If I were to become a philanthropic leader and received a significant donation, I would dedicate it to addressing educational inequality, particularly in underserved communities. Education, to me, has always been one of the most powerful and transformative tools available to society. It is not merely a means to academic success or career advancement, it is the very foundation upon which personal growth, social mobility, and sustainable development are built. Throughout history and across cultures, education has served as a great equalizer. It enables individuals to rise above the circumstances they were born into, break the persistent cycle of poverty, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the wider world.

Unfortunately, access to quality education is still unevenly distributed. In many parts of the world, children are denied their right to learn due to systemic barriers such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, under-resourced schools, poorly trained teachers, and societal discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or disability. These obstacles not only deprive individuals of opportunities but also reinforce existing inequalities generation after generation. For many children, especially those living in rural areas or impoverished urban neighbourhoods, education remains a distant dream rather than a guaranteed right.

As a group of students passionate about learning and service, we have been brainstorming ways to address this issue; not just in theory, but through real, practical solutions. If we were entrusted with a substantial philanthropic grant, we would bring to life an initiative we have envisioned called Totally Tutors. This project, still in its planning stages, aims to provide free, personalised tutoring to underprivileged students who currently do not have access to the kind of academic support many of us take for granted. The heart of our vision is rooted in the belief that every child deserves equal opportunities, regardless of their background or income level. We have seen firsthand how tuition has become a necessity in today’s competitive academic environment, yet many families simply can’t afford it. A child’s potential should never be limited by their financial situation. With this in mind, we hope to build a volunteer-driven program that can offer not just academic guidance, but also mentorship, encouragement, and a sense of belief in each student’s ability to succeed.

Our proposed approach is centred on personalised learning. In a traditional classroom setting, a single teacher is often tasked with managing 30 or more students, each with their own pace, learning style, and challenges. This makes it difficult for students who struggle to keep up or who need extra attention. We believe that smaller group sessions, or even one-on-one where possible, can make a significant difference in a student’s confidence and academic performance. With tailored support, students can learn at a comfortable pace, ask questions freely, and feel safe to express their difficulties.

If funded, we would use the donation to build the necessary infrastructure and resources to launch Totally Tutors. Our initial idea involves creating a simple website that allows students (particularly those on financial assistance) to apply for tutoring support. They would be matched with volunteer tutors based on their needs, learning preferences, and availability. The tutors (mainly upper secondary and tertiary students) would undergo basic training in communication skills, syllabus content, and lesson planning, guided by experienced educators. We also plan to work with schools and community spaces like libraries to host weekly tutoring sessions in a safe and conducive environment. For students unable to attend in person, online tutoring options would be provided. We want the experience to be low-pressure, friendly, and consistent, creating a space where students feel encouraged rather than judged.

One unique aspect we envision is the integration of technology and hands-on materials. We hope to combine traditional flashcards and worksheets with digital tools such as QR-linked resources and AI-generated practice questions. Our goal is to make learning more interactive, accessible, and tailored to different styles. For example, students who struggle with reading-heavy materials can benefit from visuals, voiceovers, or gamified quizzes. The use of recycled materials and open-source tech would also help keep costs low and sustainability high. We are fully aware that launching such a program comes with challenges. From recruiting committed volunteers to ensuring consistent quality, we understand that good intentions alone are not enough.

That is why we aim to build a system of accountability, including regular check-ins with tutors, student progress tracking, and feedback loops from families and partner schools. This data will help us improve and adjust the program as we grow.

Ultimately, our dream is for Totally Tutors to be more than just a tuition service. We see it as a platform for youth empowerment, where both students and tutors grow together. Volunteer tutors can develop leadership, empathy, and teaching skills. Students, in turn, gain more than academic improvement, they gain someone who believes in them, someone who listens and supports them. Over time, we hope this initiative can expand beyond academics to include mentorship, life skills, and even digital literacy support.

In the long term, if our model proves effective, we hope to expand it to reach other communities in need— starting within Singapore, and gradually across Southeast Asia. We recognise that each region has its own unique context, so adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and close collaboration with local communities will be essential. Regardless of where we operate, our core values (accessibility, inclusivity, empathy, and meaningful impact) will continue to guide every step of our journey. To us, this donation would be more than just money. It would be the spark that brings a meaningful vision to life. It would allow us, as young people, to take responsibility for the world we live in and contribute in a tangible way. While we may not yet have the experience or institutional power, we do have the passion, the ideas, and the commitment to make a difference. Education changed our lives—and we want to be part of changing someone else’s.