative, responsive and involved with our staff and volunteers throughout the programme.

REFERRAL OF APPLICANTS 

32. How do schools or Social Service Agencies refer potentially suitable applicants to =DREAMS?

If you have a child whom you assess to be potentially suitable for =DREAMS, please send an email to admissions@dreamssingapore.org.sg. 

33. What is the feedback process between schools or Social Service Agencies and =DREAMS? 

=DREAMS will partner with schools or Social Service Agencies in co-ordinating the welfare of the children to ensure better outcomes. 


Please send all feedback to hello@dreamssingapore.org.sg.