Hong Kong’s domestic helpers work quietly behind the scenes to keep many families’ homes running smoothly: they clean the house, cook meals and take care of the kids, grandparents and pets.
But many forget that these workers, in search of better economic opportunities, must sacrifice being with their own families. They often spend more time with their employers’ children than their employers do themselves, all while their own children are in the care of family members back home. If they’re lucky, they get to see them a couple times a year.
If you’re a domestic worker who’s left their family to work abroad, we want to hear your stories – whether it’s in the form of an article, an essay, a poem, or a song.
Coconuts and HelperChoice are proud to announce the “Be a Journalist” contest, with the winning entries having their pieces published by Coconuts Media.
HelperChoice is a Hong Kong social impact start-up “empowering foreign domestic workers to find a job without ending up in spiralling debt cycle”. Through their platform, domestic workers can view ads free of charge, as well as message potential employers directly.
“Last year we organised the ‘Be a Journalist’ contest and it was a success with over 80 submissions,” said Laurence Fauchon, the co-founder of Helper Choice.
“Reading about the hardship of workers leaving their children behind, the difficulty of communicating with employers, and hopes for a better future, gave me goosebumps and made me realise how privileged I am.”
Last year’s winner Jing Jing (L) with her daughter (R) and the daughter of HelperChoice co-founder Laurence Fauchon. Jing Jing’s family came to visit Hong Kong last August.
Last year’s winner, Jing Jing, hopes more domestic workers will explore their creative sides through the competition:
“I felt so proud when I won because it makes me realise that I am a better person and can be a better person. We helpers are not ‘only’ helpers, we are cooks, cleaners, tutors, substitute parents and do many more things to serve our employers. But I realise that by doing this for the employer, sometimes we forget that we are also a mother of our own child. With the contest I can share my knowledge and experience and want to encourage my fellow helpers to discover their own talents.”
Send your entries to contest@helperchoice.com or message the HelperChoice Facebook page from now until April 5.
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