01
June
2020
|
15:44
Asia/Singapore

The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund: For students, by students

 

The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund was launched to complement the NUS Students Solidarity Fund in reaching out to a wider community with financial aid

 

Even as Singapore exits the circuit breaker, the impact of COVID-19 reverberates.

To further support undergraduates who need financial help, the NUS Students’ Union (NUSSU) has launched the NUSSU Unity Relief Fund with $200,000.

Under this student-led initiative, the Fund will provide a one-time disbursement of $250 for financially-needy undergraduates who are from families that have suffered retrenchment or substantial income loss due to COVID-19. The families need to have had a monthly per capita income of less than $800, or total household income of below $3,200, before the loss of job or income.

The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund will complement the earlier-announced NUS Students Solidarity Fund in reaching out to more students with financial aid. As such, it will be open only to those who have not received help under the Solidarity Fund.

In April, the University had set up the NUS Students Solidarity Fund to raise donations from the NUS community. With an initial sum of $220,000 in donations raised from alumni benefactors, a one-time grant of $400 in cash was disbursed to 1,400 financially-needy students in May 2020.

The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund will widen the coverage of students who get assistance.

“This is a very tough period for many undergraduates and families. The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund provides financial assistance for our peers to navigate the challenges," said NUSSU President Richard Wang, an NUS Arts and Social Sciences Year 3 student.

The online application process for the one-time grants to students who are currently not receiving any form of financial aid will take place from 1 June to 30 June 2020.

While the NUSSU Unity Relief Fund draws from the student union’s financial reserves, appeals to students are also being made to encourage peer support within the community.

This is a very tough period for many undergraduates and families. The NUSSU Unity Relief Fund provides financial assistance for our peers to navigate the challenges.

During this challenging period, NUSSU is also working closely with the University on key student life matters such as campus zoning, academic adjustments and housing services.

The NUSSU team is ensuring that even with the temporary suspension of physical activities, the conduct of the NUS Freshman Orientation Programme 2020 online will be seamless, and that incoming freshmen will continue to experience the campus traditions.

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