Empowering young mothers: Pre-employment training program

A group of young mothers celebrated a major milestone on 17 June as they completed the YWCA’s “Pre-employment Training and Internship Programme for Event Coordinators,” sponsored by the Zonta Club of The New Territories, Hong Kong.

Held from January to May, the program offered comprehensive training, job readiness support and specialized childcare services, enabling participants to balance parenting responsibilities while reentering the workforce. Graduates will now move on to six-month part-time roles and on-the-job training at the YWCA, gaining hands-on experience in event coordination with flexible schedules that accommodate family needs.

At the graduation ceremony, trainees shared reflections on their personal growth in an emotional and affirming gathering. One graduate, using the pseudonym Ying, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, "I am grateful to YWCA for providing this valuable learning experience, together with the thoughtful childcare services. I used to feel frustrated because of my low educational background. This opportunity allowed me to get involved in event coordination work. The most inspiring part was to learn shooting videos from scratch, which made me realize that I am quite creative. Throughout the process, I also discovered my own capabilities to balance work while taking care of my 9-month-old baby. I can be a mother without losing my own identity."

The initiative highlights the transformative power of targeted support programs, offering young mothers a second chance to pursue meaningful careers and regain a sense of independence and self-worth.