Our Interns and Volunteers Stories

Agnes Tan

Agnes Tan, an NTU student, shared her internship experience with HIA to provide holistic care to the migrant domestic workers in Singapore through ADEO, a movement of HIA. She shared that it was a humbling experience to see other migrant domestic workers stepping forward during the events to volunteer and spend their precious Sunday afternoon caring for the other migrant domestic sisters in their midst. Click here to read her full story.

Chloe Chong Yi Ting

I think the event was very meaningful and I am grateful to have this opportunity to help out. It helped me to understand the domestic workers better and encourage me to help out more. I interacted with some of the domestic workers and all of them were really warm and friendly! I hope that they will continue to receive the support they deserved.

Christy Chen Yi Jen

My experience volunteering with bible house was a pleasant one. We helped the organisation (ADEO) in the preparation and distribution of 300 flowers to the ladies gathered at Fort Canning. It was a joy being able to see the smile on all their faces. We ended off the session with a post conversation engagement and everyone was enjoying themselves. 10/10!!

Claire Neo Yu Qing

I felt very inspired and touched that the ADEO offered such an event for the domestic workers, to give them recognition for their hard work in maintaining houses behind the scenes. It was very heartwarming to see the domestic workers’ faces light up upon receiving the flowers. This inspires me to give more concern to my own domestic worker at home and also will try to encourage her to attend such events that I didn’t know existed in the past.

Cleon Liew

Having volunteered to pack and distribute flowers for an ADEO event, I found the experience to be deeply meaningful. Seeing the smiles and gratitude on the faces of the recipients made me realize the impact that small acts of kindness can have on individuals, and it was fulfilling to be a part of that.

Hagios

My experience with our youth group interacting with domestic workers was truly and eye-opening and fulfilling one. Playing captain's ball together was not just about the game but about building connections and understanding. Hearing their stories and experiences added a deeper layer of empathy and perspective. It was heartwarming to see how something as simple as playing games could bridge gaps and create meaningful bonds. Overall, it was a joyous experience filled with laughter, learning, and genuine connections that I will cherish forever.

Javelin

Thank God for this opportunity to get to know the migrant domestic workers more. I was initially afraid that they would be quite shy and not involved when playing the game but they were actually very active and sociable. Most of them might feel like they are alone; coming to another country to work so I hope that they know there are support groups out there caring for them. May God strengthen and guide these individuals when work gets too stressful and overwhelming. I pray for more events like these to meet other cheerful and friendly migrant domestic workers!

Junkai

The experience working with ADEO to bring some fun and games to our domestic helpers was truly an unforgettable one. I am glad to have the opportunity to spend my afternoon with them as I know these little acts mean a lot more to them. And I am truly thankful for their hard work daily and I hope that the few hours together will let them know that we appreciate them too.

Lim Hui Jen

I found this volunteer experience quite fulfilling because all my previous VIA (Values-In-Action) experiences were mainly with the elderly. Getting to interact with the foreign domestic workers was interesting and hearing some of them made me realised that some domestic workers are really just not appreciated enough. I learnt that some employers decided to have another child just because they had a domestic helper that could help them with daily chores and taking care of children, which was something I did not think about before. Overall, it was generally a fun experience and I would still join these type of VIA if I have the time.

Matthew

Our sports day with the MDWs showed me firsthand how our helpers need community too, and can build it and thrive in it if given the chance. When they shared about their workplaces experiences, it was clear that they're women with professions like any other, each with their own aspirations, struggles, and ideas.

Nicole Yau Zhi Qi

It was truly empowering interacting with these women who made the tough decision of leaving their families to care for a stranger’s. From it I’ve learnt that there are more trials and tribulations these domestic workers experience than we think. Above that, I feel that witnessing these women realise their worth and understanding the importance of the role they play in the lives of some families is deeply heartening. It was reassuring knowing that ADEO gave these invisible heroes a platform to learn, speak up and share common experiences.

Regine Koh Wei Shan

This is my 2nd time volunteering with ADEO, and as usual, I felt so happy when interacting with the MDWs. They are very friendly towards us and are very appreciative of the things that we do for them. Though I have to travel a distance to volunteer for ADEO on Sundays, seeing them enjoy their time make me feel that's worth it to come down to help out.

Teo Wen Bin

It was a very enriching experience at ADEO event. I was able to learn more about the plight of foreign domestic workers despite not having a foreign domestic worker at home and this has broadened my perspective on them. They can be role models for us and have many experiences to share with us, for instance how much they had to sacrifice to come over to Singapore to work, so it is something I really admire about them. In addition, I was also able to interact with other volunteers who are of an older age group and they were able to share further insights into university life and that will help me make a better decision when I choose my course of work.

Tevia Choo

On the 19th of February 2023, I had the privilege of participating in a volunteer event with SowCare and ADEO alongside my fellowship. We spent the day preparing heartfelt appreciation gifts for Migrant Domestic Workers (MDWs) and attending a gathering with them at the Bible House. Working with SowCare was an absolute pleasure, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to join in their mission of showing appreciation and support for MDWs in Singapore.

During the event, we had the opportunity to interact with the MDWs and gain insight into their experiences as women living and working in Singapore. This experience was truly eye-opening and allowed me to appreciate their strength and generosity in caring for their households while missing their loved ones back home. It was a humbling reminder to be more giving and loving towards those around me.

Overall, I believe that my fellowship and I had an amazing time at the event, and we are grateful to SowCare and their partners for their tireless efforts in showing appreciation and love towards the MDWs in our community. The regular gatherings held by SowCare and ADEO serve as a powerful reminder of the important role that MDWs play in our society and the importance of showing them gratitude and support.

Wong Hwan Ching

My favourite part of the whole event was speaking to the people at the field and passing them the flowers. We went up to the large groups, holding bunches of flowers which made them very interested yet confused. It was a pretty successful outreach effort, and they were open to listening when we assured them it was free ;D Although there was some issues with language barriers at times, it was fun trying to converse with them and sit down with them for a bit (and making them smile and take photos with the flowers!)

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If You Have Any Questions, Please Feel Free To Message Us.

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THE SOWER HUB #07-10, 101 EUNOS AVE 3 SINGAPORE 409835

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+65 6304 3482

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adeo@hia.sg