A Mother's Story in the Midst of Pandemic

Blessa is part of the Philippines Microfinance program and is one among many others gravely affected in the Philippines by the current pandemic.

Blessa is part of the Philippines Microfinance program and is one among many others gravely affected in the Philippines by the current pandemic.
Pengmotso entered the My First Job Assistant Chef Program in 2019. She shares her story and her recent achievements with us.
Yam Rana was married 13 years ago and has a daughter and a son. She and her husband struggled to provide for their family which meant they could not send their children to school. She heard about the My Business My Freedom Program and attended an orientation session. This was an opportunity she knew would help her to grow an income and be able to give her children an education.
The sad reality is that the uncertainty brought about by this pandemic has caused panic and anxiety. Most of these rural and urban poor families from the Philippines rely on daily income/wages to get by, and stocking up on even just a week's supply of basic necessities is nearly impossible.
In 2016, Yangtsokyid dropped out of school and helped her family by working at a clothing shop. She also did labor work at the construction site where her father works. But they weren't earning enough to provide for the family and her sick mother. She entered our Vocational School Scholarship Program in August 2019 where she studies Tibetan Medicine. She enjoys her experience and is doing well in her academics.
Mei, a diligent single mother, is busy working at home and in the fields everyday in order to support her daughter in school. Her daughter is in her first year of high school. Her main source of income is through farming, but the wheat, rapeseed and potatoes she grows are only enough for their own consumption. "I was extremely happy and grateful when I received two piglets 8 months ago."
When women are equipped with employable / income-generating skills, we not only give them a chance to make a living for themselves and their families; we also help build their confidence in themselves and in what they are capable of. The My First Job Assistant Chef program is bringing skills and opportunities to young women.
I have never been to school and could only find work here and there as a waitress but because of my poor health, I can’t work long hours. I am a single mother with two sons.