In Singapore, food coupons for primary school children are often part of initiatives to provide support to families in need and ensure that children from low-income households have access to meals during school hours. Here’s an overview of such programmes:
Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS)
The Ministry of Education (MOE) provides the Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS) to support students from lower-income families. Under this scheme:
- Eligible students receive subsidies for school fees, textbooks, uniforms, and other costs.
- They are also provided with meal subsidies, which are typically credited to their student smart card (such as an EZ-Link card) for use at the school canteen. This digital system helps reduce stigma as all students use the same payment method.
School-Based Assistance Programmes
Some schools, in collaboration with non-profit organisations or community partners, may offer additional support:
- Meal Coupons or Tokens: Physical coupons or tokens are provided for use in the school canteen.
- Subsidised Meals: The school directly covers part of the cost of meals for eligible students.
ComCare and Other Community Support
The government’s ComCare assistance schemes may also extend to children needing meal support:
- ComCare Student Care subsidies help with fees for after-school programmes, including meal provisions.
- Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) and charities may also step in to distribute meal vouchers or organise meal sponsorships for families in need.
Addressing Stigma of Food Coupons for Primary School Children
While these programmes are beneficial, the potential stigma attached to being identified as a recipient of food coupons or subsidies remains a challenge. Efforts such as using cashless payment systems and fostering a culture of inclusivity aim to address these concerns.
This issue highlights a complex interplay of societal stigma, self-esteem challenges, and peer pressure. Drawing on the various perspectives shared, this essay explores potential solutions and the broader societal implications.
Understanding the Root Causes
Children may feel embarrassed about using food coupons due to a fear of being labelled as “poor” or different. Often, classmates may unintentionally or deliberately make comments that heighten this sense of exclusion. Some children internalise these feelings of shame and develop negative associations with the coupons. Others, as one participant noted, may simply lack an understanding of why these resources are necessary.
Parents and teachers frequently approach the issue without fully comprehending the depth of the child’s feelings. Even well-intentioned interventions by teachers can be perceived as highlighting the child’s financial situation, which may exacerbate their anxiety.
Strategies to Address the Issue
Normalise the Use of Coupons: Schools should aim to eliminate visible distinctions between coupon users and other students. Replacing physical coupons with digital solutions, such as topping up the child’s student card, can make the process more discreet. Systems like POSB SmartBuddy or EZ-Link payments, where all students pay in the same way, can help reduce any sense of stigma.
Open Conversations at Home: Parents need to address the issue with empathy, as suggested by several contributors. A gentle, non-judgemental discussion can help uncover the reasons behind the child’s reluctance. Role-playing or brainstorming solutions together can empower the child and provide them with confidence to manage social challenges.
Shift the Narrative: Parents and teachers can reframe the use of coupons as a symbol of resourcefulness or gratitude. Presenting it as “helping the family save” or “receiving a bonus from the government” can transform it from a perceived limitation into a positive advantage.
Encourage Compassion and Inclusivity: Schools and parents have a critical role in teaching children about compassion and the negative effects of bullying. Anti-bullying programmes and regular discussions about empathy can foster an inclusive environment where differences are accepted and respected.
Incentivise Coupon Use: Making coupon use a fun or rewarding experience can encourage children to embrace it. As one parent suggested, offering small treats for using coupons can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.
Engage the School Administration: Parents should share feedback with schools about the challenges their children face. Schools can explore policy changes to make systems more inclusive and supportive. Engaging school counsellors to support children facing stigma can also prove beneficial.
Broader Implications
The stigma surrounding food coupons reflects broader societal attitudes towards poverty and financial assistance. This underscores the need to address economic inequality and challenge perceptions surrounding it. Educating children about the value of diversity, gratitude, and support systems can help shape a future generation that views financial aid as a means of empowerment rather than a source of shame.
The reluctance of children to use food coupons in school is a multifaceted issue requiring thoughtful, empathetic responses from parents, teachers, and society at large. By normalising the use of such support, addressing underlying insecurities, and fostering a culture of inclusivity, we can help children navigate these challenges while building their resilience and self-esteem.
