#WeAreMigrants Feature: Aimee A. in the United Kingdom
"I encourage our migrant [workers] to be wise in life in making decision, working abroad has always been sacrifice. Every day we are in a battlefield to provide for the needs for our family in Philippines." - Aimee A.
Aimee A.
United Kingdom
Nanny, new job
1. WHAT’S THE MAIN REASON THAT YOU BECAME A MIGRANT OR MIGRANT WORKER?
The main reason why I'm working abroad is to give abetter future for my family. Looking back when I was still in the Philippines, working my salary is not enough to sustain the needed of my family. It's [too] difficult for us to support their education, to pay the utility bills. [There were] also times we couldn't eat for a day's my salary is [too] small. There [were] also instances that we borrow in sari- sari store just to make a meal for aday.
I was a voluntary health worker, and my salary is not enough to pay for our rent, we also experience being kicked out because we couldn't pay on time and our balance is [getting]. bigger. [These] are the reason why I choose to be a migrant worker.
2. WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMENT AS A MIGRANT THIS 2021?
Im proudest to my self [because] since I join the financial class in VODW, I learned a lot. One of these [ is how to] manage my money or salary efficiently. Since I join last June, I can proudly share that I was able to finally acquire in-house property and have insurance. Also my eldest daughter was able to works a Financial Analyst at Cardinal Santos Medical center, my second daughter is now in her third year college, and my youngest son. is in grade 10. As migrant worker, I was able to support their education needs which is just a dream back then.
3. WHAT IS YOUR MESSAGE OF ENCOURAGEMENT OR EMPOWERMENT FOR MIGRANTS AROUND THE WORLD?
I encourage our migrant [workers] to be wise in life in making decision, working abroad has always been sacrifice. Every day we are in a battlefield to provide for the needs for our family in Philippines. We should learned to manage our finances wisely, we shouldn't [take] advantage of the opportunities we have now, no matter how is small or big your income. You have to save so when the times comes you may use it, [especially] in the time of emergency.
4. WHO IS SOMEONE IN YOUR MIGRANT COMMUNITY WHO HAS SUPPORTED OR INSPIRED YOU THIS YEAR?
For me, Mrs. MARISSA Begonia inspired me. She is the Founder of the Voice of Domestic Workers and she is a migrant domestic worker. Despite her past struggles, she was able to rise up again, [she has] the power to inspire other migrant workers. She is my inspiration to always fight and hope and be brave for my Loved ones.
This feature is one of the entries to our #WeAreMigrants Contest - in celebration of International Migrants Day 2021.
Are you a domestic worker too?
Join our TeamTAYO Filipino Domestic Workers Group on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/teamtayo.fildw
*Minor edits have been made to this text to improve readability. These edits have not altered the intended meaning or message, and have been marked by square brackets - [ ].