Cornerstone Community Services: School Allowances Awarded to 140 Students

Cornerstone Community Services (CCS) awarded school allowances to 140 primary and secondary students from less fortunate backgrounds this year. The Cornerstone Development Initiatives (CDI) School Allowance Award Presentation took place on 15 February 2025 at the Cornerstone Auditorium, with awards ranging from $720 to $960 per recipient which is renewable annually.

Pastor Daphne Yang, Chairman of Cornerstone Community Services opened the event with the introduction of a new award programme. This is the CDI Outstanding Co-Curricular Activities (OCCA) Award which looks to encourage the young to pursue and nurture their interest and passion beyond the academic sphere. She highlighted on the importance that co-curricular activities contribute to the development of one’s character which includes problem-solving, resilience, confidence and teamwork skills. Discipline is also inculcated as one has to play by the rules, being the best within the constraints of the game.

Dr. Tan See Leng, Minister for Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and Pastor Yang Tuck Yoong, Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Community Church attended the event as Guests of Honour. CCS also launched the new “CDI Outstanding Co-Curricular Activities (OCCA) Achievement Award” which comes with a one-time monetary reward.

Dr. Tan gave an inspiring speech and presented the award to 20 students for excelling in their co-curricular activities. This award aims to inspire students to excel not only in their academics but also to find joy and passion beyond their studies.

The highlights of the award presentation event included a dance performance by a group of energetic youth, a song performance by Layyi, a local singer-songwriter, and an outdoor carnival with exciting games and delicious treats for the students and their families to enjoy.

Lew Mi Yih, Executive Director of CCS shared that CCS has seen the positive impact of the CDI on the lives of the students and their families, having run CDI since 2008. Adjustments have also been made to the school allowances over the years to help these families cope with the increasing

cost of living.

“Families have often approached us to express gratitude and appreciation, sharing how initiatives like CDI

helped them and their children tide over challenging periods of life when they struggled financially. We

are encouraged to receive these life-changing testimonials and want to continue to keep CDI running

with the support of our generous donors.”

If you would like to support CCS and give towards their cause

by making a tangible difference in the lives of these students and their families, visit cornerstoneservices.org.sg for ways to donate.