While many domestic workers in Hong Kong are content with being able to send money to family back home, and savor little rest and some recreation during their one-day off in a week, a young Indonesian helper apparently thinks this is not enough.
“I am a domestic helper but it doesn’t mean that I don’t have a dream,” Terenia said in a report by EJ Insight quoting an i-Cable news report.
In between her duties at home, Terenia finds time to study. In fact, over the past two years, she has been pursuing English literature through a four-year distance learning program offered by the Open University of Indonesia.
“I just want to break tradition and go beyond my limitations,” she said adding that she does not want to follow the footsteps of her mother who got married at age 19 and was forced to quit school.
Many young domestic helpers from Indonesia and the Philippines, skip higher education as they embark on working abroad.
For Terenia, it is important to be smart, educated and independent.
“I want to go to Harvard or Oxford. I know such a dream may appear too big, but who knows?” she said. “Just keep on dreaming and do what you have to do.”
On a typical weekday, Terenia finishes her duties at 10pm. After taking a shower, she starts doing her school work. Sometimes she goes to bed at 3 a.m., sleeping with her laptop and books still open.
“I will keep on learning.. Maybe, I’ll be lucky and get a scholarship to pursue my formal education.”