Mdm Fathima, 43 years old, is a single mum to her two children, 20 and 17. Since returning from Sri Lanka after her divorce, the resilient mum has been relying on her depleting savings to provide for her 17 year-old school-going son. Mdm Fathima’s elder daughter lives overseas with her father. Mdm Fathima shared that apart from the housing issues they had prior to securing their one-room rental flat, she also faced difficulties getting employed as her educational qualifications obtained in Sri Lanka could not be recognised here.

To support her son, Mdm Fathima has ventured into taking orders for home-cooked meals since the start of the year. Unfortunately, it has been difficult to pit against the many home-based cooks and trying to secure a consistent number of orders. Nonetheless, Mdm Fathima hopes that she would be able to overcome these obstacles to continue with her business.

“I really feel like I am encountering countless hurdles at every stage in my life. But I want to put my best foot forward for my children.”, Mdm Fathima told the caseworkers. Despite her financial hardships while raising her son without family support, Mdm Fathima counts her blessings, finding respite in little things. She deeply treasures the times when her daughter returns home to visit them.

Ray of Hope is raising $1,800 in hope of supporting Mdm Fathima while she works on her home-based business. Please donate to help the single mum tide over this period while she tries to straighten out her financial situation. 

*Mdm Fathima’s social assistance is ending next month in June.