Mdm Maryam is a single mum to three children, 15, 13, and 6. It took Mdm Maryam a lot of courage and determination to be here. The 37-year-old Bangladeshi was married to her husband who turned out to be abusive throughout their marriage. Her husband was also a compulsive gambler who took loans from both licensed and unlicensed moneylenders.

For many years, Mdm Maryam suffered alleged abuse by her husband in silence out of fear that he would bring harm to their children. Although the resilient mum, who holds a Permanent Resident (PR) status, now lives apart from her estranged husband, she is reluctant to file for a divorce as she is afraid of losing their purchased flat. Her husband has stopped providing for the family.

Mdm Maryam is now struggling with the education arrears for her two older children with her income of $1,300 as a warehouse assistant. Her children do not qualify for most government assistance due to their PR status. Mdm Maryam is also providing for her 6-year-old son back home.

Despite her financial hardship, Mdm Maryam hopes that her children can continue schooling while she works on building her home-based baking business.  She also hides her sorrows and troubles away from her children as she wants them to grow up in a happy and safe environment.

Ray of Hope hopes to raise $4,000 for the education arrears of Mdm Maryam’s two older children so that they can continue schooling, while she straightens her finances. Fees will be paid to the schools directly.

*Mdm Maryam is not receiving social assistance due to her PR status.