STUDENTS from low-income homes will soon be eligible for cheaper tuition classes, under a new nationwide scheme spearheaded by the self-help groups.

They will also get to attend classes that are held nearer their homes.

From May 1, parents can sign up for subsidies when they send their children for tuition at selected grassroots organisations.

These include classes run by residents' committees (RCs), community centres (CCs) and clubs.

As long as the family's monthly household income falls below $2,500 - or if their per capita income is below $650 a month - they can enjoy a subsidy of up to 90 per cent.

Singaporeans and permanent residents can apply for the Community Tuition Fee Subsidy Scheme.

The plan accepts students from primary school up to the Institute of Technical Education level.

The four self-help groups - the Chinese Development Assistance Council (CDAC), Mendaki, the Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda) and the Eurasian Association - are supporting this drive. They will co-fund the scheme alongside the five community development councils (CDCs).

The combined fund created will be $500,000 a year, said Manpower Minister Gan Kim Yong. He chairs the CDAC education committee.

He spoke to reporters on Saturday at Zhenghua Primary School in Bukit Panjang after dropping in on tuition classes conducted by the CDAC. He said the plan will help students in recession-battered families continue classes if their parents suffer a job loss or pay cut.

Read the full story in today's edition of The Sunday Times.