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Paul Leng’s Testimonial
Paul Leng was a student studying in a renowned school when he lost interest in his studies. He felt he lagged behind in his studies and he was unable to catch up when doubts about his work accumulated. As a result, he lost the spirit to study and felt that he was labelled by teachers and peers as someone who was unable to cope.
He was retained in secondary three in his former school, so he decided not to go to school because it was dreary and dry for him. He then remembered that his mum asked him to go CHEC. He decided to give it a try. It turned out that this was a new starting point for him when he decided to retake his O’ levels with CHEC in the one year course. During his course of study with us, he felt that he wanted to come to school because nobody judged him and it was a fresh start for him. He felt that CHEC offered a lot in terms of the flexibility of curriculum. He worked to commit himself to study in CHEC. Paul saw himself better able to focus on his studies instead of worrying about excessive competition and education became something not just to develop his academic capacity, but also a means to develop his self-confidence. As a result, he was able to score four distinctions in the 2007 O’ levels.
Paul’s story reminds us that the environment of a school matters. He came to school regularly and the school environment and friends helped. The teachers helped him and Paul felt that they were supportive. Paul’s teacher mentor, Esther Cheng, also reminded him about the value of his education. He felt the teachers were personal to him and in his words, he said “you don’t see them as enforcers but educators”. Once uncertain about his future, Paul has now bigger dreams to pursue further education in junior college.
Jonathan Soh’s Testimonial
Currently 24 years old, Jonathan first started skipping classes in 1998. In 2000, he went back to school to take his ‘N’ levels and passed with flying colours. However, he dropped out of school for another two years due to his inability to conform to the system. Jonathan then diverted his time out of school to basketball. Seeking solace and comfort in the game, he said that it was something he could hold on to and gave him hope. Eventually, he was enlisted for NS in August 2003. After serving the nation, he went on to work as a porter with a hotel resort. He felt that it was a dream job as he could meet people from different walks of life. Using his hands made him feel like “living” again. Despite loving his job, he felt that something was missing. It was like he needed “closure” for his studies.
With his sister’s encouragement, he signed up with CHEC. In the beginning, it was not as easy as others seemed. There were many times when he wanted to give up. It was a struggle to go on despite the problems faced at home and in church.
Today, Jonathan received a total of 5 distinctions for his “O” level. Looking back, he felt that he has “finished this chapter after a long 10 years”. He said, “Miracles don’t just happen. It takes perseverance.”
Sam Chiew Han’s Testimonial
A school dropout at 16 years of age, she started working as a retail staff for 6 months. After experiencing working life, she discovered that she needed to move on with life. Reality gripped her. She was afraid of what she was going to end up if she did not get her “O” levels. In 2006, she enrolled with CHEC in our 2-year “O’ level programme. In CHEC, Sam experienced a lot of ups and downs. However, “the teachers were very supportive” and she “learnt how to get along with people” in the school. It was very refreshing to come to a school where even the principal showed an interest in what she does.
Scoring a total of 4 distinctions, Sam attributed her success to sheer hard work. She also mentioned that helping her peers has helped her too.
Prem’s Testimonial
Prem, our star student of the ‘O’ level 2006 cohort, scored a total of 4 distinctions in his GCE O Level Examination. His story did not start off beautifully initially. He was involved with the wrong company in his younger days. As a result, he played truant and behaved disruptively in school. Eventually, he dropped out of school and became actively involved in gang activities such as taking drugs, stealing and fighting.
It took a bad gang experience and a 2-year stint in NS to turn his life around. It was a wake up call indeed. He began to realise the importance of education. Prem chanced upon CHEC website and upon reading Jonathan Tang’s (Ex student of CHEC) story of transformation, Prem felt hopeful and plucked up the courage to retake his O’ level again in 2006. Struck by the enthusiasm and dedication of CHEC teachers, he was especially touched by how the teachers treated everyone with respect and took a genuine interest in the students. In the course of his studies in CHEC, he worked hard. However, Prem did not just develop his academic capacity but also honed his people skill. He learnt to take a genuine interest in others’ lives and commit himself to help his peers succeed as well. His sincerity was rewarded when he was voted by the student body and won the ‘CHEC Outstanding Leadership Award’ in 2006.
Prem scored 4 distinctions with a 9-point aggregate score for his best 5 subjects in the 2006 GCE O Level Examination. Today, he is pursuing a Diploma in Optometry with Singapore Polytechnic.
Yan Qin’s Testimonial
Yan Qin’s story is one of hope. It inspires others to pursue their dreams against all odds. A student from the Normal Technical stream, Yan Qin’s only option was with ITE, achieving a NITEC certificate in Nursing. Upon graduation, she was employed as an assistant nurse with SGH.
Due to her lack of education, it was very difficult for her to scale to greater heights in her nursing career. Yet, dissatisfaction grew and she knew that she was capable of greater things in life. With a desire to upgrade herself, she embarked on a ‘O’ level 2-year programme with CHEC. During this journey, whenever she encountered obstacles, she would continue to hold fast to her belief that with sheer hard work, nothing is impossible. The love, genuine care and concern of the teachers spurred her on; The level of enthusiasm and dedication towards learning in the school also inspired her to persevere. Eventually, she scored 19 points for her best 5 subjects in the 2005 GCE O Level Examination.
She is currently pursuing a Diploma in Biotechnology Science with Republic Polytechnic. The learning journey itself has propelled her to dare to dream even bigger now. She hopes to pursue a Specialist Diploma in Haematology and Blood Banking before attempting a Degree in Life Science.
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