Equipping for a Better Life and a Brighter Future
Ms So, a student in the Integrated Employment Service Basic Barista Certificate Course, is a carer who primarily looks after her daughter, currently in her final year of secondary school, and her husband, who has a chronic illness. She and her husband used to run a business together, but during the pandemic, her husband had a medical emergency that required major surgery. This situation affected her daughter’s academic performance, causing emotional instability. After her husband’s surgery, Ms So had to shoulder all the financial and family responsibilities alone, putting her under tremendous stress. The business eventually collapsed, leading her to apply for Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) for sustenance and seek short-term food assistance to alleviate financial pressures during the waiting period……
Discovering New Future
Ivy, much like many family carers, dedicated her energy and time to family care since her daughter was born. As her daughter moved on to secondary school, Ivy began to redirect her focus away from her daughter and started to reconsider her own future plans and career path. In the past, she worked in retail, but the long hours made it challenging to balance family life. Having been away from the industry for a while, she felt confused and often asked herself, “What should I do now?” She wanted to contribute financially to ease her family’s economic stress but was uncertain about which career path to pursue……
Relief from Caregiving Stress Elevating the Standard of Living
Mr. and Mrs. Ng, along with their 8-year-old son, live together in Tsuen Wan. Their son has been diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability, autism, and epilepsy, requiring constant attention and care. Mrs. Ng also takes the time to care for her mentally unstable grandmother and works odd jobs to supplement the family's income.