Helpers of Singapore
The Helpers of Singapore blog is designed after the successful “Humans of…” series. On the blog I feature the foreign domestic workers of Singapore showcasing their dreams and ambitions with the rest of the world. By doing so I hope to set in change a behavioural change amongst those employers who mistreat their helpers. If they could see their helpers as equal human beings, instead of servants, I believe quality of life would instantly improve.
I started the blog September 2015.
“If I manage to save enough money, I would love to start my own nail salon”, says Merry (31) ticking with her beautifully manicured nails on the table. She is contemplating to take on an offer to work in one of the fancy nail salons in Singapore, where she is currently living. Merry grew up in Mindanao, Philippines and wanted to become a nurse when she was young. When her mother couldn’t afford to send Merry to university, she started to work as a helper and in a garment factory before moving abroad to serve as a helper in Singapore. She is currently on the brink of taking the next step. Going back to the Philippines and study hotel management is amongst the opportunities she is considering. “I really love to serve people”, she says. “But once I have kids, I’d love to take care of them full-time.”
Name: Merry
Age: 31
Helps: Joost, Barbara, Sam, Yop, Pippa
For more stories, check the full blog here: www.helpersofsingapore.tumblr.com