The path a mother takes can be full of struggles, but with every hurdle, there is triumph, and the unconditional and enduring love they provide to their families

Kristina (Indonesia)

Communication brings families closer

“My son sometimes tells me, ‘I miss you a lot, please come home,’ but I have to be strong and continue working until I have enough to start my own business back in Indonesia,” says Kristina, a migrant worker and ambassador for PathFinders for the past two years. Even though she and her son have been apart for many years, they have a close relationship, and Kristina even helps him with his homework. She credits the good communication she has with her son to a PathFinders workshop she attended about long-distance parenting techniques.

Maintaining a relationship with anyone from afar is hard, but it is especially challenging for young children and their parents. Children need constant communication and emotional support, and there are ways you can connect with them in a meaningful way, even when far apart. Keeping an open line of communication is important, but scheduling a daily or weekly call at a convenient time allows both sides to prioritise time and keeps things in a regular routine.

Sending letters or cards through the post is also a good way to greet your loved ones on a special occasion. As it is handwritten, it takes more time and will be treasured more than a text message. It could be a nice surprise and provides a creative avenue for communication.

Nowadays, with the help of modern technology, the world is increasingly connected. Sending messages and making phone or video calls is easier and faster than ever. “With smart phones and the internet, it’s so much easier to stay in touch with my family back home,” Kristina shares. “My son tells me he has lots of friends at school, and I am happy that we have a good relationship where he can tell me anything. He told me when he grows up, he wants to be a pilot – though on some days, he wants to be in the army! Whatever he dreams to be, I will be there to support him.”

Rupa (India)

Fighting for migrant rights

She sat on a park bench, pondering her situation; barely able to speak English, lonely with no friends, apart from her son and desperately homesick, and enduring 18-hour days in a 7-person household, with an employer intent on underpaying her. Overwhelmed by sadness, Rupa started to cry.

“Hello, are you okay? Why are you crying?” a lady’s voice asked softly. “Sorry, I just feel so sad,” Rupa replied tearfully, looking up at the person reaching out to her.

The lady and a man introduced themselves as ambassadors for an NGO. They listened to Rupa and advised her on her rights as a migrant worker in Hong Kong. She left the park that day with a whole new outlook – determined to improve her situation, not only for herself, but also for her son back in their home in India.

Rupa was able to file a complaint against her employer with the help of lady who spoke to her in the park. She was able to find a new employer who respected her rights and treated her like family.

Rupa grew up with her mother and three sisters, and even though they were poor, she has a lot of happy childhood memories. “Our mother took care of us on her own since our father passed away when I was 4 years old. She tried her best to raise me and my sisters,” she recalls. Her dream is to save enough to buy a house for her mom and her son, so they no longer need to rent.

That day in the park all those years ago made such an impact on Rupa, she knew she wanted to give back to the community herself when she was able to do so. She found the opportunity through PathFinders, where she now volunteers as one of their ambassadors. “I want to let my fellow migrant domestic workers (MDWs) know about their rights and not to be scared to voice out their concerns,” she shares.