SINGAPORE – Part-time driver Muhammad Rahmat’s eight children aged six to 14 used to study at the void deck beneath their two-room rental flat in Yishun.

       But after refurbishment work done in their home in July, the family of 10 now have a brand-new study table and cabinet spaces for each child’s school books.

       The kitchen, which previously had an exposed gas stove, posing a danger to the children, also has had new induction cookers installed.

       And the walls of their flat, which they have lived in for six years, have got a fresh coat of white paint.

       “It’s a blessing to my kids. Because if I myself wanted to do what Ikea did, I don’t think I can afford it,” said Mr Rahmat, 37, who has suffered recurrent heart attacks and could not take on the repainting of the flat himself. “I see my son putting in a lot of effort to sit down at the table and study for the PSLE.”

       The family are the first to get their home refurbished under a new tie-up between Swedish furniture company Ikea and the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to enhance support for lower-income families with children in public rental flats under the ComLink+ scheme.

       Under the scheme, these families will be given financial incentives and other support if they work towards improving their lives.

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       The three-year partnership between Ikea and MSF, which aims to support ComLink+ families at home, in the community and at work, was launched near the family’s home at Block 511 Yishun Street 51 on Aug 13.

       Ikea will provide $150,000 worth of support over three years, partnering the social service offices to help up to 1,700 ComLink+ families in Ang Mo Kio and Yishun with job opportunities, home refurbishment and family outings.

       The refurnishing of homes, starting with up to six homes in the first year, is aimed at providing a safe and conducive living environment for families.

       Ikea will offer families on ComLink+ and the ComCare financial assistance scheme 50 training and job opportunities each year, and hold on-site interviews at social service offices. The jobs include logistics and sales roles, and positions at Ikea’s restaurants.

       Ikea will also organise outings and events for ComLink+ families, such as trips to the zoo and drawing workshops for children.

       Mr Gerard Jansen, retail director for Ikea Singapore and the Philippines, said: “With the rising cost of living in Singapore and more companies downsizing, we can understand the struggles that some of our local communities face. Through this partnership with MSF, we are able to really reach out to those in need and provide a better overall life at home.”

       Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, who launched the partnership on Aug 13, said Ikea’s efforts will help families improve their home environment, employment situation and family relationships, so that they can better work towards stability, self-reliance and social mobility.

       “Ikea’s effort exemplifies Singapore’s strong social compact, with individuals, community and corporates joining hands to build a caring and inclusive Singapore,” he added.

       MSF also works with other companies, such as with DBS Bank to run financial literacy workshops for children living in rental flats, as well as with Sentosa Development Corporation to take ComLink families on outings to its attractions.

       Mr Muhammad Hasbul and his siblings will soon benefit from Ikea’s home refurbishment too. Mr Hasbul, 21, is serving his national service while taking care of his four siblings, whose ages range from 15 to 19.

       Their mother, a single mum who has late-stage cancer, is receiving palliative chemotherapy and lives separately with their grandmother.

       He is hoping for new bunk beds to share with his younger siblings, as the current ones are well worn. He also hopes they can have a study table – they currently study on the bed – as well as more personal space. “Hopefully, as their lifestyle improves, they can study better,” he said.

       From around October, the family will see these changes in their two-room rental flat in Yishun.

       After serving NS, Mr Hasbul hopes to pursue tertiary studies in social work, following in the footsteps of his ComLink+ family coach, so that he can help others.

       Mr Rahmat, who dropped out of school after Primary 4 and was in and out of prison till he got married, hopes to work towards becoming a warehouse coordinator to support his family.

       “I’m a person who never gives up, with my kids, my wife, myself. We’re a happy family. We face hard times and happy times together. My kids – thanks to them – they also understand a lot when I explain to them the situation that we are facing. So we actually work together,” he said.

       “We’re looking forward to going to the next and the next and the next (level).”