SIA helping change lives through education

MANILA, Philippines - Four lives. Four brighter futures.

“When my life gets better, I will do what Singapore Airlines does. I will also share my blessings to the children who want to study,” Rose, a 14-year-old high school sophomore, said in Filipino.

“If not for the SIA scholarship, I would not have been able to study,” Sam, a 12-year-old science high school student, said.

 “Not all rich people, reach out to less fortunate people like SIA does. They are blessed because they bless other people too,” Jenny, an 18-year-old nursing student, who started as an SIA-bantay bata scholar said.

“They have time for you no matter how busy they are,” Alexis, a 19-year-old computer technology gradute, said.

Rose, Sam, Jenny and Alexis (not their real names) were SIA scholars through Bantay Bata 163’s Bantay Edukasyon program. All four attest to how SIA has helped transform their lives.

For eight years, since 2003, SIA has been giving less fortunate children access to quality education through Bantay Edukasyon. Of the 735 students who have benefited from the scholarship program, 154 have since graduated. For the 2011-2012 school year, 108 new scholars are being given the chance to pursue their dreams, a 30 percent increase in number of recipients. This further strengthens SIA’s mandate in giving educational support to deserving Filipino children.

SIA’s general manager Andrew Budiman stresses the importance of education. “I believe in one thing, knowledge. It gives you options especially for kids coming from less fortunate families. With knowledge, you are given a better chance at employment. Hopefully, through this educational program, we are able to enrich the lives of these kids to provide them the chance of a brighter future. SIA is honored to be a part of their journey,” he said.

In an assembly held recently to award ongoing and new scholarships, former SIA scholars visited to inspire the present scholars. SIA graduates in the early years who shared their stories and excitement over their current jobs. Several graduates spoke on the sometimes difficult road to success and the role of SIA in helping achieve their dream of a better future. Others shared their experiences on the benefits of being an SIA scholar.

SIA marketing communications and services manager Rita Dy said, “We can be here to provide the resources for a quality education, but it is always up to you. Your future is up to you, if you commit to studying well, then life will be good!”