Support for Primary and Secondary School Students who Suffer Bereavement from Death of Parent

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Education (a) over the past three years, what is the annual number of Primary school and Secondary school students who suffered bereavement through death of a parent; and (b) what support is provided for students in such bereavement situations.

Our schools monitor the well-being of students affected by bereavement of a parent closely and provide support for those in need. When the school is informed of the bereavement, teachers will check in with and support the student as appropriate.  MOE does not track the number of students who suffered bereavement of a parent.

For students who have difficulty coping with grief and loss or exhibit emotional distress or social and behavioral changes, or when the next of kin requests for counselling support, teacher counsellors or school counsellors provide individual counselling to the students. They may also make referrals to community agencies such as Family Service Centres and Self-Help Groups to provide wraparound support to the students and their family.

Students who require financial support can apply for the MOE Financial Assistance Scheme (FAS), which covers school and standard miscellaneous fees, free textbooks and school uniforms, and transport and school meal subsidies. School-based financial assistance is also available to those who need additional support.