Leizle’s Story:
I am from the Philippines, single, and 45 years old. I am the breadwinner of my family as I have always wanted to support my mother, who raised seven children on her own. Even when I was young, I helped her run our small food stall. When I finished high school, I dreamed of going to college, but I knew I needed to study without adding to her burden, especially as the eldest of seven.
Through determination, I managed to work while studying, and I completed a two-year course on my own. After graduating, I worked as a secretary in a cosmetics company, but the salary was too low to truly help my family.
It was then that I decided to come to Singapore as a domestic worker. Unfortunately, the first six months of my salary had to go to the agency. It was a huge loss for me, and I still hope that one day, foreign domestic workers will not have to pay so much just to work here.
I believe that health education is very important because it allows us to take action early. As domestic helpers, we work hard six days a week. We are physically tired, mentally exhausted, and far from our families. Because of these reasons, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves. Joining HOME as a volunteer allows me to advocate for better health awareness amongst foreign domestic workers.
A few years ago, HOME collaborated with the Health Promotion Board and Action for AIDS, and I volunteered for that programme. We conducted workshops on HIV and AIDS for domestic helpers, teaching them how to protect themselves from diseases they might be exposed to through their partners.
Recently, I have also been involved in the HealthServe programme, which provides affordable health services such as pap smears, health screenings, and blood pressure checks. I also help educate migrant workers about menopausal syndrome through workshops that explain symptoms like brain fog, perimenopause, and hot flashes.
Being able to serve others has given me purpose and strength. Through volunteering, I not only help others, but I also learn, heal, and grow.