A Friend's Advice Led Me to a Community That Changed How I See Myself By Jehan Katuwa
My first connection to VODW came through a friend, who told me the organisation could help with my visa. What I did not know, until I arrived, was that VODW offered so much more, IT classes, ESOL, and a whole community I had not expected to find. I started out nervous, unsure of what to expect from any of it.
Looking back after six months to a year in ESOL, IT, Mediacom, and Financial Literacy classes, I admit I had not really thought about whether learning was still possible for me. What I found instead was something unexpected and, in many ways, more valuable than I anticipated, a community where the people around me were deeply supportive of one another. That sense of support shaped my entire experience, reducing my stress and helping me build genuine confidence session by session.
One phrase in particular has stayed with me since my time in class began, we are here to help you, four simple words that clearly carried real weight for someone navigating an unfamiliar system in an unfamiliar country. By the time my sessions came to a close, VODW's classes had helped me see myself as more confident, a transformation I carry proudly, alongside the recognition I received for my efforts. Graduation day brought me a feeling I can only describe as fun, a lighter, joyful note to close out a journey that began in nervous uncertainty.
My thanks to my teachers are warm and appreciative, gratitude for everything they helped me and my classmates achieve. My hope for what comes next is centred on continued self improvement, a natural next step for someone who has already discovered how much she is capable of.
My path into VODW through a conversation about my visa reflects exactly why the organisation's advocacy work matters so much to the people it serves. For many domestic workers like me, the first door into VODW opens because of a legal or immigration need, the fight for the right to renew the ODW visa, the right to change employer without restriction, the right to settlement, or the right to British citizenship. What I found on the other side of that door was not only support with my case, but an entire community invested in my growth, proof that VODW's mission of justice and its mission of education are, in truth, one and the same.
Join Us in Supporting Migrant Domestic Workers Escaping Abuse
Migrant domestic workers who have fled abusive employment urgently need your help. They’ve left behind exploitation and are taking brave steps toward safety—but they need support for basic needs like shelter, food, clothing, and counseling.
"With your donation, we can provide immediate relief and a pathway to rebuilding lives in dignity and safety."
Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us provide essentials, temporary housing, job training, and emotional support. Together, we can offer a lifeline to those starting over.
Donate today to make an impact and be a part of their journey to freedom, recovery, and empowerment.
Comments