UP TO 1,000 more needy children will benefit from tuition fee subsidies next year (2009), when the Chinese Development Assistant Council (CDAC) increases its income eligibility criteria for its education programme.

From next year, families with a monthly income of $2,500 and below or per capita income of $650 and below will be able to benefit from CDAC's education programme, it announced on Sunday.

Previously, only those with a monthly household income of $2,000 and below or per capita income of $500 and below qualified.

Mr Gan Kim Yong, acting Minister for Ministry of Manpower and chairman of CDAC Education committee said the education programme was extended so that more needy families can benefit especially during the current economic climate.

'Through these various programmes, we hope to reach out to more needy families so that their children can continue to receive support and assistance in their studies and education and also not just to pass their exam, but to do well and excel in their studies,' said Mr Gan.

Currently, 7,500 students qualify for its education programmes. With the revision, it hopes to see 700 to 1,000 more students.

CDAC offers Chinese, English, mathematics and science tuition at its tuition centres.

The tuition fees are $8 and $12 per subject per month for primary and secondary students respectively.

For the full story, read Monday's edition of The Straits Times.