#WeAreMigrants Feature: Aimee Angeles

Aimee Angeles

London, United Kingdom

1. How many years since you migrated, or since you became a migrant worker? What do you remember most about that first migration experience?

[I've been] working abroad for 10 years since 2012.

The most I remember about the first time I worked abroad in Pakistan, [where the family I worked for], they treat me not [as] a human being. I looked after 3 children as nanny housekeeping, 24/7 work. No day off. I never forget [when my employer,] she bring me in other country [and] treat me like animal. I [ate the] left over food of my employer to save my stomach [from being] empty before i sleep.

2. The migrant workers in our TAYO community are people of strength and generosity. Tell us about a time this 2022 where you saw strength or generosity in yourself or in a fellow migrant worker.

I'm very strong because I want to protect and love myself.

And I'm very generous to my fellow domestic workers. I remember a fellow domestic worker needed a place to stay. But she didn't have work at that time. I was the one who helped and offered her to share in my room, even though my room is too small for us. I was really happy to help her.

3. Our TAYO community believes in the multiple talents and skills of our members. Tell us about talent or skill that you have, that you’d like others to know more about.

I have a talent in cooking. I like to cook very much 😋

4. For the family members and loved ones that are still in your home country, what is your message for them as we end 2022 and start the new year 2023?

For my relatives and bro and sister: Be wise to spend money because working abroad is not easy

For my family: Thanks a lot. You are very supportive and not magastos. Kaya na build natin ang house within 6 months. And to my eldest, please forgive me if I'm not with you because I'm busy to my work to our family house. I hope na mapatwad mo ako kung ano man ang pagkukulang ko sa inyo. LOVE U MGA ANK. Merry Xmass.

This feature is one of the entries to our #WeAreMigrants Contest - in celebration of International Migrants Day 2022.

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*Minor edits have been made to this text to improve readability. These edits have not altered the intended meaning or message of the original author.