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| Participants in the founding assembly pose for pictures after the first BHFAA officers were elected |
There was an abundance of both laughter and tears, as about 50 Filipino former clients or residents of Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge gathered on Sunday, Apr 26, at the Polytechnic University to form their first ever “alumni association”.
Many of those who attended gave teary-eyed testimonies about how the shelter helped them get back on their feet during a time of despair, and how they intend to use the newly formed group to give back, and pay forward.
Elected as the
first officers of the newly formed Bethune House Filipino Alumni Association whose charter was approved on the same
day, were: Mylene Mago, chairperson; Nemia Cabradilla, vice-chair; Romella Echevarria,
secretary; Rizala Oyan, treasurer; and Leah Defredo, auditor.
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| PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE |
They took their
oath of office before Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio, who
earlier assured migrant workers of the shelter’s commitment to helping them
speak for justice and ensure they get the respect that they deserve.
Among those who
spoke at the general assembly were victims of last year’s deadly fire in Tai Po,
who were not only sheltered by Bethune House, but were also provided with
much-needed psychological counselling and even material needs.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
One of them, Vame,
spoke emotionally of how the staff and volunteers at Bethune House have
inspired distressed migrant workers like her with their dedication and concern.
Another former
resident, Edith, shared show Bethune House provided her with all the help and
support she needed after being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer. In the seven
months that she was at the shelter, she said she learned about her rights while
being immersed in social activities that enriched her life.
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| Antonio (foreground, in brown) administers the oath to the new officers |
Speaking at the founding meeting, Antonio recalled how the shelter was founded nearly four decades ago, after a pastor offered space at the Kowloon Union Church in Jordan.
Since then, Bethune House has helped thousands of domestic workers in distress, from those facing legal cases to those afflicted with serious ailments and needed a place to stay so they could continue their treatment in Hong Kong.
It has also opened a second shelter in Sheung Wan, which allows it to house up to 40 residents in both facilities at any given time.
Among those cared for by Bethune House were the victims in some of the most horrific cases of domestic workers being abused by their employers, including Indonesians Erwiana Sulisyaningsih and Kartika. Both succeeded eventually in putting their tormentors behind bars, with help from the shelter and its mother organization, the Mission for Migrant Workers.
Antonio urged
members of the newly formed support group to continue spreading Bethune House’s
commitment to helping, and protecting, the rights and welfare of migrant women.
“Let’s reach out
to the next woman in distress,” she urged.
Among those who
joined the general assembly and gave solidarity messages were leaders of
various migrant workers organizations like Unifil-Migrante Hong Kong, Mission
Movers, Gabriela HK, Bayan HK and Macau; as well as The SUN.
Prof. Lydia Catedral of Polytechnic University gave the welcome remarks.
