The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) is a self-help group that works to uplift the Singapore Indian Community. SINDA’s key thrusts are in Education, Family Services and Active Collaboration. 

SINDA was formed in August 1991 to address the pressing educational and socio-economic issues facing the community. From September 1990 to March 1991, the Action Committee on Indian Education (ACIE) discussed these issues, after which, in July 1991, the ACIE presented a report entitled ‘At The Crossroads’ to the Government. The report highlighted the under-performance of Indian students in the academic arena and recommended wide-ranging remedial measures.

In this light, SINDA was formed to raise the academic level of Indian students. In addition to that primary objective, SINDA also offers a range of programmes and services to help families who approach us for various forms of assistance. We assist with the social and economic development of individuals. Youths too benefit from our programmes that are aimed at mentoring and equipping them.

The core thrust of SINDA is ‘Maximising Educational Opportunities for ALL’. The opportunities are great for every student in Singapore. He/ she and the family must maximise these opportunities.

Education

We at SINDA see our role as the Catalyst to enlighten the community, mainly in the area of education. Our work ranges from aiding in the headstart of Preschoolers (and their parents) to University students. The desired outcome of all these initiatives is to produce a graduate in every family in the years to come (‘graduate’ defined as one who completes University, Polytechnic or ITE education).

SINDA was formed in August 1991 to address the pressing educational issues facing the community. From September 1990 to March 1991, the Action Committee on Indian Education (ACIE) discussed these issues, after which, in July 1991, the ACIE presented a report entitled ‘At The Crossroads’ to the Government.

The report highlighted the under-performance of Indian students in the academic arena and recommended wide-ranging remedial measures. In this light, SINDA was formed to raise the academic level of Indian students.

Quoting the ACIE report, “… a people with 4000 years of illustrious tradition behind it must, and will, awaken. The community cannot rest until the Mission (of academic progress and excellence) is accomplished”.