In Singapore, we often say that education is the great equaliser. But for many children, the starting line is not the same. Some begin Primary 1 already reading with ease, surrounded by books, time, and support. Others, especially those from lower-income families, enter school still unsure of letters and sounds.

What looks like a small gap at age six can quietly grow into a deep divide. It shapes how a child feels about learning, how confident they are among classmates, and the dreams they dare to imagine.

For children from more privileged homes, early reading struggles are often noticed quickly. They get access to phonics classes, assessments, and timely intervention. But for many others, the signs go unnoticed. Large class sizes make it easy for quiet children to hide their difficulties, and long wait times for assessments by MOE educational psychologists mean some children wait years before anyone realises they need help.

It is not uncommon for us to meet nine- or ten-year-olds who are still unable to read—and whose parents are only discovering this for the first time. Social workers often reach out to us at this point, when the child is already discouraged and feels “behind”. In contrast, families who can afford private assessments – sometimes costing up to $3,000 – often begin seeking help as early as age five.

By the time a struggling reader reaches Primary 3, the emotional impact can be profound. They may begin to see themselves as “not smart enough”, even though the real issue is simply lack of access and early support. Confidence dips. Motivation fades. And the joy of learning – something every child deserves – slowly slips away.

My own path into literacy education began by accident. I once signed up for what I thought was a pronunciation class, only to find myself in a phonics lesson instead. That unexpected moment changed everything. I saw how powerful literacy is – not just as a skill, but as a lifeline that can alter a child’s entire future.

This sparked the creation of Curious Thoughts Academy, and later, Curious Thoughts Giving (CTG) – a registered charity that provides free literacy and phonics classes to children aged three to ten from low-income families. Many of our students struggle with reading or writing; some have learning challenges such as ADHD or dyslexia. But all of them deserve the chance to learn with dignity, joy, and hope.

Our vision is simple: to uplift entire communities through literacy programmes rooted in play and evidence-based teaching. Our mission is to bring learning directly to the children who need it most. Every lesson, every worksheet, every teacher we train carries this belief – that reading should be for everyone.

And every day, we see the difference early literacy makes.

A child who once avoided eye contact begins raising their hand.

A parent who once felt helpless starts seeing progress they never thought possible.

These moments – of courage, pride, and newfound confidence – are the true heart of our work.

We celebrate every small win.

One boy, in particular, reminds me why we must keep going. Because of immigration issues, he could not attend local school for years. He joined our classes unable to read a single word. He worked hard, supported by a devoted grandmother, and slowly, the pieces came together. At age ten, he was finally able to enrol in school for the first time. He was placed in a lower level to help him catch up – but he thrived. That year, he earned a Good Progress Award.

Stories like his remind us that no child should be left behind because of circumstances beyond their control.

But we cannot do this work alone.

This year, we launched the Go Green for Literacy drive – running until 23 November. It is a simple yet meaningful way to turn sustainability into opportunity. We are collecting used clothes of all sizes. Through our partner, Vita Green, these items will be exchanged for financial proceeds that directly support our programmes:

• Hiring experienced teachers
• Developing and printing learning materials
• Expanding outreach
• Keeping our operations running

Every contribution – big or small – helps sustain free classes for children who might otherwise never receive early literacy support.

Our message is simple:

What you no longer need could help a child learn to read.

Every shirt, every dress, every bag of clothes can become a small spark of hope.

You don’t need to be a teacher to make a difference. A few hours of volunteering, a bag of pre-loved clothes, or simply sharing our mission can help a child discover the joy of reading.

When I look at our students, I see future artists, engineers, doctors, and teachers. But more importantly, I see bright, curious children who deserve the same opportunities as any other child in Singapore. Education should never be determined by income. Literacy should be a right – not a privilege.

Our hope is that Curious Thoughts Giving becomes more than a programme – it becomes a movement. One that empowers children, supports families, and strengthens communities. One that shows how sustainability and education can come together to create real change.

If you believe, as we do, that every child deserves a fair start, we warmly invite you to join us. Donate your used clothes, volunteer with us, or help us spread the word. Every action brings us closer to a future where no child is left behind simply because of the circumstances they were born into.

Because when a child learns to read, they don’t just unlock words – they unlock possibilities.

And when we come together as a community, we open doors that can change the course of a child’s life forever.

By Lydia Lok, Founder of Curious Thoughts Academy and Curious Thoughts Giving

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