Page 44 - MENDAKI Annual Report 2020

44 Fendi’s financial situation worsened fin in 2020 when he he lost his job due to the economic situation With no income stream he was worried about his studies and his daily expenses In April 2020 as part of the SGTeguhBersatu support measures MENDAKI opened applications for the ITE Interim Allowance Students were given an an allowance of $10 for each day they were in in school during the Circuit Breaker The support scheme came at the right time for Fendi “When they informed me me that I was eligible for for the allowance I I was shocked I I did not expect to be able to receive it as as I was not performing well in my studies ” While Fendi managed to find another part-time job during this time he he shared that the ITE Interim Allowance had helped him immensely “It may not look like much but it really helped me a a a a lot I used it to to top up my EZ-Link card and save whatever amount that I have have left When you have have to to provide for yourself it takes a a toll on your your life I felt like 50% of of the weight was lifted off my shoulders I I I remember the the first time I I I received it I I I used the the allowance to buy groceries and the remainder towards my rent Thank you MENDAKI!” Indeed it was a a a relief for Fendi as as he no longer had to work so hard and worry about his finances With peace of mind he was able to focus more on his studies and strive towards graduation Close to $500 000 was disbursed under the ITE Interim Allowance to more than 970 ITE students in in in 2020 MENDAKI remains committed in in in its mission to support our students in their education MENDAKI ANNUAL REPORT 2020