What happened to Nor? 

Last year, Nor sought help when she could not make ends meet as a delivery walker while caring for her son who struggles behaviourally. As he stabilizes with support, Nor wants to seek career prospects that would give them financial independence.  

Nor attended Generation Singapore’s patient service care course to enable a career in the healthcare sector. After graduating in September 2023, she learned that her employment efforts were unsuccessful at multiple hospitals due to the visible tattoos on her hands. 

How can you help? 

Give Nor a better chance of securing employment by giving towards her tattoo removal procedure ($838). Additional support of $700 a month, over the next 3 months would allow the young mother some breathing space as she continues to seek employment.

Find out more about Nor’s journey

Nor is no stranger to tumultuous times. Abandoned by her birth parents, the 30-year-old single mother was abused by her foster father as a young child, and spent the remainder of her growing up years in a welfare home from the age of 6. From the age of 18, Nor was on her own. 

Nor realised that she was pregnant just after breaking up with her abusive boyfriend at the age of 19.  She decided against both abortion and reconciling with her ex, wanting to protect the baby from getting hurt the same way she did. 

With the help of Social Workers, she put in multiple appeals at Meet-the-People sessions and with HDB. Her efforts paid off when she was granted a one-room flat; giving Nor and her son stable housing for the first time in their lives.

Having been on social assistance for some years due to her son’s behaviour challenges, Nor is ready to build towards financial independence this year. She jumped at the chance to attend Generation Singapore’s patient service care course spanning 7 weeks, excited by the prospect of a career where she could make a living while helping others.

Ready for a change

While Nor wanted to apply for positions immediately in September 2023, the plan fell through because her son had an episode of seizure and required her care. When she started seeking out employment opportunities upon his recovery, she faced multiple rejections due to the visibility of her tattoos. With bills and arrears piling up, Nor became increasingly distressed and was diagnosed with depression and anxiety.

Nonetheless, the gritty young mother shares that she will never give up. Despite the challenges they have weathered, she declares that she never regretted having her son and that he is her pride and joy.

“I want him to have a better life than mine, to have a happy childhood and a brighter future.”

She believes that a fresh start in the healthcare sector brings this hope within reach, and determines to do whatever it takes to increase her chances of success. 

At present, she seeks to remove the visible tattoo on her hand before applying for another healthcare position. Until then, she will fall back to ad-hoc jobs to tide herself through, while re-applying for social assistance. Your financial help will greatly ease her burden while she puts her plans into action.