Concerned about the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the vulnerable, two siblings decided to pitch in.
Ms Nishka Menon, 21, and Ayesha, 17, created hopebound, which collates resources for people affected by the pandemic, including those who have lost their jobs and domestic abuse victims.
“We hope to make people aware of the resources by giving them one platform with all the information they need,” said Nishka.
The pair launched the website at the end of May, along with a free mentorship scheme for the unemployed.
They began scouting for mentors among people they knew personally, creating a list of different industries they hoped to cover.
The project snowballed as those contacts then roped in others in their industries. Now, there are about 40 mentors on board.
Most have about 15 to 20 years of experience in fields such as finance, education, consulting and shipping.
Nishka and Ayesha have already helped to link the mentors with 35 people.
The programme allows people to engage the mentors anonymously, as being jobless can be a sensitive issue for some, said Ayesha.
Mentors help with editing resumes, as well as help with practising for job interviews – services not usually offered for free, said Nishka.
The sisters plan to roll out free counselling next month, in particular for victims of domestic abuse, but with the potential to expand to others who need help.
Three counsellors and psychologists have agreed to help so far, and the siblings are hoping to add two more.
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Source: The Straits Times, 15 June 2020