More children to benefit from Edusave enhancements

The Government’s extension of Edusave contributions to all children aged seven to 16 who are Singapore citizens will benefit 20,000 more kids, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said yesterday. The number includes those enrolled in madrasahs, privately-funded schools, as well as children who are home-schooled or residing overseas.

The MOE said among the group to benefit are about 11,000 children of primary school-going age (between seven and 12 years old). It added that every year, about 50 children per cohort are home-schooled.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong had announced in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday that Edusave accounts with government contributions — which can be used to fund enrichment activities here organised by education providers — will be set up for all children of school-going age.

The MOE said it targets to extend the Edusave contributions by the second half of next year and will provide more details at a later date. The amount will be pegged to what students of the same age group in MOE-run schools receive.

Currently, primary school students receive S$200 per year in their Edusave accounts while those in secondary schools get S$240 per year.