Back on our feet: Nora and a teenage son and a daughter in primary school in San Jose

After a long illness in April, I'm now raising a teenage son and a daughter in primary school on my own. I work as a driver, but my income doesn't cover rent, childcare and groceries. I'm retraining as a pharmacy technician in the evenings, which will triple my income by June, but I need to bridge the gap until then. Some weeks I skip meals so my children can eat. I have never asked anyone for help like this before, and I'm doing it for them. Once I finish my course, I'll pay it forward. Money goes toward rent, groceries, after-school care and the cost of my course. I'll give a monthly update with receipts. Where the $4,850 goes: • Rent top-up: $1,900 • Childcare and after-school care: $1,550 • Groceries and school meals: $720 • Course fees and exam costs: $680 I never thought I'd be the one asking, and I'm grateful for every bit of support.