EVEN as Singapore goes through its sharpest downturn, it is crucial that children do not lose out on their education, said President S R Nathan.

He stressed this point at a dinner in Raffles Institution (RI) last night, organised by the Boon Lay community to thank donors and grassroots leaders.

In the past five months, they had raised $2.68 million for programmes, including those for needy elderly and children. Boon Lay, one of Singapore's oldest housing estates, has about 30,000 residents.

About 79 per cent have a household income of $3,000 and under - which is below the national median household income of $4,950 last year.

In an off-the-cuff speech, Mr Nathan thanked the audience for their 'important efforts' to help the needy in 'what will be a difficult year for all of us'.

Noting that the Government had unveiled a $20.5 billion Budget to help businesses and workers, he said: 'We, as a people, must also rally and do what one can to overcome what looks like a very daunting future.'

Many families, he noted, 'are now very anxious about the future'.

'At the same time, we must ensure that our children do not suffer, and lose out on their education. And we must all invest in them. So I encourage all of you to rally together and work hard for all of us to face a difficult year ahead.'

He urged Singaporeans not to despair and to care for one another to overcome the crisis and emerge as a more cohesive society.

Mr Nathan applauded the new scholarship scheme that Boon Lay had introduced with RI for student leaders. However, he also noted the need to pay attention to neighbourhood schools.

'I'll urge that we also pay attention to your neighbourhood schools where the needs will be particularly more pressing,' he said.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on January 31, 2009.