We have since met Mr Jeya to explain to him that in March last year, our counsellors at the Girls' Home had advised his granddaughter that she would need to sit for the mother tongue (Tamil) examination at the GCE N level if she wished to take the GCE O-level exam in a mainstream school.

However, Mr Jeya's granddaughter indicated that she wished to pursue a course in nursing at the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), and decided not to sit for the GCE N-level Tamil exam.

The Singapore Girls' Home aims to maximise the potential of all its residents through the rehabilitation process. Programmes are in place to prepare residents for re-integration to the mainstream educational system or the workforce.

Specifically, the Girls' Home will cater to the needs of all residents to take their N- and O-level exams, regardless of the number of residents who had registered for the various subjects. For residents from families with financial difficulties, the Home will also provide the necessary financial assistance to them.

We are happy that Mr Jeya's granddaughter did well in the GCE N-level exams and have discussed her educational aspirations with him. The girl's former school, with the Ministry of Education's approval, has also decided to re-admit her to enable her to continue her studies with a view to taking the O levels.

Jason Wong
Director
Rehabilitation, Protection and Residential Services Division
Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports

Wong Siew Hoong
Director, Schools
Schools Division
Ministry of Education