A 65-year-old Filipina domestic worker who has served a Hong Kong family for 24 years, was pleasantly surprised when she saw her name mentioned in a note of thanks from her employer.
The Sky Post, a free Chinese-language newspaper, published an article which featured, Estella, the Filipina helper, whose employer Jacqueline was featured on its parenting page.
Estella started working for Jacqueline’s mother-in-law in 1993 and looked after her until her death in 2012. Jacqueline then took over to employ Estella to take care of four children aged between four and 14.
In a report by Asia Times, Jacqueline told the Sky Post she understood that Estella might have limitations in physical fitness at her age, but she had never thought of dismissing her. She said Estella was responsible and honest, and remained careful about things at home.
Instead of asking Estella’s help all the time, Jacqueline taught her children to look after themselves. She said her children had learnt to respect the elderly since living with Estella.
Jacqueline added that employers should trust their maids and support their work.