Under the influence of the epidemic, many local grassroots families have to deal with extra financial burden. Parent-child relationship is also prone to problems as parents generally spend more time to take care of their children who do not need to go to school. Therefore, HKYWCA launched the “Fighting Against COVID-19 with Love” project in May. On top of food and hygiene supplies, it provided vulnerable families “home-based training kits” that facilitated effective parent-child home training.

The Association’s Butterfly Bay Integrated Social Service Centre organised “Play with Kids” programmes to offer interesting and meaningful online activities for children aged between 5 and 8. 

Recently, citizens have been busy maintaining normal life and fighting the epidemic. Spending extra time to take care of the elderly at home can be harsh. The Association’s Y Senior Care hence provides home care services, including stand-in for foreign domestic helpers, home-based support and buying service, for elderly over 60 years old. These services benefit both the elderly and their caretakers.

Stand-in for foreign domestic helpers

It is essential to show great concern for others during the outbreak of coronavirus disease. Many social centers are closed because of the epidemic, disconnecting the retirees with the society. Yet, the public may not understand the emotional needs of this group of elderly. Luckily, Swire Properties has noticed their needs and hence launched "Dial a Lo Yau Gei 2.0" project in cooperation with Ming Yue District Elderly Community Centre.

HKYWCA Women Affairs Department started a programme in February, to collect the anti-epidemic goods from the society and re-distribute the items to underprivileged women and elderly, single-parent families and cleansing workers. We wish to enhance collaboration among community for preventive work.

DSE (Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination), which had been postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak, finally began on April 24. Candidates have to not only deal with the exams but also worry about the shortage of anti-epidemic supplies. Thanks to the donation from different parties, HKYWCA has prepared and distributed “DSE Support Bags” to more than 250 students free of charge through our Centres in Sha Tin and Tseung Kwan O.

Due to the outbreak of COVID-19, disinfection products have become essential, and these consumables bring heavy burden to the underprivileged families. The Association was glad to receive the donation from Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited (“Yip's Chemical”), so that we can provide anti-pandemic supplies for the grassroots and single mothers.

School suspension has been lasted for over 3 months because of the coronavirus. It brings many challenges to students, parents and teachers. After formulating tips for DSE students and their parents earlier, the Association’s School Social Work Service has recently released another “Stay at Home” guide.

For Students: Stay @ Home

(Chinese Version Only)

負責調查的香港中文大學社會工作學系副教授陶兆銘指出，因子女年幼及缺乏社會資源，年青媽媽往往較關注如何履行其母親角色，對充分參與學習和工作感到困難。然而，研究結果顯示，如有足夠社會支持，年青媽媽能在其他生涯發展範疇上積極裝備自己。

「她們既是母親，也是女兒、年青人。年青媽媽在實踐這些人生角色過程中，應和其他青年人一樣，獲得平等機會，有到足夠的發展機會和支持。」他建議政府應提供足夠的社會資源如陪月服務、生涯發展服務等予年青媽媽，為她們提供更多正式和非正式學習及職業培訓，以及改善託兒服務，並為年青媽媽提供特別學習和工作津貼等。

女青研究計劃統籌劉韻鍬則表示，以生涯發展角度介入年青媽媽個案後，能發現她們大部份仍有個人夢想，但社會大眾目光都只會集中審視她們是否能做一個「好母親」，讓她們承受莫大壓力。

A.S. Watson Group has been supporting HKYWCA for a long time. From April 23 to May 22, donation boxes will be placed at all PARKnSHOP supermarkets, INTERNATIONAL, TASTE, FUSION, GOURMET, GREAT, FOOD LE PARC and SU-PA-DE-PA to raise fund for our elderly services. Every penny you donate will bring love and care to the needy.