MAKING THE DECISION to live and work in a foreign land is one of the biggest decisions you are ever likely to make. Leaving behind the life that you’ve known and stepping into a brave new world can be full of hope and expectation – an opportunity to build a better life and provide for your loved ones.

However, for the uninitiated, things can soon unravel without proper planning, as the realities of higher living costs, increased family pressures and the burden of debt quickly take hold. 

Founded in 2007, Enrich was established to address these challenges, with a vision of improving the lives of migrant domestic workers (MDWs) in Hong Kong through financial education and empowerment. Starting from humble beginnings – their first workshops took place in coffee shops and living rooms – Enrich has since grown to become one of the city’s leading NGOs, with over 30,000 participants attending its ever-growing list of programmes over the past 15 years.

Enrich offers a progressive, dual-language (English and Bahasa Indonesia) course structure, with its foundation workshop Money Wise Migrants providing an introduction to the core concepts of personal finance, such repaying debts, budgeting and tracking expenses, and setting yourself goals. 

More advanced workshops are designed to instill a long-term mindset of good money management, with topics such as Growing My Money looking at how to invest and grow your savings, and Setting Up My Business offering advice on preparing for your future back in your home country.

The benefits of the workshops are clear – surveys show that over 90% of participants are better equipped to manage their finances after attending the courses. Those completing the full programme receive a graduation certificate, with many going on to become Enrich Ambassadors, assisting with outreach and empowering others to take back control of their lives through financial education.

For those in a critical situation – such as unsustainable levels of debt – confidential financial counselling is available, offering impartial advice, free of judgement, to help you understand your options and find a path forward.

Dealing with debt can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that help is at hand – and it’s never too late to seek it.

Meet some of the Enrich Ambassadors

Ruby Claire Andam: "Enrich workshops have helped me to understand all of my options, increasing my confidence to make financial decisions, such as choosing a mortgage lender and saving towards my goals.

Financial education boosts my chances of achieving those goals; I have a better understanding of what it takes to realise them and make my financial dreams a reality. As of now, I have purchased two tricycles for income and built my dream house. I am always grateful to Enrich!"

Alyn Mediana: "We may not be rich in money, but if we are equipped and rich in knowledge, we can achieve a brighter future, not only for ourselves but for our families"

Suyatmi: "I learnt about Enrich through the Indonesian Consulate, where I joined one of their workshops on the topic of Money Wise Migrants. After the event, I found myself wanting to know more; I ended up joining all their other workshops, including Growing my Money and Speak Up, and still enjoy attending their sessions through to today.

Learning at Enrich is very beneficial for me; Unlike before, I’m now able to manage my money, have good relations with my family and plan for my future. I am very thankful."

Yani Tarnu Waras: "I first met Enrich Ambassadors during their Outreach in Victoria Park. I was interested in learning how to manage my money wisely, because my life was a mess at the time due to debt. I remember the trainer telling us to pay our debts first, before anything else. 

The workshops proved very helpful; I’m now able to save money, my relationship with my family and my employer has improved, and most importantly, I am DEBT FREE. I am very happy now and I never want to be in a debt situation again."