Amount of Opportunity Fund Grants Disbursed to Schools in Last Three Years

36 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for Education (a) what was the total amount of Opportunity Fund grants disbursed to schools in the last three years; (b) what percentage of eligible students from lower-income households have utilised this fund to participate in enrichment programmes and overseas trips; and (c) what specific measures are in place to ensure that all eligible students are aware of and can apply for the fund.

Mr Desmond Lee: For the last three years, on average, $10 million per annum has been disbursed from the Opportunity Fund to the General Education schools.

Students on the Ministry of Education Financial Assistance Scheme (MOE FAS) and School-based Financial Assistance Scheme (SBFAS) are automatically provided with the Opportunity Fund grants. They do not need to apply. For students not on MOE FAS and SBFAS, schools will inform the parents to approach the schools for assessment if they need financial assistance.

On average, about 50,000 students benefit from the Opportunity Fund each year.