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| Russell Webb with Baby Jazlin and her mother, who were helped by PathFinders |
Hong Kong professional
rugby player Russell Webb, who has become PathFinders’ first Child Ambassador,
cites his special relationship with his two “aunties,” or migrant domestic
workers who helped rear him, as one of the reasons he wants to give back to the
community.
Webb was appointed Child
Ambassador earlier this year to help awareness for PathFinders’ work for the
migrant worker communities.
"It's still a bit
surreal when I get invited to give back as a Child Ambassador," said Webb. "As cliche as it sounds, I was once
one of these 'kids'. I understand the importance of a role model, to have
someone to look up to. If I can positively impact one child, I'll be very
happy."
"The MDW community
is special to me. I have a unique relationship with Blandy and Charit, who are
motherly and sisterly figures moulded into one. Growing up, I went to them for
advice. They took me to training, cooked for me, helped me with homework and
school projects. I owe a lot of my upbringing - and sporting success - to them.
They taught me work ethics and respect," said Russell.
PathFinders' chief
executive officer Catherine Gurtin said of Webb’s appointment, "Russell is
a superstar on and off the pitch. He is a key member of the HK7s rugby squad
who took gold at the recent 2023 Asian Games. Off the pitch, Russell’s
extensive experience working with children and young people to encourage them
to shine and reach their full potential made him the perfect choice to be our
first Child Ambassador.”
"Children sit at
the heart of everything we do at PathFinders. All children matter, including
the children born to migrant mothers in HK. No child should be without an
identity, food, shelter, access to education and healthcare," said Gurtin.
“As we celebrate our
15th anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to the protection and respect of
children born to migrant mothers in Hong Kong."
In a recent visit to PathFinders, Russell took the opportunity to meet and speak with some of the
migrant mothers and children the group
serves, to better understand the challenges they encountered and how PathFinders
has supported them.
Among the children who
recently got help from PathFinders was Baby Jazleen who stayed at their shelter
while her mother processed all the papers she needed to be able to fly back to
the Philippines. Both mom and baby have recently flown home.
Another was Baby Hamizan
whose mother, a recognizance paper holder, was provided health care as this was
not available to someone with her visa status. Both mother and child are now staying
at PathFinders’ shelter, and should be on their way home soon.
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| Webb and Baby Hamizan |
"To be able to see
firsthand the impact of what PathFinders does was eye-opening and
heartfelt," said Russell. "These women are so strong and brave. It's
such a difficult time for them. They feel so alone, as the fathers are usually
nowhere to be seen. Some of them have also lost their jobs and even became
homeless as they have either been fired or asked to leave. The babies are just
adorable. Why shouldn't these babies get the opportunities and fair starts in
life?"
Since 2008, PathFinders
has helped over 10,500 mothers and children find a path to a brighter future.
To find out more about PathFinders visit www.pathfinders.org.hk.
