The pandemic hasn’t been the same for everyone. While a lot of us have had the privilege to stay at home with secure jobs to pay the bills, there are many who’ve been struggling to make ends meet.
If anything, the pandemic has been a reminder of why humility is necessary and we need to share more so that it can go in the right hands.
Sadly, the hospitality industry remains one of the hardest-hit sectors amidst the pandemic and the erratic restrictions, however necessary, have not been fruitful for its people.
One such individual who’s been surviving on social assistance is Mdm Chan, as uncertainty around her job keeps her up at night. A PR status holder, she worked as a sales coordinator in Singapore and even gave birth to a baby boy in 2019.
However, the pandemic turned things over for this single mum and her baby.
She lost her job and had to seek employment at a coffee shop in May this year. But with the Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) restrictions back in place, that too had to end abruptly.
With little to no family for support, not only is this mum trying to fend for herself but is also trying to raise a toddler who clearly deserves better.
Her gut-wrenching story is a harsh reminder of the problems faced by single parents in Singapore.
Single Mum Wants To Provide The Best Life For Her Son
Image courtesy: Ray of Hope
Mdm Chan is a single mum to her 20-month-old boy in Singapore. She lost her job when the covid-19 heightened measures affected the dining regulations on the island this year.
Prior to her giving birth, Mdm Chan used to work as a sales coordinator for about two years. Earlier this year, she got a job at a coffee shop in May and had started working with a promised gross salary of $1020.
However, all her hopes crumbled like a pack of cards as COVID-19 heightened measures started affecting dining regulations.
She has still not received her salary for the two weeks of work in May before the measures came in place. The mum is extremely concerned about the duo’s living expenses, till she resumes work.
Although she is receiving minimal support of $100 from the Social Service Office (SSO), it’s not enough to make ends meet and the social assistance will end in August (2021).
NGO raises money to help the mum who lost her job at a restaurant this year
In order to help this single mum, Ray of Hope, a crowdfunding charity group, is running a campaign to raise $2,000, which is ($500 x 4 months). This is expected to help Mdm Chan through the next four months. According to the latest update (August 18), the campaign has raised S$880.00 so far.
The aid will hopefully help Mdm Chan financially, while her employment stabilises in accordance with the Covid-19 heightened measures.
Mdm Chan hopes to provide her Malaysian son with the best that she is able to afford by ensuring that she remains employed in order to support him. If you wish to help her, you can donate here.
Singapore’s Total Employment Down In Q2 Due To COVID Curbs
Image courtesy: File Image
The country’s total employment fell in the second quarter after Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) took a toll. However, the unemployment rates continued to improve, according to the Ministry of Manpower’s (MOM) advance release of Q2 labour market statistics.
The total employment rose in Q1, after an entire year of decline in 2020. However, it fell again in Q2 by 15,700. MOM attributed this to the decline seen in domestically-oriented sectors hit by Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) measures including F&B services as well as retail trade.
On August 13, International Labor Organization (ILO) said that Southeast Asian nations have suffered great employment losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It further suggested that the region faces a long road out of its current Delta-variant situation.
According to the brief, the nations have been bleeding due to many factors, including stringent lockdown measures implemented by authorities.
There has been a major decline in tourism and the decrease in domestic consumption and impacts through global supply chains. Also, among the groups of workers who have been most impacted by job losses are women and young workers.
Another concerning factor highlighted was that despite considerable vaccination progress by several nations, especially Singapore (where 76 per cent are now fully vaccinated), Cambodia (40 per cent), Southeast Asia remains far from the widespread distribution necessary to quell the virus.
The problems faced by single parents in Singapore and other countries are immense.
From worrying about finances, looking after the child, to managing the entire house, there is no end to the list.
If you are in a similar situation like Mdm Chan, we understand your pain and concerns. We really hope that you get the strength to tide through the crisis at the earliest. Don’t forget we are all in this together and only helping each other out will get us through to the other side.
News source: The Diplomat, Ray Of Hope
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