Filipino Domestic Workers in UAE Take Courses on Days Off to Improve Job Prospects

Marion Beringuel, 44, finished only sixth grade and worked as a domestic helper in the Philippines before taking a housemaid job in Dubai. She enrolled in a Filipino-run, UAE-accredited technical school, attending classes on every day off, and is now an assistant nurse.

Merilyn Sernitchez, 31, a high school graduate who worked as a domestic helper and nanny, is almost finished with a health care assistant course at another Filipino-run, UAE-certified technical school.

She pointed to a contusion she received while saving a child from a swimming pool and said the work of domestic helpers is difficult. Joyce Padilla, 40, also a high school graduate, described scrubbing toilet bowls as normal for domestic helpers and enrolled in a technical school so she would not have to do that work for the rest of her life.

Wena Samblan began working as a caregiver in the Philippines at age 11 and finished only grade school because of financial struggles; she later completed a course to become a nursing assistant.

Begilyn Julie Padilla, 27, a high school graduate from Pangasinan, completed a baking course and is now undergoing on-the-job training as an assistant pastry chef. Michel Alcarion, 27, a former college undergraduate, took a course in accounting management to improve his skills and prepare for better opportunities.

Hope De Vera Oliveros, 33, said enrolling helped her gain knowledge and prepare for better opportunities.

Cherry Lyn Armedilla, 31, a teenage mother, took up a study program to improve her skills and grow within the company. Takahiro Mogi, 33, owns nine restaurants across Dubai and has sent more than 100 employees, mostly Filipinos, to school at the company’s expense for the past two years. He said education should support the individual person and that companies should help create the future.