Hope Place saving grace for sick mum with seven kids
KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching is supporting a mother who suffers from Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and has to take care of seven children aged from eight months to 17 years old.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) is providing basic food aid, baby formula for the eight-month old, and school supplies for the school-going children to help lighten the burden of the mother, aged 37 and identified only as ‘Zu’.
“Zu used to work as a cleaner, and make and sell ‘kuih’ (local cakes) from home. Sadly in 2021, she was diagnosed with MDD and received treatment at Sentosa Hospital.
“Now, Zu still takes medication and goes for counselling from time to time,” said Hope Place in a statement.
It is learnt that Zu’s husband is working in Peninsular Malaysia.
“He le Kuching two years ago. Although seldom being in contact with his family, he does send money from time to time,” said Hope Place, adding that Zu’s five school-going children are doing very well in their studies.
It is stated that Zu receives RM350 in monthly aid from the Welfare Department, but this barely covers her household expenses.
“With her husband’s inconsistent financial help, Zu finds herself being always short financially; moreover her monthly rent alone already costs RM350, and she struggles to fend for her family of eight,” said Hope Place.
The NGO said Zu was, however, grateful for her children.
“All her children are well behaved, and we could see that they are all very protective of their mother.
“Zu is also glad that her sister helps her frequently, including sending her children to school,” said the NGO, adding that Zu is currently unable to work as she needs to take care of her eightmonth old baby.
“She, however, has told us that she wishes to resume her ‘kuih’making when her baby is older, and her eldest child completes Form 5,” said Hope Place.