For young single mothers entering the workforce, gaining practical skills is only one part of the challenge. Access to childcare, transportation, identification documents and other forms of support can also determine whether training leads to a realistic employment opportunity.
This is the challenge addressed by MoveNow: Empowering Young Single Moms, Shaping Futures, a two-year initiative by Allianz PNB Life and non-profit organisation Bahay Tuluyan. The programme will support 30 single mothers aged 15 to 22 through vocational training, financial literacy education and work experience.
The initiative is designed to help participants develop the skills and resources needed to pursue employment and make more informed financial decisions.
Building skills and work experience
The programme combines vocational and financial literacy training with three months of on-the-job experience. Participants will gain exposure to food and beverage services, front desk operations and housekeeping.
For Maria, one of the programme participants, the training has introduced her to tasks she had not previously imagined herself doing. Starting with milk tea preparation, she went on to learn how to make iced coffee and take on laundry and housekeeping responsibilities.
The experience has encouraged her to consider several possible next steps, including returning to school, seeking work abroad or eventually starting a business.
Jen, another participant, hopes to secure stable employment in the hospitality industry. She wants to provide for her children, including one who needs additional developmental support. With limited work experience, the opportunity to learn and prepare for the workplace gives her a starting point.
Their experiences illustrate why livelihood programmes for young mothers need to connect training with the circumstances that shape their ability to work.
Addressing barriers beyond employment
MoveNow recognises that completing a training programme does not automatically remove the practical obstacles that can prevent someone from taking up a job.
Participants will receive assistance with government identification and bank accounts, as well as meals, transportation, childcare and accommodation. The programme also includes job-application coaching, mock interviews and workplace-readiness sessions.
Support extends to other aspects of family and personal well-being. Participants will have access to case management from a registered social worker, family-planning and reproductive-health services, safety referrals and parenting workshops.
These services are intended to address needs that can affect a young mother's ability to participate in training and prepare for employment. They also acknowledge that building a livelihood while caring for children involves more than securing a job.
Extending support through MaPanatag
MoveNow builds on MaPanatag, Allianz PNB Life's socially inclusive proposition for single mothers. The initiative extends the company's support beyond financial protection and wellness benefits to include practical skills development and livelihood opportunities.
Allianz PNB Life describes MaPanatag as an initiative combining life and health protection, wellness benefits and opportunities for financial independence. Its MoveNow partnership with Bahay Tuluyan adds a focus on employability preparation for a younger group of mothers.
“This is not simply about helping young single mothers find a job. It is about equipping them with the knowledge and skills to become gainfully employed, make informed financial decisions, and build a more sustainable future for themselves and their children,” said Zanne Magararu, Chief Marketing Officer of Allianz PNB Life.
Catherine Scerri, Executive Director of Bahay Tuluyan, said young mothers often have potential but lack access to the support and opportunities that can help them develop it.
The partnership reflects a broader approach to livelihood support: preparing participants for work while addressing some of the financial, family and practical barriers that may stand in the way.
Measuring progress one step at a time
A more secure future will look different for every participant. It may begin with completing a vocational course, securing the documents needed to apply for work or learning how to manage a bank account. For another, progress may mean gaining the confidence to attend a job interview or considering further education.
MoveNow's two-year structure brings together these smaller steps through training, work exposure and support services. Its longer-term value will depend not only on the skills participants acquire, but also on whether those skills help them access sustainable opportunities after the programme.
For young mothers balancing work aspirations with family responsibilities, the chance to build experience and widen their choices can be an important starting point.
Through its partnership with Bahay Tuluyan, Allianz PNB Life is positioning MoveNow as an extension of its commitment to helping families prepare for uncertainty and work towards greater stability.
Editor’s note: “Maria” and “Jen” are pseudonyms. Their stories have been anonymised and shared with their consent. Both are current programme participants.