‘The least I can do is listen’: Mum of 2 on why she wants to help young families

Marina Osman, a 39-year-old employee at DBS Group Operations, volunteers to support young families as a way to help other parents feel less isolated. Growing up, she witnessed her mother caring for her twin sisters, who have cerebral palsy and require assistance with daily activities. Her mother, who served as the sole caregiver, faced immense physical, mental and emotional challenges during that time.

Marina's father was the primary breadwinner, working as an air-ticketing agent and later a taxi driver. The lack of resources and guidance available during the 1980s and 1990s made her mother's journey difficult and lonely. Marina herself struggled with breastfeeding her son in 2017 and found that confiding in others helped her cope with the overwhelming experience of motherhood.

She now volunteers at KidSTART, a non-profit organization that supports families in early childhood development from pregnancy through the age of six. As a volunteer, Marina provides a safe space for parents to share their experiences without judgment, offering them emotional support as they navigate the challenges of raising a child.

KidSTART's Pregnant Mum and Baby Nutrition Programme, launched in September 2025, aims to support 2,250 mothers through their pregnancy and the child's first year. The programme offers workshops on nutrition, mental wellbeing and financial literacy, as well as care packs with essentials like chicken essence, pregnancy pillows and nursing shawls.

Marina finds great satisfaction in being a part of this initiative and understands the importance of having a support system for young families.