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Saturday, March 14, 2009,9:17 AM

Straits Times E-Forum Reflection Week 6

Article: "Help for single mums in downturn" - 'Main' Section (Pg A4-5)

Q1:
What project was launched to help single mums? Briefly explain what is this project about.
Answer: The project, called WeCare for U - U forms the logo of the National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) and is meant to represent every worker - was launched by labour chief Lim Swee Say on 8 March, to mark International Women's Day. This project focus on single mothers, who are likely to face a tough time in the current downturn, to get help finding a job. It makes them also able to join support groups that arrange activities for them and their children in these trying times. It aims to reached out to divorcees, widows and other single mothers who not only have a tougher time juggling work and family, but find it hard to get help.
Apart from helping those out of work to find jobs, NTUC's Women's Development Secretariat (WDS) will encourage those who cannot go out to work to make use of other skills, such as baking or sewing, so as to help themselves to earn an income. Furthermore, the WDS is working with the Law Society of Singapore to produce a comprehensive guidebook so that single mothers know how and where to find legal help. The booklet will also include material on custody, care and maintenance of children; where to seek help for family violence, and the telephone numbers of various support organisations.
Lastly, there are also other programmes being planned, in the consultation with single mothers, by the labour movement, such as the educational outings during the school holidays, weekly reading programme for children, and talks on parenting, legal issues and financial matters.

Q2:
Imagine you come across a single mum who is unemployed, what are some advice you can give her? Who can she turn to?
Answer: Being a single mother is not easy. They have to endure a lot of hardship and take up the responsibility for both father and mother. They are the only sole breadwinner. It is not an easy task as they have to juggle work and family.Thus, if they are not employed, it is even more difficult for them to raise a child by themselves.
If I happened to come across a single mum who is unemployed, I do not really know what to do or what to advise her. There is surely an age gap between us, so it is difficult for us to communicate and also wierd to do that. But, I would encourage her and tell her that she is not alone, left in the lurch. Making sure that she knows that she is important, can make her less likely to give up.
However, if she really cannot cope with the stress she is having, I would probably encourage her to seek help from support groups, where she can voice out her own opinions instead of keeping them to heart, or turn to this project where help is offered. She can also turn to her family and have a good chat with them, because they are the closest kin to her. They will understand her better than anyone else does. I will always remind her to stay strong because help is always available.

- DONE -

Labels: ST reflection week 6